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  • alzdrnja
    Junior Member
    • Nov 2010
    • 1

    #1

    In St. Louis MO

    Just a quick Hi to everybody. Joined few days ago and went over most of the posts and answers regarding photovoltaic. Planing on residential 10kW project in next 12 to 18 months. Enthusiastic about all the possibilities, but smart enough to look for as many downsides as possible (money doesn't grow on trees, after all). Possible budget, after all rebates and kickbacks, $10-$11K. Lots of variables, options and personalized solutions. Plan is to harvest 100% of our domestic consumption and then some. Plan is to, eventually, be able to charge my future EV. I don't see alternative to EV. Least painful way to see them rolling soon and in large numbers on our streets, is to, IMHO, federally finance transition, if needed be, of Big Oil into Big Energy. I know, I know... Nobody will willingly cut the branch that are sitting on. Oh, did I mention - I am gas station owner . I can see in my lifetime gas stations changing whole battery pack of the EV in less then 5 minutes, giving you credit for remaining charge(somehow adjusted for the age of battery) or topping up the charge with some sort of rapid charger, making bigger profits then now (1c to 10c per gallon). Back to topic.
    I found recently a website that sells 300W panels (check the link please). Do you know anything about maker's reputation?

    USA made solar panels and photovoltaic products including solar cells, solar modules, CdTe thin film, grid-tie systems, off-grid kits, solar attic fans at factory direct price.


    I plan to mound two arrays on two schedule 40 poles (18 panels each, 3*6) and I am trying to come with an idea for some sort of manual mechanism to adjust them at least 4 times per year to maximize the harvest. Would such device come under UL certification rules? Mike, Dereck, Russ, Jason, Solar Dave and others - Thank You for existing !
    PS that wasn't quick of a "Hi" after all.
    Last edited by alzdrnja; 11-11-2010, 02:28 AM. Reason: spelling
  • Sunking
    Solar Fanatic
    • Feb 2010
    • 23301

    #2
    I would not advise using DMsolar. I am a MOD on another forum and I have heard a lot of horror stories, but I have no personal experience with them. My advise is stick with brand names you know and with companies that have been around for decades and will be around for many more like BP, Kyocera, and Sanyo.

    As for the framing question that is not a UL issue. That really falls under local jurisdiction and whether or not they will accept it. The problem is your roof structure and snow and wind loads. This is where a professional installation company can help out because they will likely have a structural engineer on retainer to sign off on it and make the AHJ and your insurance carrier happy. I would start by calling your insurance agent and see what they say. A lot of carriers will not cover solar systems.
    MSEE, PE

    Comment

    • Mike90250
      Moderator
      • May 2009
      • 16020

      #3
      Originally posted by alzdrnja
      I plan to mound two arrays on two schedule 40 poles (18 panels each, 3*6) and I am trying to come with an idea for some sort of manual mechanism to adjust them at least 4 times per year to maximize the harvest. Would such device come under UL certification rules?
      I have Power FAB top of pole mount, and it has a central pivot, and adjustment bar with prepunched holes. It is designed for seasonal adjustment.



      But I think you will need sch 80 pipe, and a deep hole full of concrete and rebar.

      Keep us posted !
      Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
      || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
      || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

      solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
      gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

      Comment

      • russ
        Solar Fanatic
        • Jul 2009
        • 10360

        #4
        DM Solar also has kits using Canadian Solar panels - 11.5 kW at 2.83 dollars per watt.

        * 48x240W Canadian Solar 240W mono panels. CEC PTC rating: 218.7W!
        * 2x Sunny Boy SB5000US inverter
        * 1x Sunny Beam Bluetooth
        * 2x Sunny Beam Com Card
        * 2x HU361RB SQ-D 600V 30A AC/DC disconnect switch
        * 6x 100'#10 AWG cable with MC4 connectors
        * 2x Delta LA602DC Lightning Arrestor, 600VDC

        No mounting hardware included.

        How are the Canadian Solar panels?
        Russ
        [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

        Comment

        • MarineLiner
          Solar Skipper
          • May 2009
          • 656

          #5
          Originally posted by russ
          DM Solar also has kits using Canadian Solar panels - 11.5 kW at 2.83 dollars per watt.

          * 48x240W Canadian Solar 240W mono panels. CEC PTC rating: 218.7W!
          * 2x Sunny Boy SB5000US inverter
          * 1x Sunny Beam Bluetooth
          * 2x Sunny Beam Com Card
          * 2x HU361RB SQ-D 600V 30A AC/DC disconnect switch
          * 6x 100'#10 AWG cable with MC4 connectors
          * 2x Delta LA602DC Lightning Arrestor, 600VDC

          No mounting hardware included.

          How are the Canadian Solar panels?
          Russ

          Comment

          • Naptown
            Solar Fanatic
            • Feb 2011
            • 6880

            #6
            Plan on 4 8" schedule 80 poles.
            Last pole mount I did was 9 Canadian solar 220's on each pole. Total of 18 modules.
            If I remember each pipe cost about $600.00 and we got 2 poles from a single pipe but we kept this fairly low to ground for wind loads. Used DPW pole mount.
            NABCEP certified Technical Sales Professional

            [URL="http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showthread.php?5334-Solar-Off-Grid-Battery-Design"]http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showth...Battery-Design[/URL]

            [URL]http://www.calculator.net/voltage-drop-calculator.html[/URL] (Voltage drop Calculator among others)

            [URL="http://www.gaisma.com"]www.gaisma.com[/URL]

            Comment

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