Solar Panel Ground and Roof Mount Pros & Cons
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- čas přidán 16. 12. 2014
- Should you mount your solar panels on the roof or the ground? I discuss the pro's and con's of both. I cover array access, maintenance, safety, structural strength, space requirements, orientation and much more. I also show how much power I am generating in 100% fog. You won't believe it.
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Thank you for raising issues that had never occurred to me but now seem obvious.
For the type of videos you produce and share.....you are my favorite and I wanted you to know how much they are appreciated. We hope to move to Idaho someday soon, once we figure out how to make a living up there in my career field...your videos are really going to help us .....thanks David.
Brandon James Thank you. We love living in Idaho. The people are wonderful.
Thank you for this great comparison. A lot to consider.
I live in Northeastern Nevada......and thinking about solar power in my future log home......I didn't relish the idea of going top side to clear the snow and doing the cleaning.....thank you for your video ....I know what to do now!
Good video ... After you child proof it by raising it up a foot or two you could have a walkway under it. Say to the battery shed to the house. You will need a broom handle extension.
It will be nice to have some hanging baskets and basic rail and a bench. Next comes the idea of totally screening it in. Consider updating your video by a added clip update.
That is incredible!
Great video, as usual. However, the other negative of ground mounting is security. Whether it's a 'hit the fan' situation or not, it's more difficult to steal/remove panels on the roof.
i have basically the same set-up and i still make 18 volts under 6" of snow.
David, you might ask Trevor, at Big Dog, if you are allowed to use a solution of half vinegar and half water to clean off your panels.... This solution works great at getting ice off of car windshields in the winter....
I do want to mention with roof mounts there is an option available for heaters that melt snow of the panels. And with a little bit bigger ladder spring them down wouldn't be to bad here and there.
Very objective. Thanks.
3:30 I have a 6.5 kw system and it covers all my power use and it faces west. You still get good power east and west. Also if you face east you get the morning sun which may be valuable if you are off grid. If you face west you get the late sun which is a more valuable peak electricity.
you are really inspiring me to look into solar again. I would need a roof system.
Really great informative.
Here in France they pay about 3 times less per KW if your panels are ground mounted!
So a pretty big disadvantage if you are considering selling back to the grid. If it's only for your own use then it's no problem if you have the space. If you can do both then you can have the roof for selling power back and a stand alone ground system on a gimble for your own power.
Really interesting. If you got the space it does make sense to have a ground mounted system for ease of maintenance. Looking forward to seeing your hoop house videos. You are doing a two layered hoop house I believe?
considering orientation and angle the small extra effort into ground mnt is worth it by far
....and cleaning
I chose a roof mount, and for the snow, I installed a warming system that melts off the snow as it falls so there is never any snow load, best of both worlds. :)
@
Black Hat
- How many watts per heater per PV panel?
Great Video!!!
I just put my snow blower away.
Dude... I got cold just watching this... I think I'll stay here :)
TexasPrepper2 It does look cold. I was surprised that properly dressed it isn't cold at all. I think because the humidity is so low. When it gets up to 16 degrees and I'm working outside I start to sweat. Crazy, I would have never thought that.
Ever thought about purchasing a VAWT turbine? it's always good to have a backup
Really useful video and you have obviously done your research. Where you mentioned the array will withstand 150 mph wind from the rear does in include the solar panels remaining intact in the frame?
Leaf blower will blow the snow off faster than any other device. Just a thought. That's what I use if we get a dusting..
Mitch Shepherd Great recommendation. I was thinking about that as I brushed off the panels with the broom.
I do the same for cleaning my gutters. Leaf blowers are great for more than just leaves.
@Semper fidelis Semper Paratus I guess that would depend on the weight of the snow. Is she wet or powder? Semper Fi
Good info thanks.
Amazing!
Brushing your panels off with a broom will scratch them little by little and over time they will loose efficiency. you might be able to put a defrost system on your panels to prevent build up. I would consider other possibilities before so you can prevent damage to your panels.
Not really, you could use the heat from the used bath water and a simple fan could blow most of it off maybe a wiper that wipes it once an hour. There are many ideas that might work that would work, just have to be innovative.
+John Sellers You've given this subject a lot of thought. Thank you.
Great work, can't wait until summer to see your garden Project!
David Dube We should be putting the two layers of greenhouse plastic on the new geo-air hoop house this Saturday.
+LDSPrepper Thank you for your videos , how much did this system cost ?.
+WISHBONEL7 Check the links in the show more section. He said he describes all the parts and costs there. I think it was approx 30k. Check the video to be sure. Janice
jksatte
Thanks
Make giant car wipers on the solar panels. Make a circuit that detects when there is no power coming from the panels and activate wipers from batteries.
This is quite amazing! I just checked my end of year bill from Oct 2016 to Oct 2017 and I used 1.131kw in that year LOL
I live on my own here in the UK and the only thing running during the day is a fridge freezer. During the evening I'll have my router, laptop and lights on. The lights around the house are all LED bulbs. To cook I use either the microwave or electric oven or a camping gas stove as the cooking hob is electric and it's horrid to cook on. To heat water for a bath I use a electric immersion tank.
really a fridge consumes 120 per year by itself....1.131 kw as you state costs, about 12 cents
One added benefit of roof mount is the large shade effect over your roof. It is shielding the roof from massive solar gain thus leading to reduced Attic temps during summer.
Mitch Shepherd Good point. I forgot to mention in the video that roof mounted panels will produce less electricity than ground mounted panels because of the heat of the roof shingles. They cause the panels to heat up which makes them less efficient.
Leaf blower would work good for this light dusting. :)
Any brand panels will do just as well.
If you get freezing rain or melting snow conditions, brushing doesn't cut it.
I've never heard of a properly mounted roof array getting blown off short of a hurricane or tornado...
Some design are like chimneys uses 4 of the wall as solar panels and on the top of the chimneys are windmills like a pipe design on standing positions etc.?
HI. I enjoyed this Clip. It was very informative. I do have a question. What is your solar energy INTAKE during cloudy and stormy days? Thanks....:)
Hello, I'd like to know how much was the mounting hardware for your ground system? I just purchased 20 (320w) mono solar panels.
I did a video showing how an antenna would affect my solar panel output. I lost like 40 percent. Anyways good video.
I haven't seen any new videos lately hope all is well with you!!
Hey LDS Prepper, do you have a system in place or at the ready for like a hail storm? Just curious, you may not even get it out there, but here in NC it is a high probability with the summer months.
Have you thought about when it is time to retrieve your excess energy? Are you planning on keeping track of the amount and at some point switching off the solar array and using your stored electricity from the utility company?
OrangeJeepDad I have the inverter setup to send extra energy to the grid during the day. At night instead of pulling energy from my battery bank we get it back from the grid.
LDSPrepper oh good. I thought you were storing it on the grid more long term. I should have known you were smarter than that. Keep up the good work.
LDSPrepper But you are cycling the batteries regular right?
electricity isnt stored in the grid, its produced and consumed. Its not like a big battery.
Ground mount you can get the right angle and point of direction...
Solar panels can produce more when cold. Unfortunately cold weather usually means cloudy.
LDS I can't find your resource list. I see only comments below. How can I find the equipment list, as it might be quite helpful? Thanks for the vids and inspiration! D.
That sure looks beautiful but cold. Back in Houston It is 68 and rainy
MrSer1962 It is beautiful and cold. But I have learned quickly how to dress appropriately for the weather. I am surprised at how much I enjoy being out in the cold without being cold.
Please make videos of your greenhouse build. I am very interested - especially how you are heating your greenhouse. Also. thanks for the solar videos.
+mpetrus100 Just so you don't have to wait on the new video there are some already made. Just check his video's. Janice
I'm very new to solar panels and anything electrical, but I was curious if you could put a "heater" on the solar panels to prevent snow and ice from building up on them.
jessica gordon You could. I have determined it isn't necessary. If snow accumulates I just brush it off with a soft floor squeegee on a 12' extension pole.
Thank you for sharing this important information listening from Brownwood Texas. Doesn't the roof mount also shade the house, making it cooler?
I read that it's better to get more air around the panels with ground mount to cool them
Why not use a leaf blower to clean the snow off?
What is the total capacity of the solar panels system?
hello sir, how much does this system of yours cost?
Why many videos of this playlist "Going Off-Grid: Step-by-Step" are private ?
nice system...how many kilowatts is the system? I want to mount one here.
Where did the install video go did you make it private?
Hi,
Thanks for the great videos. Are you ever going to to a video showing the components inside the house and the new battery bank?
646Silver Absolutely. Stay tuned.
Great, I am looking forward to it.
What are the specs for the mesh on the back? It looks like 19 guage, with 1/4 inch holes. Did the inspector say anything about bonding the screen. Technically, conductor which is added to the system needs to be grounded. It's at the discretion of the inspector, but I have heard of inspectors making this rather unreasonable request. PVC coated screen would solve that problem.
LDS, I believe that the easiest mess, (even snow) to cleanup is the one that can not be created. could you build something like a sheetrock tilt and extend unit that is used to load, tilt to horizontal and raise drywall to a ceiling to instesd work just the oppisite. that is instead of drwall, ust sheets of maybe plywood with a plastic cover that would store paralled to the earth behind your array and be cranked over your array to keep the snow off. the in use angle would be the same as your array. I would setup the unit to stop a safe distance from the collector serface. you may also add flip down 90 degree lips to help complete the snow blockage and stop snow getting under the cover and onto the collectors. also even the snowflakes that are sent air born by a snowblower can get sucked in to the intake and become high speed projectles that could damage your array.thank you again fore sharing.
After you went inside and showed the readings I noticed it was, although we still see fog, much brighter outside and there are even shadows being cast from the trees etc. No way were those pannels generating 2.5kw during your talk outside, closer to 250W in my opinion.
I think you're overestimating the effect that clouds and fog have on solar. They impact peak generation during peak production hours (this was late morning, so not peak production yet anyway). What fog and clouds do is diffuse light, not block light. You'd probably be surprised by how much power an array will generate even on an overcast day, as long as the overcast is consistent throughout the day. It blocks around 25-35% of the rated power over the course of a day, leaving 65-75% of the rated power still available to be used.
Those numbers can vary somewhat depending on specific conditions. The worst possible conditions would be heavy overcast during peak hours, and clear skies during off-peak hours. Then you can lose as much as ~60% of your rated power over the course of the day. But you'll always be producing something. 250 watts is WAY WAY WAY lower than what you'd actually get out of an array of that size at that time of day.
Looks great! Just curious, HAve you looked into and gotten a definitive answer as to whether an EMP or CME will harm the panels themselves? I know the dangers to charge controllers, etc... but need to know about the panels.
TxChief Solar panels themselves are EMP proof, period. The only thing you need to replace is the back flow diode in the connector box on the back of the panel so the panels don't pull power from the battery bank at night. Or just throw the breaker at night to disconnect the panels from the batteries. Simply take the diode to Radio Shack and get some extras. Store those in a Faraday cage/bag and you are set.
LDSPrepper
Doesn't the charge controller take care of back flow?
How's that rebate working out for you bud?
Wow, your panels are much more efficient in low light than mine. On a cloudy day with a 4.8kw system I get 0.1 kw/h ouput. Like someone said earlier Id be careful about brushing the solar panels over a few years they will scratch, bit by bit, imperceptibly, but at some point they will have become dull - snow blower sounds a good idea ! Today was a great day for me, my solar company said I'd produce 4,971 kw/h in 1 year when they sold the system to me. In about 15 minutes time my counter will tick up to 4,971 - an amazing 2 and half months ahead of schedule! ( and yes, it has turned me into geek)
kazbluesky I really believe the quality of the panel makes a big difference in productivity. That is why I purchased this brand of panel. czcams.com/video/tIr8YjaaTBg/video.html
LDSPrepper I think he does have a point about scratching it, I have thought about that myself. Have you considered adding a clear Plexiglas cover over them, I think it's a good idea to do that.
I would hinge it at the bottom so you can lift it up and the snow will just fall off. This will also protect your panels from hale damage, I don't know why I never see people doing this.
David, What system was on the your usage display ? thanks
opticsre.com/
will that broom scratch the panel coating?
It's tempered glass.
Love your videos but there is some serious financial aspects to this that the average joe wouldn't be able to accommodate. Any cost data for this kind of set-up?
Chris Brown Putting in solar is at the end of the preparedness list for me. It is a luxury but a much welcomed one. It is all about priorities. Everything seems to cost money. Get what you need the most first; food, water, shelter, medical supplies, etc. Click the link below this video for a complete breakdown of the components and cost.
Are there things that can be done to harden solar against EMP that are not cost prohibitive?
ever heard of anyone ever havin a problem with that ?
do they work when winter and storm rain
Yes, you get good power on cloudy days and during rainstorms. You get less but still more than you expect. You get about 1/3 in winter.
Ruff!
ey ee so u also a lds memberr if so awesom what citty n state u in
how much did it cost to get this setup total, if you mind me asking
not often mentioned, people get excited about a dollar a day resale of electricity and will spend many thousands or 10's of thousands for the privilege
Great system! Im guessing you didn't get the hoop house done?
Matthew Millner We are still working on it. I hope to get it covered within a week and start growing shortly there after.
LDSPrepper sweet!
Making that much power in those conditions do you think you over sized it?
Matthew Millner We are planning if things get really bad that our children and family will come here. When they do we'll have enough power for everyone.
LDSPrepper Ahh, I am sure I heard you say that in another video, great set up and vid!
Currious - What kind of batteries did you use and how many? Also how much does your power company pay you per kWh? Thanks
Sachi WI czcams.com/video/tIr8YjaaTBg/video.html
LDSPrepper Sorry, I missed that - it looks like you'll have enough energy to run your central A/C in the summer months - very good - wish I had that - some day I will - and you are right 30k for all that installed is a REALLY good deal
Sachi WI In this Northwest cooler climate we don't need an A/C unit like we did in Texas. This house doesn't have A/C. When we moved here and the locals told us it was really, really hot (85 degrees) we just opened the doors and let the breeze cool down the home. It was wonderful.
LDSPrepper 85 is a bit too warm for my tastes. I like it around 72.
Why didn't you build the solar aray closer to your house? Your house would provide a wind break.
Dane Allred My wife didn't want the array shadowing the south facing windows.
This got me wondering if a football at full speed hit a panel.
Selling? what does it mean? that mean yiou are getting paid for electricity you sell?
KrisRaps Yes the energy you don't use you are giving to the Grid. They are then paying you for it. However sometimes you are taking from the grid so there is a monthly balance and its paid at the end. Either you owe or you don't. Don't know if anyone ever produces more then they use consistently every month to draw a monthly paycheck.
NOT IN LATVIA !!!
In Latvia i would pay tripple if i would use some other electricity not theirs !
I really like your new home better than the most beautiful one because this one is more cozy and easier maintenance
Here is God's word for you from the HOLY SPIRIT.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. KJV
God bless you and family always. PEACE.
Anna Forhisglory Thank you. Very kind.
Sounds great and all but selling 1.5 kw to the grid is worth maybe 20 cents/hr. Times 5-6 hours/day....congrats you went out, cleared your panels and made maybe $1.....if all your gear was free and it never wears out.
IamMalibuBoy But he's not paying the grid for the consumption of his house. So even if he's making a dollar a day, he's not losing anything at the end of the month to the electric company.
Yes, but the guy has a pretty valid point. It might be okay to turn the system off in the winter, or only run it often enough to keep the batteries happy. Here the rate is about 10 cents/hr. It makes sense to keep them clear if there is no snow forecast for awhile, but putting them on the roof and letting nature run its course is also not bad.
ruf
when you get old your not going to want to climb on that ladder to scrape snow.
how right you are. lol
+debbie ihrig They'll probably invent a roomba for solar panels =)
dmstrat Now that may be a good idea. lol if it does not fall of too.
Fear of what?
Here in Baltimore, our panels generate even during the common rain storms. It's foolish more don't install solar...their investment will payoff better than any bank or stocks!!!
BeeFriendlyApiary Thanks for sharing. That is good to know. I was really surprised to see how much power we were making during 100% fog. These are amazing.
Winter sucks for solar panels!!! Check out my solar panels on my channel thanks
Please point out the Total Overall Cost of the System $$$, For people with large system they'll be paying for them along with the Mortgage. If you live in an area where it cost $0.11 nets per KW, all you need is something to have in place during a Storm, EMP, War etc., I haven't seen 1 system that actually pays for itself within 15 years! Skew the number all you want, but the FACTS are SOLAR IS EXPENSIVE !
30% Fed credit. $3500 eliminated property tax (1 year). $1000 state incentive. sales of srec's....my system will break even in 6.8 years. FACT
it is expensive...and yours are great motivations...but how cool to achieve those goals WHILE making money? every day after the break even point,,, you are pocketing cash by no longer paying for electricity.
p.s. batteries (a huge expense) are only (mainly) used when 'off grid'.
99.7% of solar customers do not use/buy batteries.
@daro2096 I don't see how anyone could ever break-even by adding a 14kWhr battery bank. Batteries are a financial loss ...
STOP! Efficiency comparison is useless. You first need to think about usable sunlight hours and where you live so PLEASE read the info below:
Most of the planet are using the wrong Panels!
If you don't track the sun daily, if your not going to change the angle seasonally or if you have a decent amount of overcast days and if you have a bit of extra space then the best panels are thin film. Most of the northern hemisphere are using mono or polycrystaline panels which are no good unless you live at the equator or unless you track the sun throughout the day and the year.
The panels that everyone uses only work well when aligned into the sun and are completly unobstructed from shadow.
Thin film panels will work in low light levels which includes sunrise sunset, overcast days partially obstructed by shadow and unaligned panels.
So unless you track the sun Mono and Polycrystalline are only getting a decent amount of power for 4 or 5 hours a day for half of the year.
Thin film will give you full power all day all year long!
If you have a little more space and can invest a little more initially you will soon recover your costs and more!
Good grief, you are obviously reading off a script.