Basic Solar Installation

[ultrarunner]

FWIW: While it wasn't the case previously, there are now low profile vents that are permitted under solar panels.

All the best,

Peter

I did not know that.

On occasion I have used roof vents to snake or drop a balloon to clear/flush a line.

 

[ponytug]

I did not know that.

On occasion I have used roof vents to snake or drop a balloon to clear/flush a line.

As in all things code related, the inspector, and the AHJ, have the final say. It has been mentioned fairly extensively on various solar sites. Here's a gizmo to reroute the vent as another alternative;

Details on a code change that allows for solar panels above plumbing vent pipes

A standard change from the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials will allow for a sophisticated new design concept that allows PV installers to place panels above existing ABS plumbing vent pipes, instead of designing around them, giving installers the ability to offer...

solarbuildermag.com

Solar Roof Jack - More Power Production

Solar Roof Jack is a more efficient way to use roof space, leading integrated solar panel, offers solar panel for home, Offices at affordable price in California, U.S.

solarroofjack.com

I've read that some AHJs are comfortable cutting them off an inch or so below the panel, as the normal function for a DWV is to allow a pressure relief while draining, and to allow off gases to dissipate.

Our local AHJ would not sign off on them a few years ago, but they have a reputation finding issues...

All the best,

Peter

 

[ultrarunner]

Always learning something on TBN

It makes sense because I see many new installs that are offset for vents.

 

[shooterdon]

Great information guys and thanks for sharing.

I did not know the LiFePo4 batteries had to be kept out of the cold. That could an issue I need to think about. Snow on the roof is another "weak link".

 

[Williy]

MattB 48 Volt batteries are not more than 8 times
a 24 volt system! I use two 12 volt batteries to make
24 volts. Also for the price of two of the 100 amp batteries I can purchase a lot of deep cycle batteries
that will last me just as long and with a whole lot more
power and the cold don't bother them like the lifepo4 type battteries and always have plenty of power. Any temp below 32 degree's F the lifepo4 batteries go down hill for efficency. Also the L6 batteries lasted approx
16 or 17 years. How many people live in area's that
have temp's below 0 degree's?? LOTS??? You like
to pay over a $1k for a bettery great; I will stick with
the deep cycle batteries they work for me. Plus
they have over 900 amps vs 100 amps!

INFO ON LIFEPO4: LiFePO4 Battery Operating Temperature Range: Safety, Precautions, and Common Mistakes

willy

 

[MattB4]

MattB 48 Volt batteries are not more than 8 times
a 24 volt system! I use two 12 volt batteries to make
24 volts. Also for the price of two of the 100 amp batteries I can purchase a lot of deep cycle batteries
that will last me just as long and with a whole lot more
power and the cold don't bother them like the lifepo4 type battteries and always have plenty of power. Any temp below 32 degree's F the lifepo4 batteries go down hill for efficency. Also the L6 batteries lasted approx
16 or 17 years. How many people live in area's that
have temp's below 0 degree's?? LOTS??? You like
to pay over a $1k for a bettery great; I will stick with
the deep cycle batteries they work for me. Plus
they have over 900 amps vs 100 amps!

INFO ON LIFEPO4: LiFePO4 Battery Operating Temperature Range: Safety, Precautions, and Common Mistakes

willy

Uh, I never said they were. I said they were 8 times capacity of the same ah 6vDC.
Watts = Volts X amps For 12 volt batteries it would be 4 times. Batteries in series doubles the voltage but the amp hours remain the same. 4 - 100ah 12vDC batteries wired 2S2P gives you a 24v 200ah battery. If you wired 4-100ah 12v batteries in series to be 48v you would have 1-100ah battery.

No, your deep cycle lead acid batteries will not last as long and especially not if you exceed 50% of capacity on a regular basis. Whereas Li can be easily cycled 80% of rated. Typical deep cycle batteries will have 500-600 cycles. Lithium will have 2000-6000 cycles.

Your use of amps instead of amp-hours is incorrect.

I used to think that it was best to stick with FLA for PV until I started using LiFePO4 about 2 years back. They are superior in every metric with the exception of not being able to charge if below freezing. They can discharge though.

 

[Carl_NH]

A question for those with roof mount panels in northern climates: How do you keep the panels clear of snow?

Ours are on a 10/12 pitch garage and south facing and they shed snow within a few hours - heavy snows they shed every 8-10".

I also use a snow broom on the lower two rows to get it to shed faster. Amazon.com

 

[bdhsfz6]

Ours are on a 10/12 pitch garage and south facing and they shed snow within a few hours - heavy snows they shed every 8-10".

I also use a snow broom on the lower two rows to get it to shed faster. Amazon.com

The most efficient panel angle varies with latitude. In some locations, not necessarily yours, I suppose it's worth sacrificing some efficiency by increasing the mount angle to get better snow shedding.

 

[ponytug]

The most efficient panel angle varies with latitude. In some locations, not necessarily yours, I suppose it's worth sacrificing some efficiency by increasing the mount angle to get better snow shedding.

And /or relatively more power in the wintertime.

 

[Williy]

I don't have a 6 volt system its 24 volt
I never discharge my batteries to 50% The solar
panels provided enough power that it didn't happen
I will be getting 2 24 volt 1600 watt wind generators
from:

Wind Turbines | Missouri Wind and Solar

Buy a micro wind turbine for energy independence. Produce your own energy, day or night, with wind turbines that really work - buy from the small wind experts at MWANDS.com.

windandsolar.com

plan is to be off grid

willy

 

[HawkinsHollow]

The most efficient panel angle varies with latitude. In some locations, not necessarily yours, I suppose it's worth sacrificing some efficiency by increasing the mount angle to get better snow shedding.

The good news is wintertime calls for a more aggressive angle at northern latitudes already.

 

[bdhsfz6]

And /or relatively more power in the wintertime.

True.

My neighbor's ground mount has a manual Summer/Winter angle adjustment. He stopped short of getting a mount that tracks the sun automatically due to the poor return on investment in our latitude.

 

[ponytug]

True.

My neighbor's ground mount has a manual Summer/Winter angle adjustment. He stopped short of getting a mount that tracks the sun automatically due to the poor return on investment in our latitude.

I can't make the math pencil out for me, either.

However, I have been spending time with PVWatts, and for us, getting the panel angle up (latitude, or up to latitude plus ten degrees or so) has a minimal impact on the annual production, but really boosts our winter production, when we need it the most.

All the best,

Peter

 

[HawkinsHollow]

Absolutely, LiFePO4 batteries are a solid choice for affordability and durability in off-grid setups. Your system sounds like it’s perfect for your buddy's needs, especially with its straightforward setup for essential utilities.

When handing it over, maybe check the positioning of the solar panels for optimal sunlight exposure, and ensure all connections are secure. How long has your buddy been living off-grid? Also, are there any specific challenges he's faced that you think this setup might help overcome?

JUST started. He has a trailer out there with a Genny right now, but running a generator every time you need power is annoying. So I figured I will lend him this system that has been sitting in my container until he gets electricity run.

 

[ultrarunner]

True.

My neighbor's ground mount has a manual Summer/Winter angle adjustment. He stopped short of getting a mount that tracks the sun automatically due to the poor return on investment in our latitude.

I’m the same… less than 5 minutes and no tools required to pull the spring pin and clevis to the next slot