DIY 9kW Grid Tie Ground Based Home Solar Panel System Installation
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ส.ค. 2024
- This is the process I went through, from unboxing materials, to full assembly, explanation, install and operation of a ground based DIY solar panel system for my residential home.
Find More information for this project and others on my website: projectswithdave.com
I added a Home Battery Backup watch the install here: • Battery BACKUP for Hom...
I used Wholesale Solar, now Unbound Solar, for the solar components and Ready Rack for the racking system. The suppliers mentioned in the video are the ones I used based on my own research, none of it was sponsored, however, using the affiliate links in the description helps out the channel at no cost to you.
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Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:17 Solar Materials
05:21 Racking Materials
07:27 Establishing Build Site/ Finding Due South
09:17 Rack Assembly/ Screw Installation
12:40 Ground Cover
16:35 Rack Assembly
23:45 Solar Panel Install
25:12 Solar Panel/Optimizer Wiring
34:17 Combiner Box Detail
36:13 Conduit from Array to Building
37:25 Trenching
40:44 Wiring Combiner Box
43:57 Installing AC Disconnect
45:17 Installing Inverter
48:35 Inverter Running
TubeBuddy TH-cam Tool: www.tubebuddy.com/EverydayDave
Disclaimers:
This video is for information purposes only, and does not constitute professional advice. Solar systems can and do involve dangerous electrical connections. If you do not have experience with electrical wiring, please seek professional support.
Affiliate information and disclaimers:
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Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
Good move building it on the ground what most people don't think of is when it's on your roof and in 20 years when your shingles need to be changed or if your roof is leaking you need to remove every single panel and the rack for the repairs then have to put everything back on. On the ground its put it in and forget about it.
It's also cooler
This is the best video I found yet on how to actually do it. Many people talk about solar but few show how to actually do it. Thank you sir for this very useful video.
Thanks for the feedback! I'm glad it was helpful.
This panel can put out close to 100 watts th-cam.com/users/postUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.
I had the opportunity to meet Dave on a recent installation. He’s got a solid engineering/design background and I’m glad he’s making videos that truly benefit the DIY solar community.
Thanks Kyle! Likewise, I loved your racking product and plan to post an overview for everyone in a future video.
Thanks Dave! I reached out to Linda and mentioned your name. Got a great price (.46pw) on 28 new Panasonic panels delivered. Linda was great to work with. Bought em!
She had good used ones for .30 and .32pw, but opted for new.
Thanks for your great videos!
Great! Linda's great to work with, I'm glad she was able to find a good solution for you.
I've been researching going solar+battery/off grid for a couple years, and the sheer amount of information out there is incredible because of people like you. This probably gave me the biggest dose of what to expect when setting something like this up, or something very similar. Thank you very much for showcasing this. :)
Thanks! Your right the amount of information to digest is pretty overwhelming. I'm glad this was helpful.
@@ProjectsWithDave Optimizers are mandatory ? i mean we already have MPPT in inverter then why go for these Optimizers ? Cost of Optimizers must be very high?
DC/DC optimizers like I used on my system are not worth the expense. I learned that later, here is a video on my analysis: th-cam.com/video/nC7i_GSrGlk/w-d-xo.html
This is the most comprehensive DIY solar setup that is on TH-cam. Thank you so much for documenting the installation step by step. Great job.
Wow, thanks!
Thanks for the great video. One trick for the conduit to avoid having to put all the rope through ahead of time (which is a pain and takes forever) is to put your conduit together, glue it, trench it, and cover it up. Then when you're ready to run your cables through, tie a little plastic bag or something to your rope or pull string and suck it through with a shop vac. I did this with a long run to a new barn and it took about 30 seconds. When I pulled the wire through, I also pulled more line/rope in case I ever want to use the conduit again for something else. Now I have the wire and a piece of vinyl pull rope in the conduit. Future proof!
That's a great idea! I actually used a wad of paper on the end of a string to run the line through the conduit in the garage, except I blew it through with compressed air. It worked great. Also, I ran a separate conduit parallel to the first to allow for future expansion without trenching next time.
So far the best DIY solar project explanation on the web.Very educational and a great job.Thank you
Thanks! Glad it was helpful!
Thank you soooooo much for sharing your experience!!! I just graduated from an engineering degree focused on solar energy, and this video showed me the real stuff I didn't learn from the class.
That is awesome! Thanks for the feedback! You chose an up and coming field, I'm sure you will do well. : )
Hi David Very Impressive display of basic construction techniques, working with others, grid tie solar ground mount installation, but most of all, how to be a dad. Loved the video. I also have a SolarEdge grid tied system I installed in 2015. I had a whole house standby generator first so had to figure out how to wire them both so they would not try to work against each other. I also purchased my components from Wholesale (Unbound) Solar in Mt Shasta, CA. And like you, I didn't feel comfortable poking holes in my house roof, so mounted the panels on my barn roof instead. Thank you again for this. You, your son, chickens, and others, did outstanding work!
Thanks!
Out of all of the videos regarding solar system installations, yours is definitely the most comprehensive and easy to follow. My only wish is to see one made equally as good as yours on an off grid system. It would also be nice to have you list the sourcing of the products you used and costs. The ground mount system really has me interested. Great job, no, fantastic job making this video!
For off-grid look for a all in one systems like mpp solar, Sol-ark inverters and victron inverters.
Wow, thanks! I have had a couple of requests for component lists, I'll see what I can do.
You might want to check out Curtis Stone's channel if you haven't already. Lots of great info there on his off-grid system.
th-cam.com/video/f1ZyZNRYezA/w-d-xo.html
Very informative video. Keep up the good work. My wife has wanted to do this for a while and honestly, I felt like it would be too much money, but this is not bad. Plus after watching you install the panels and the panel, I believe that it is possible for me to do a self install. I have several friends who are really good with electrical systems. Thanks
Go for it! I'm glad I could inspire you : )
Having used tons of that weed mat, I've found instead of cutting X's for the post, to use a propane torch and burn a hole. It melts the edge and reduces fraying
Thanks for the idea.
@@ProjectsWithDave I'm rewatching the video today as I have ordered a system and just waiting for the permit to get started.
Great video! I installed my own system too, but back in 2013 panel sizes were smaller! I chose Enphase micro inverters, which is similar to the Solar Edge DC option, but keeps it all AC, so no wall inverter is needed. My system paid for itself in less than 3 years, but I am pushing 20 kWh in full sun. My problem here is trees from all my close neighbors, where as you have no shading issues there. Thanks for showing people they can do it themselves! I remember there was little help when I did mine.
Thanks! Sounds like you have a great system, a 3 year pay back is fantastic!
Well done Dave, you made it very easy to follow as well as wholesale solar's simple build system....I'll be doing 10-12kw off grid, thanks for all the info
Best of luck!
yes this is by far the best install vid I have found to date now I know I can do this!!
I'm so glad it was helpful for you!
Thank you for uploading this! You were very thorough and I really appreciate the details. Great work, it looks much cleaner than what most installers you'd pay for would do. I'm looking into building a system with microinverters so thank you!
Thanks! I'm glad the extra effort of documenting it was helpful for you.
Solar is awesome. We got a 4kW system in 2015. Added another kW in 2017. I want more but I'm out of roof space hahah. I wish i had space for a ground mount system but there's no space in our tiny yard for it. You built a really nice system there. Great video.
Nice! I'm already considering expanding as well. Thanks for the feedback!
Wow. Big project. Must be a fun. I have enjoyed to watch the entire episode. I wish there are some holes in between panels so that a strong gust passes through.
There is some gap between the panels. I get high winds where I live. The system as already seen 60mph gusts since install. It seems to handle it with no problems.
Thank you for this great and informative demonstration in the best way possible
Glad it was helpful!
Good job on setting the posts and getting them plumb!
Thanks!
Wouldn't it be called square?
@@JM-yx1lm My comment was an insiders comment for people that use PTO Augers. Watch how they struggle to get the post straight up and down (plumb) it's a real challenge as the angle of the auger wants to change as it get lower. I usually have to do that type of work single handed and from the tractor seat you can't really see the changing angle of the auger.
THANK YOU for posting this. It's remarkably difficult to find something which lays out, step by step, what the process of installing a solar system includes.
Thanks! I'm glad it was helpful.
Very helpful video..appreciate you taking the time to make it..I love how you took time at explaining things. Most of the time they run through things so fast , you can't keep up. Good job
Glad it was helpful!
Great video. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks.
Your shovel skill is impressive.
Very detailed and crisp video of the entire process of setting up a solar system at ground level. The best i have seen and i learned a lot. Thanks for sharing the video.
Glad it was helpful!
I think I'm gonna try it, you made it look simple.
Go for it!
wil nico
Don't try it ... Just do it.
There is no success in 'trying'
The success comes in the doing
Think about that when you constipated.
I finally pulled the trigger on panels, working on the rest. I am also in Ohio and with the weather we have been getting I would like to reduce my reliance on the grid (initially grid tie but soon adding batteries). Thank you for the video!
Nice!! Grid tie is a great way to get started. Good luck!
Great video. The comments below are valuable too. Thanks for the help.
I’m 74 with very little electric experience but this is so clear I think even I could do it. I have 40 panels I got last year just sitting here because I was confused. Thank you so much for this!!
Awesome! Glad it was helpful.
Nicely done. Thanks for your through discussion and illustrations step by step.
Glad it was helpful!
What a excellent job Dave 👏
Thanks for sharing solar is definitely the way to go very inspiring 👍
Thanks! I'm glad it was helpful!
Good job! Thank you very much for the video.
Glad it was helpful!
The dad we all wanted but never had
Well done, thanks for the in depth description. I would suggest next time you delve into the AC connection, even if it's not supposed to be hot, you should remove your rings from your fingers.
Thanks for the tip!
Excellent explaining, step by step....... Stay Always Blessed Dear......!
Thanks a lot!
Great video Sir, , thanks for sharing, learned a lot from you today!
Glad to hear it!
Awesome video and work! If you ever have to run mule tape through conduit again, you can build out your conduit then tie a bag like Home Depot bag to the end of the mule tape and get on the other end with a shop vac and it'll suck it all the way through real fast. Makes it super fast and easy and the tape isn't in your way as your glueing everything together. If the connection between conduit and shop vac is leaking too much just wrap another HD bag around it and it'll seal it up.
Thanks! Thanks for the tip, I'll try it in the future.
Excellent Presentation and Excellent Demo !! Many Thanks and Best Wishes !!
Thank You!
Excellent video. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Very good job dave thank you for sharing this video...
Glad you enjoyed it!
Very nice mounting system! Great video 👍
Thanks! 👍
Sweet install. I used the white wire ties and they fell apart. Changed over to black Uv ones and no problem since :)
Thanks for the suggestion.
I work Maintenance in large industrial plant. Do lots of outside equipment installation. Black ties way superior to white in longevity. One would think white reflects sun---good, black soaks up sun---bad, but turns out with opposite effect.
Dave, outstanding job! This was very educational!
Thank you! Glad it was helpful!
26:46 I have no idea about these solar panel optimizers... glad to know about it
Crystal clear how to,
Thank you
Thanks! Glad it was helpful!
Easy to understand.. Thank you
Glad it helped!
Nice video, clean work
Thanks!
Saved for when I get the chance to put panels on top of my shed. Legend ... this was a really good video 👍🏼
Thanks!
Great Video!! Thank you!!!!
Glad you liked it!
fantastic step by step sir. thankyou
Thanks for the feedback!
Outstanding. Thank you for this video.
Glad it was helpful!
An excellent job! However, I would have included fuses between the panels on the series connection to protect them from a failure of any of them.
Assembled in US, should like to see "manufactured in". Great videos. 👍
Thanks!
Thank you. What a great video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Very good video. Very straightforward. I'm wondering why you didn't connect your panels in parallel. You would have more current out to run that distance to the house. Very clean build at any rate.
Thanks! The two strings do connect in parallel at the inverter.
Great video Dave
Thanks 👍
I like to say its a nice level solar panel setup, I want a South Facing solar Panels setup, when I move to a bungalow, NOT on the roof but in the garden, might even have solar tracking >? in the garden I can improve as time goes by,
I'm glad I put it on the ground, easy access for assembly and maintenance. The panels have come down in price so much, that tracking systems really don't make sense anymore.
Nice that could add to the price though of installing for the average Joe 🤔 I use a water hose inside the pipe & it goes down like a knife in butter 👍
Thanks pro great video Regards from Holland
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video !
Glad you enjoyed it!
Impressive - Well Done.
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
Nice install. I don't really view my system in terms of long term "pay-back", I just try to save and then buy and install, and from then on its my own power independent of the Grid. Payback for me is obtained when the neighbors lights are all off and mine are still on. This can confuse the local power companies troubleshooting crews though :-).
Nice strategy! : )
Great 👌
But make sure run heavy gauge wire for longer distances to minimise power loss in wire
You should use atleast 8mm² wire for each string.
The cabling sizing must be calculated - peak current / length are the variables, max voltage drop generally should be just a few % depending on local codes, any pro would be doing this, perhaps not your average DIY'er who might go on recommendations on youtube comments.
The distance was less than 175'. There are two sets of 10 gauge wires (6mm^2), one for each string. Because the voltage is 480v the loss is actually very small. I calculated the revenue loss vs the cost of upgrading to 8 gauge wire 10mm^2), but the payoff was clearly not worth it.
Please use some crimps or something better then wire nuts on the PV connection at the array.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Excellent video. I have found that the white zip ties don't hold up to the UV. The black ones last longer. I like the idea of using the post hole borer. I didn't think of that.
Thanks! I've had the UV Zip tie suggestion before. Here is a link to UV Resistant Black Zip Ties: amzn.to/3hwENeS
@@ProjectsWithDave Thanks for the link. At least it is pretty easy to replace the zip ties if they fail. I expect that they will last several years though.
jesus, my pay back here in Brazil is 3 year and I was compleining . your system is niiiine year, my god!
Nice Job...
Thanks!
HI thanks for this video.
Thanks for watching!
great job
Thanks!
Suggestion: use a common shop vac to suck the string through the conduit. In this manner you can assemble the conduit without messing with t he string.
Thanks for the tip!
An easier way to deal with your fish tape is to tie a plastic bag to the end and use a vacuum cleaner to suck it through the conduit, that way you are not working around it while cementing the pvc together.
Timestamps: with leading zero so the columns are in alignment
This is the correct way to do it:
01:17 Solar Materials
05:21 Racking Materials
07:27 Establishing Build Site/ Finding Due South
09:17 Rack Assembly/ Screw Installation
12:40 Ground Cover
16:35 Rack Assembly
23:45 Solar Panel Install
25:12 Solar Panel/Optimizer Wiring
34:17 Combiner Box Detail
36:13 Conduit from Array to Building
37:25 Trenching
40:44 Wiring Combiner Box
43:57 Installing AC Disconnect
45:17 Installing Inverter
48:35 Inverter Running
Fixed! Thanks for the feedback!
Dave! Awesome video! Super informative! I am in the planning stages of doing a DIY solar setup and randomly stumbled on this video! I was shocked that I know & work with you!!! It is a small world Lol!
I too am considering wholesale solar for a package but I am curious how you decided on this setup vs. microinverters.
I might reach out to you and ask some additional questions if you don't mind.
Go for it! I did a lot of research, the options are almost endless these days.
Awesome!!!!!!!
Thanks!!
Hi... love your videos. Wanted help sizeing a small pv setup with battery for my intex pool. It has a 750w pump and a 125w clorene generator. Both have to run 8 hours a day. The only reason for the battery would be to guarantee a constant power supply to the chlorine generator or else it resets the programming.
Good video up to the twisted connection especially on DC voltage it a fire hazard at risk. I would at least used din rail combiner connection. And on end of wire Farrell copper nickel cladding.
All and all nice video.
Thanks! I have since upgraded to DIN rail. You can see it in this video: th-cam.com/video/uS8cqppAy7s/w-d-xo.html
Chickens helping to. Nice video.
Yes, thanks : )
v gooood Thank you so much for uploading this ... but noisy music !!
Sorry for that
Firstly, thank you for the great information in your videos. I have a quick question regarding the grounding strips from DynaBond. Do you also link the upper and lower strings with one or did you put lugs on the end of each string and run two ground cables?
you should separate ac and the dc in the inverter. There is a divider in the inverter for a reason.
Great video!!! Did you combine each string in parallel inside the junction box at the array? I saw the connection to the underground lines, but didn't quite catch where/if the 4 PV wires went down to 2.
There are two series strings that run all the way to the inverter. Two positive, two negative and one ground wire in the conduit.
nice. dont forget to use sacrifical anode to prevent corrosion on the racks.
I have utilized the industry standard methods for preventing galvanic corrosion on a PV racking system. The Racking is galvanized, the PV modules are anodized and the fasteners are stainless steel. The only thing less noble than zinc is magnesium. Are you suggesting to add a magnesium anode somehow to further improve the corrosion toughness? Here is an article on PV racking corrosion for reference: www.cedgreentech.com/article/galvanic-corrosion-and-protection-solar-pv-installations
@@ProjectsWithDave exactly. Cheap and add more protection.
Wouldn't it be better to build a roof structure to install them on so that you could utilize the shaded dry area underneath?
I did consider that, it is certainly another good solution.
@@ProjectsWithDave Thanks for providing such a thorough tutorial. It seems like you have plenty of land to spare regardless.
Why didn’t you put a copper ground rod at the end of the panels in the combiner box trench?
The racking system has galvanized screws almost 4' into the ground, they provide grounding at the rack.
So is it a must to have that ground rod after so many panels? So sat I had two of these setups is use two or only one of they were combined?
Has to be the best video I found. Thanks for pulling this together. I do have one question - having 2 rows like you do creates more of a concern with wind forces - is there any reason why you could not go with a single row? Makes accessing the panels a bit easier also..
I'm glad it was helpful! The racking is designed to handle 90mph winds in the current configuration. Accessing the panels would be easier, but it would also make the array twice as long and require more racking.
Very detailed and crisp video of the entire process of setting up a solar system at ground level.
Why do you get 1.05 V in output of optimizer?
The optimizers are programed to limit voltage to a save 1V per optimizer until initialized by the inverter.
Thank you
Welcome!
Great video. What were you overall impressions of the ready rack system and it's adjustability? I'm considering that for our system vs some others (snapnrack, ironridge, nuance osprey), but it was not clear how easy it was to get everything adjusted at equal heights and in the same plane. Thanks.
Great question. There are several holes in the connecting hardware that provide for adjustment in the angle and position. I found it to be pretty forgiving in terms of accuracy in post placement, as well as straight forward to assemble. I can't compare it to the others since I haven't used them, but I can certainly recommend the Ready Rack system. Thanks!
While I am delighted with the frame and method of assembly (I especially like the insulation from the ground and gravel ballast under the spans) and the earthing of the panels, there are several things that make me deeply concerned.
1. As I understand it, screw anchors in total play the role of grounding the frame and thus the panels - have the ground resistance measurements been performed? In Europe, there is a legal requirement that the grounding resistance should be less than 10 ohms. In practice, good grounding is considered to be one whose resistance is less than 5 ohms in the dry period. In practice, two stainless steel rods are used, driven to a depth of about 10 meters each, at a distance of several or a dozen meters from each other (usually on both sides of the frame), electrically connected to the frame (to each higher vertical element just above the ground) by a flat bar with a large cross-sectional area - no less 20 square millimeters.
I doubt whether the anchors themselves guarantee this quality grounding.
2. I don't see any sign of overvoltage / lightning protection either on the PV panels side or the inverter side. In Europe, if the distance between the panels and the inverter is more than 20 meters, this protection MUST be on both DC sides.
3. I don't see any trace of PV strings DC overcurrent protection. There is no formal requirement to use such security, after all, it is important for the safety of their own and their own family, and their own property ... Everyone uses it regularly.
4. Also without a formal requirement, a DC disconnector is used regularly, as a rule outside the building (so that the fire brigade has easy access to it) disconnecting the DC strings. This is in the event of a major breakdown when the owner is not at home, and it is also widely used.
It is cool as long as it is cool and the user thinks: "For what the hell do I have these costs and inconvenience?" But let the lightning strike the frame, or there will be a short circuit and as a result someone will be struck by AC current, or a fire will arise, the first thing the insurer will check is the security condition. If he found them missing, or if they did not comply with the regulations, he would in 100% refuse to receive compensation.
I'm not writing all of this just to criticize. I am only sharing my observations, which may berry into the upgrade of installation of the above-mentioned protections, which will undoubtedly increase the safety of using PV installations.
Contrary to appearances, the costs are not great in relation to the costs of the entire installation, and the profit (in the event of a failure) and peace of mind are priceless.
When building a large PV installation, you must always remember that it generates a large amount of energy, with very high voltage, sufficient to cause very serious losses if not carefully secured. There is no room for underestimating the dangers here. Because the question is not "can something happen"? The question is, "when can this something happen".
When building a large PV installation, you must always remember that it generates a large amount of energy, with very high voltage, sufficient to cause very serious losses if not carefully secured. There is no room for underestimating the dangers here. Because the question is not "can something happen"? The question is, "when can this 'something' happen"?
Besides, I envy the size of the plot - you can easily build a regular off-grid installation.
Thanks for your thoughtful feedback!
I'm just beginning to educate myself about installing a solar system and from what I have read and viewed so far is that optimizers are beneficial if you have shading issues or your solar panels are oriented in different directions. Neither case appears to be an issue for you. So, what drove your decision to include them?
Great question. Since my panels are ground mounted, I didn't have to apply panel level rapid shutdown, and as you stated I have no shad or mismatching, so I did not need to have optimizers. However, I wanted to have a deeper understanding of the operation of the system at a panel level and flexibility for future expansion with different panels or angles. For instance I have added a panel to one string making it 13, but I can still combine the power from both strings because the optimizers keep the voltage at 400VDC no mater what. I will be doing some future videos showing the operation with used and mismatched panels. Hope that helps.
thanks
You're welcome!
Great Video, thanks for posting
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
best video of this topic. why do some designs have micro inverter and power inverters ad some only micro inverters? thanks
I'm planning to do a video explaining the differences and why you should choose one over the other. In short, there are three main methods:
1) String inverter - Lowest cost and simple, but less efficient especially if there is any shading or imbalance in the strings.
2) Optimizers with central inverter - Higher cost, similar to a string inverter, but each panel's voltage is individually controlled improving overall performance.
3) Micro Inverters - Highest cost, each panel has it's own inverter. Good for efficiency and easy expansion.
There are many other detailed advantages and disadvantages, but that is the rough overview. Hope that helps!
Where did you get the post hole adapter from. I just checked my post hole borer and it has a 2 inch circular drive shaft with a locking bolt. I have a 42 horse Kubota and I think it should be able to drive the screw posts into the ground.
Ready rack sells an adaptor for a skid steer, but like you I had a tractor and a post hole digger, so I had to make the adaptor myself out of some scrap pipe.
Dave, I have watched a lot of TH-cam videos and I think this is one of the best. How far are your panels from the house? How do you compensate for the voltage drop in the 10 gauge wire over that distance? Thanks.
The total run is about 175 feet. I have very little voltage drop, because the optimizers hold the voltage for each string at 480v. Otherwise the voltage drop would be a bigger issue.
@@ProjectsWithDave It was confusing, as I thought that the I^2*R losses must be ferocious if the "optimizers" are only supplying 1V per panel. But it seems that's a safety feature. 480VDC seems much more like what I'd be expecting.
Thanks for the wonderful video!
Hello Dave, first I'd like to thank you for all the great solar presentation you have posted. They are among the best on TH-cam. I have two questions, most solar panels are installed with a tilt angel that is a compromise based on a number of factors. Can I ask you why you settled on a tilt angle of 30 degrees? My second question is related to the materials used in the ground mounting structure. From what I can see, these cross members appear to be similar or are the same as "UniStrut" steel pipe hangers. Can you confirm that they are basically UniStrut members, like the ones that are sold by Home Depot and Lowes. Thank you.
Thanks for the feedback! The angle is a compromise. There are lots of charts online showing the ideal compromise angle based on your latitude. That is what I used to set mine. However, after using it for 3 years I would make it steeper. My winter production is my biggest struggle, it's easy to produce power in the summer, and the snow sheds better with a steeper angle. If you use bifacial panels the steeper angle is less of a negative since you can gain power from the back side. The East-West panel mounts are heavy duty Unistrut. Hope that helps.
This is a great video Dave. Can I ask you to show the installation when the PVC pipe goes up to inside the garage, I see outside (beside the meter base) installation, then pipes go through the wall to inside the garage. I didn't follow the installation and connections inside and outside the garage. thank you, sir.
Sorry, the video would be intolerably long to show everything. There is nothing special there, I have a conduit that runs from the disconnect box into the garage and then out of the wall and into the inverter. The conductors simply run directly from one box to the other. Hope that helps. Thanks!