Backyard solar array

[xjon1600]

I am in the process of sourcing a 5100KW backyard grid-tie solar system, and I was wondering if anyone had advice with regards to the framework. I'm going to build 2 5 x 2 solar tracking mounts, and while I have the base, motor, and swivel figured out, I'm having issue with a cost effective method of getting 10 255 watt solar panels onto a single frame that I can mount.

Any ideas? I'm hoping to keep the cost down to less than $350 per frame

[sdold]

How about using either a few more panels and fixed frames, or higher efficiency panels in fixed frames if you don't have the space to add panels? The savings in tracking mechanics might offset the additional panel cost, and you'd eliminate mechanical maintenance headaches.

[J.P.M.]

I am in the process of sourcing a 5100KW backyard grid-tie solar system, and I was wondering if anyone had advice with regards to the framework. I'm going to build 2 5 x 2 solar tracking mounts, and while I have the base, motor, and swivel figured out, I'm having issue with a cost effective method of getting 10 255 watt solar panels onto a single frame that I can mount. Any ideas? I'm hoping to keep the cost down to less than $350 per frame

A slightly larger (~ 10-15% ?) stationary system will probably produce about the same output for less money than a 1 axis tracking or a gimbaled mount for probably less time and fewer maint. hassles.

[xjon1600]

makes sense

A slightly larger (~ 10-15% ?) stationary system will probably produce about the same output for less money than a 1 axis tracking or a gimbaled mount for probably less time and fewer maint. hassles.

makes sense. maybe i was just thinking of the cool factor too much 8D

ok, so - now thinking of a stationary array, i do not want to put this on my roof - mostly for ease of maintenance - what is a good framework to hold 20 5.4ft x 3.25ft solar panels? i have lots of open field room and ample sun exposure on it

[J.P.M.]

makes sense. maybe i was just thinking of the cool factor too much 8D ok, so - now thinking of a stationary array, i do not want to put this on my roof - mostly for ease of maintenance - what is a good framework to hold 20 5.4ft x 3.25ft solar panels? i have lots of open field room and ample sun exposure on it

IMO, ground mounts have it all over roof mounts when at all possible for reasons you cite and others. Among the possible drawbacks to ground mounts are (usually) higher initial cost and perhaps some permitting issues involving safety, wiring, trenching and limiting access to the array.................As for mounting systems, there are many suitable arrangements. Some DIY, as well as more than a few commercially available methods and systems. Google is again your friend. I respectfully suggest being mindful of required building codes and other such factors.

[SunEagle]

makes sense. maybe i was just thinking of the cool factor too much 8D

ok, so - now thinking of a stationary array, i do not want to put this on my roof - mostly for ease of maintenance - what is a good framework to hold 20 5.4ft x 3.25ft solar panels? i have lots of open field room and ample sun exposure on it

Ground mounted arrays (while more expensive then roof mounted) give you a lot more options in mounting.

One of our members bcroe or Bruce has installed a very large pv array the points East, South and West.

His biggest issue is snow removal but you should contact him to get some pointers on what it takes and what is not a good path to follow.

[radareclipse]

Here is one pole mount solution that is a little mack daddy like. http://www.polemount.solar

[bcroe]

How about using either a few more panels and fixed frames, or higher efficiency panels in fixed frames if you don't have the space to add panels? The savings in tracking mechanics might offset the additional panel cost, and you'd eliminate mechanical maintenance headaches.

Tracking the sun across the sky ends up taking a lot of space. 2 systems would need considerable
space to never shadow each other. Probably a fixed array with more panels could generate just
as much energy in the same space. If you have clouds, additional panels can help keep power
up; tracking won't do that.

If you have snow, you might make sure seasonal tilt changes are fairly simple & quick. That
will increase complexity, but improves harvest and considerably reduces snow removal efforts.
I will be using landscape mounting with gaps between panels to aid this on the next round.

Bruce Roe