Anyone know a website that has a diagram or pics of ground mounted solar panels?

[Timmy]

My wife and I would like to add solar heating to our IG 30k gallon pool. The filter and pool are approximately 50-60 feet away from the house, so I cannot put the panels on the roof of the house. We have a large shed, but that is about 75 feet from the pool and under trees.

It appears my only option would be ground mounted panels. We live on an acre of property, and I have a very large, flat open area in the backyard next to the filter.

Does anyone know of a website or have pics of some ground installs? I am trying to get some ideas of how to construct them and also how to partially buffer them so they do not stick out like a sore thumb.

Thanks

[matt4x4]

Mine are ground mounted, we live on 5 acres, same space availability as you - besides, it makes for less grass to cut if you put them on the ground.
I extended the border edge around my pool to encompass the panels and cut to size/laid down the black tarp that came with my pool (called a winter cover) as weed control. Filled around the panels with round 3/4" stone - actually still working on finishing all that off, but it looks good.
I used these orange stakes about 18" long - available at HD for about 5 bucks, but you can really save $$ here since the exact one is available at dollar stores too (where I got mine)., used poly rope woven through where the strap kit goes from stake to stake and have not had an issue with movement after 2 years.
My dog is the biggest problem, so far, he's managed to poke the panels twice by running across them, I'm thinking of running my invisible fence around the pool to keep him off them....
I don't have any great pics showing the finished product, these may give you an idea...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/matt4x4/100_2894.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/matt4x4/100_2895.jpg

[mshumack]

I don't know if pictures are on this site - but it's a great site to read about solar panel installation.
www.powermat.com
Good Luck

[CallMeIshmael]

Powermat does have great photos of mounting options, such as this one
http://powermat.com/rack50.jpg

It might also help that the solar manufacturers include diagrams for building racks for their models. I don't have those links saved, but they're generally available on the companies' websites under FAQ's or Installation Guides. (fafco, sunbear, sungrabber, etc). Good luck!

[Timmy]

Thanks all. I will check out some of the companies websites.

I live in NJ, so we do get some nasty winters (except for this past winter). I suppose the panels could be stored in my shed to help protect them from the snow and ice.

[roxy]

Here are a few pic's of mine....344

345

[Timmy]

Thanks Roxy. That is a clean setup. I like it!

[roxy]

Very simple too....three sheets of pressure treated plywood, and a handful of two by fours. When I get around to it I would like to add some wheels to it, I lose a little sun in the morning and a little in the afternoon because of my shed. The wheels would allow me to move it back and forth the few feet I need to maximize my exposure.

[NWMNMom]

Space WAS a factor for us so we manufactured a 40' post mount system that went up to just above rail height (52" pool) then ran at 45 degrees up another 60" - the posts are pvc (concreted in) with chickenwire overlay base for the panels to lay on - pvc runs across the top to connect them and there are 3 top to ground support posts off the back. This fits 4-2x20' panels or 2-4x20' panels. We currently have 3 2x20' panels plumbed into a diverter, will add a 4th or alternate panels if we need to, but it keeps our pool at 84-88 so far so don't have a need for more. It looks a bit like a pergolla. I have hooks to hang the pool cleaning tools and towel racks mounted to it.

[matt4x4]

FYI - I have harsh winters too (canada), there's no need to take them in, just drain them properly, I let mine drain for a day then blow them out with compressed air.