final panels installed

[bschwartz]

Finally got off my butt and installed the last 5 (of 15 total) Evergreen 205 W panels.
I've now got 3 parallel strings of 5 series panels, so about 3KW.
They feed the FX-60 then into the GVFX-3648.

I went el cheapo on the panel mounts.
3/4" galvanized pipe mounted to the roof with floor flanges.
15 old used bed frames provided the angle iron that was bolted to the sides of the panels, and then attached to the galvanized pipe with U-bolts.

[LowGear]

I'm curious how you anchored the floor flanges.  There doesn't look to much framing in that part of your roof.

Casey

[rl71459]

Are the unions there so you can change the angle (Upright Pipe Length) without removing the flange from the roof?

I have made some stuff from the angle Iron of old bed frames. I chew'd up some band saw blades while cutting the stuff... What's up with that? do they temper the stuff or somthing?

Rob

[bschwartz]

The roof has trusses every two feet, 1/2" OSB, then the metal propanel.  The floor flanges each have two wood screws on opposite corners, and on the other two corners, are bolts through the roof with large washers and nuts on the underside.

Yes Rob, the unions are there for future angle adjustment.  Good eye!!

I think bed frames are some of the toughest angle iron out there   It sure kills drill bits, so I figure it should hold my panels forever.

With all the pipe (many pieces found at yardsales, and scrap) all the mounting hardware cost about $400.  If I had actually purchased the mounts from one of the solar companies, that probably could have cost 4 times as much.... I couldn't believe how insanely expensive the extruded aluminum mounts are.

All said and done, I've got the full 3KW system installed, wired, etc. for about $8500.  No rebates, tax credits etc.  With our electric rates around $.15 per KWh now, I expect my return on investment to be about 8 years or less.

[LowGear]

I'm curious why you didn't pick up the federal tax credits of about $2500?

Casey

[bschwartz]

Because of my tiny salary, I don't owe any taxes.  (Yes, I paid taxes, and didn't get a free ride).
I was also under the impression that I had to show paperwork indicating the grid tied install........ er... uh.... there I have a problem.  My system is grid connected only on a verbal 'go ahead' by my local utilities.  I have no formal written agreement, as our small town doesn't have any procedure set up for grid tie.  The advantage is that once connected, my meter turns backwards or forwards as power is used/supplied.  Basically I'm getting exactly the same for my power that they charge for theirs.  None of this 'wholesale rate' garbage.
I also have this nagging in the back of my mind that registering my system with the fed is like registering my guns..... no one else needs to know what I have.
Hey, if I change my mind, I figure I could always claim it next year.

[deeiche]

rm /

[bschwartz]

U-Becha !!!! 

[d34]

Glad to see that someone is making progress.  My install is on hold (soon to be ex-wife is getting the house).  I have half of the system installed there now and 20 brand new 80w panels being stored at my office.  I'm gonna build a new place and the bad part is that will probably be next year.  So the setup will stay hooked up at her house until I get that done (unless things get ugly).  Too many batteries to move more than once and they need to stay topped off.

[LowGear]

I haven't gotten my refund yet but it does not have to be a grid tie as I understand it nor commercially installed nor permitted but you have to have receipts.  OK, you're not going to get credit for your labor but just about everything else.  And the credit hangs in there for many years. 

I know there are a couple of solar people on this site that are far better educated and experienced than me.  Better information please!

Casey