SolarDIY

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SolarDIY is a vibrant community dedicated to embracing the power of solar energy. Here, we encourage you to showcase your ingenious ideas, innovative projects, and inspiring stories, while also seeking valuable advice, fresh ideas, and fostering meaningful connections.

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pdavis@lemmy.world

Got the first rail mounted today (lemmy.nz)

submitted 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) by IcedRaktajino@startrek.website to c/solardiy@lemmy.world

5 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Took me a while on this because I kept dropping my tools and parts off the roof 🤦‍♂️but I'm hopeful the rest of them should go a bit smoother. I've also kind-of, sort-of gotten comfortable working up on the roof. I love metal roofs for their not-leaking and longevity, but I hate working on them.

There are 5 panels per rail, and I've got two more rails (10 panels) left to go.

Another bit of good news. My measurements were wrong and I can fit four rails up there instead of the three I assumed. That's also why the panels are off-center on the mount. That brings me to 4 KW instead of the 3 I mathed out. I only have 15 panels, so will have to order 5 more and some extra rails and mounting gear. I'm probably going to do that soon so I don't lose momentum. Now that I know I can do 4 rails, I may split them into two strings of 10 instead of one string of 15. That should give me some wiggle room if there's partial shading later in the evening.

Next steps are to get the other two rails installed (tomorrow) and document the string configuration and figure out which direction I'm going to run the DC cables (off the side of the house or down the front. And from there, measure and go buy the conduit for them.

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[–] livligkinkajou@slrpnk.net 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

Another bit of good news. My measurements were wrong and I can fit four rails up there instead of the three I assumed. That’s also why the panels are off-center on the mount. That brings me to 4 KW instead of the 3 I mathed out

Thatś definitely a good problem to have, the more the merrier if your inverter can handle them

figure out which direction I’m going to run the DC cables

Where did you end up placing them? Is it getting direct sun light?

[–] IcedRaktajino@startrek.website 2 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

Ran them down the front and off to the side of the porch roof.

They're clipped under the eave and running down (and zip-tied to) the porch columns and getting partial sunlight currently. As soon as I have time to get to the hardware store, those are going into PVC conduit.