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Thread: Solar Panel Install

  1. #1
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    Default Solar Panel Install

    I am installing my solar panels now and have them laid on the ground. I am trying to figure out the best way to mount them. I was thinking of making some type of rack. I was also thinking about mounting them up off the ground on my Privacy Fence. I would build out the bottom a bite so they would be angled. I am just not sure about putting the extra weight on the fence posts. I have a standar 6' treated fence with 4x4s every 8'. THis would be nice because it wouldnt take up any room and its out of the way.

    So how did you mount your panels?

  2. #2
    Poconos is offline SuperMod Emeritus Whizbang Spinner Poconos 4 stars Poconos 4 stars Poconos 4 stars Poconos 4 stars Poconos 4 stars Poconos 4 stars
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    Default Re: Solar Panel Install

    My 4x20 is mounted on a rack made of outdoor plywood and pressure treated 2x4's. Mat is also tied to this monster with a few loops of blue poly boat rope to keep the wind from getting it. However you do it make sure it's secured...they can get airborne very easily.
    Al

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Solar Panel Install

    Poconos? Is your mat made out of 2 2x20? or 1 4x20?
    I was thinking that if it is 2 2x20 then I need to make the length longer than 4 feet right? because of that connection on the middle that connects 2 panels together.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Solar Panel Install

    My 2 2x20s measure about 52" while next to each other.

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Solar Panel Install

    I found this: http://www.fafco.com/Support/FAFCO-A...ck-Design.html

    See if this is something that you were looking for.

    Thanks,
    B.

  6. #6
    Poconos is offline SuperMod Emeritus Whizbang Spinner Poconos 4 stars Poconos 4 stars Poconos 4 stars Poconos 4 stars Poconos 4 stars Poconos 4 stars
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    Default Re: Solar Panel Install

    Mine is a single 4x20 Fafco.

  7. #7
    NWMNMom is offline Registered+ Widget Weaver NWMNMom 0
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    Default Re: Solar Panel Install

    We mounted 3 of the 2x20s and fed each one rather than in a series. They are mounted 2 high on one side and side by side - 2 up - 2 long. We have a rack about 3' from our pool made of 6 - 2"x52" pvc posts into the ground with concrete with a 45 deg bend up another 52", pvc running across top, chicken wire base and 3 2x4 redwood supports off the top to the ground. The whole thing is about 41' long - the panels "dip" a bit when they lay in the wire but not a lot. Its all plumbed together with pvc and rubber connectors, then flex hose from and to the diverter and to/from the pool. Its all constructed on the north side of our pool, between the pool and some pine trees. Kind of creates a kind of "pergolla" effect behind it with some shade for storage containers, cleaning tools, a thermometer/clock and we put hooks on the bottom of the underwire to hang the leaf rake, pool brush, towels, ect. It was the only place we had to put panels and get sun for heat. You can probably see some of it in our pic posted in the gallery.
    Beats driving to the lake!
    18'x33'x52" AG oval, hard plumbed system, 22" Pentair Meteor Filter 1.5hp pump, Goldline SWCG System, 2/4x20 SolarBear Panels, Biltmore Steps - 16x14' composite deck, Pool Rover Jr

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Solar Panel Install

    I installed my panels today. Just laid them on the ground for now but plan to build the rack on Fafco's site. I got the diverte from Fafco with my panels and I had a heck of a time with it. One of the ends kept poping off. I think I am going to go with pvc and cement everything.

    What schedule pipe is recommended and what is your setup if you piped it. I think I am going to stay with the flexible hose from the panels to the pipe. That way it will be easier to store for the winter.

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