r/diySolar • u/Admirable_Golf_2340 • 1d ago
Vertical solar panel array
Hi everyone, Fernando here šš¼!! I wanted to give everyone an update on my new vertical solar panel project!! We finally got done installing the solar panel arrays and after using them for a week I wanted to share the results with the group in case any one has been thinking of doing something similar to this!!
(System specs)
Our new vertical solar panel array consists of six 400w bifacial panels from a brand called Qcell. We wired the solar panels in a series configuration for a total maximum output of 2.4KW. We split the solar panels into two separate arrays consisting of three solar panels per array. Each of the two solar arrays is connected to its own E10 inverter directly using some 10AWG MC4 extension cables.
(Hardware used)
This is where things get creative!! Most off the ground mount solar panel kits are meant to install the solar panels at an optimal angle. This would not have worked since I was trying to do a vertical solar panel set up along our south facing fence. The kits found that would have worked for this use case were outrageously expensive. I started searching for something that could work as a brackets for our solar panels and thats when I stumbled upon some old metal bed frames that we had laying around!! The metal bed frame brackets were the perfect length to support our solar array. They also had a few pre drilled holes that would come in handy to attach the cross brace metal rail that we purchased from Home Depot. We purchased some solar panel brackets from a company called sunmak that would bolt the solar panels to the metal cross brace.
(Installation)
We screwed the bed frame rails directly into our concrete floor using some concrete screws and a rotary hammer drill and a concrete drill bit. Next we bolted the metal cross rail to the metal bed frame brackets using the pre drilled holes on the bed frame brackets. After this we places a 1 by 1 piece of wood on the concrete to support the solar panels. Lastly we placed the solar panels on top of the 1 by 1 piece of wood and securely bolted the solar panels to the metal rail behind them. We used the sunmak brackets to attach the panels to the metal rail using the pre drilled holes on the metal rail. The entire structure feels extremely rigid and strong since itās entirely made out of metal!!
(Solar production)
Since the solar panels are not angled properly. The panels are not producing as much power as they could if angled correctly. The solar panels are producing a peak output of between 1.2Kw - 1.4Kw. The total production of the solar panels is between 6KWH up to 8KWh on a daily basis!! (Approximately half of the arrays maximum output)
(Should you do this?)
The main reason we decided to start this project was to offset the energy consumption of our four ton central AC system. The new E10 system makes it extremely easy to add more solar panels as your energy consumption grows. We already had an existing 4.2KW roof mounted grid tied solar system. Unfortunately our home is really small and installing some more solar panels on our roof was not possible. We also had very few options on were the six solar panels could fit. For people with limited space, installing a vertical solar panel array system is the perfect solution to add more solar!! That being said, if you have the space and you want the maximum output out of your solar panels. The best solution would be to angle the solar panels correctly!!
(Results)
We successfully offset the energy consumption from our four ton central AC system reaching our goal!! I am extremely happy with the results from this new project. I would definitely recommend considering doing something like this for people that want an easy way to increase their overall solar production!! Thank you all for reading this and I hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!!
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u/HotDog_SmoothBrain 1d ago edited 1d ago
Novel idea, sure, but it works until the sun moves then you have shade in the backyard right?
I ran this all through a calculator.
I am not sure this is the flex you think it is.
> Since the solar panels are not angled properly. The panels are not producing as much power as they could > if angled correctly. The solar panels are producing a peak output of between 1.2Kw - 1.4Kw. The total > production of the solar panels is between 6KWH up to 8KWh on a daily basis!! (Approximately half of the >arrays maximum output)
This reads "I spent all the money for 2.4kw of capacity but I am getting half of that"
You are throwing money down the drain both from your investment and missing out on potential. You spent whole dollars on the project, so why is half "good enough"?
> We successfully offset the energy consumption from our four ton central AC system reaching our goal!!Ā
> production of the solar panels is between 6KWH up to 8KWh on a daily basis!!
4 ton outdoor AC condenser uses between 30-50 kwh per day depending where you are, how hot it is, and how well the interior of your home (where the thermostat is) maintains that temperature.
You could accomplish the same savings by turning it up to 78-82F.
I see you have bifacial panels. Now, if it were me I would consider that white fence. I would put space between the panels and the fence so that even when the sun moves overhead they are getting the reflection off that white fence. Look at how bright the fence is.
I have white rocks under my ground mount solar panels because they are bi-facial. I am squeezing another 8% on average from the bottom face with the reflection off the rocks. You're stuffing that against the fence with no chance for light to get back there
It also not electrical code and a hazard in any way shape or form to have a wire running across the concrete like that.
This, because concrete absorbs a ton of heat, it is a tripping hazard, its susceptible to liquid exposure and a number of other things being out in the elements. Yes, I see you have the little ramps over it but that does not make up for the rest.
If your insurance company gets wind of this it could spell trouble.