KevinC_63559
New Member
I'm some ways away from adding solar to my "UPS" setup, but wanted to start wrapping my head around the mechanics of doing so. Thus some really basic starter questions. Please presume a ground mount system:
1) I presume panels are sufficiently rigid that support on the 4 corners will suffice?
2) Most appear to have aluminum frames. Are their bi-metal problems using galvanized steel clamps and bolts in direct contact with the aluminum frames? Would stainless be any better (at many times the cost)?
3) Is every panel different or are their mounting standards I should look for?
4) Every panel frame should be connected to an earth ground? Curious why since the frame is electrically isolated from the panel power output, right???
5) We live in a fairly windy place - 25-30mph gust occur annually, at least. Tornadoes too, but not much you can do about them. I noticed the wind ratings on panels seem to either be 2000pa or 4000pa. Worst case scenario I mount some vertically directly facing winds. Do I need 4000pa units for them to survive? I know that is going to vary by panel size, so presume XXL (roughly 4'x8' e.g. about 3 sq meters). Been playing with this calculator. If I doing it right, a 3 sq meter surface rated at 2000pa should be able to handle a 130mph wind??? 4000pa up to 180mph wind. Am I doing that calculation right? I presuming tilted would be less of a problem than vertical?
6) Recommended source for mounting brackets?
7) Is there a "rule of thumb" for budgeting ground mounting system?
Thanks in advance,
Kevin
1) I presume panels are sufficiently rigid that support on the 4 corners will suffice?
2) Most appear to have aluminum frames. Are their bi-metal problems using galvanized steel clamps and bolts in direct contact with the aluminum frames? Would stainless be any better (at many times the cost)?
3) Is every panel different or are their mounting standards I should look for?
4) Every panel frame should be connected to an earth ground? Curious why since the frame is electrically isolated from the panel power output, right???
5) We live in a fairly windy place - 25-30mph gust occur annually, at least. Tornadoes too, but not much you can do about them. I noticed the wind ratings on panels seem to either be 2000pa or 4000pa. Worst case scenario I mount some vertically directly facing winds. Do I need 4000pa units for them to survive? I know that is going to vary by panel size, so presume XXL (roughly 4'x8' e.g. about 3 sq meters). Been playing with this calculator. If I doing it right, a 3 sq meter surface rated at 2000pa should be able to handle a 130mph wind??? 4000pa up to 180mph wind. Am I doing that calculation right? I presuming tilted would be less of a problem than vertical?
6) Recommended source for mounting brackets?
7) Is there a "rule of thumb" for budgeting ground mounting system?
Thanks in advance,
Kevin
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