Building a DIY Solar Pergola | Step By Step

[@ChumpChangeXD]

So, what do you think?! I had no plans for this; Only refrences of what I have seen online and I made it work for myself in my personal situation. I think it came out well considering. I will do the FINAL cuts in the next video or soon after and we can go over a full cost and material list of this entire build in a break down. I just ran out of time in this video! Thanks for watching!! ➡ Check out Signature Solar: signaturesolar.com/?ref=zwzcpllh ("ChumpChangeXD" For $50 Off) ➡ Check out Tangem: tangem.com/pricing/?promocode=CCXD

[@Merrayle]

@@ChumpChangeXD I loved it! It's perfect!

[@muyoso]

Other than doing literally everything wrong, it looks nice.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

@@muyoso please explain lmfao fkn troll

[@WTFUSERNAM44]

Where did you get the clips for the panels?

[@ChumpChangeXD]

@@WTFUSERNAM44 just on Amazon small “L” shaped clips. I put a list of parts on my second video

[@AlexWaardenburg]

I'm an engineer and I also build a DIY solar pergola and DIY solar pavilion and I think you did great. My only recommendation would be to use carriage bolts instead of lag bolts. Carriage bolts will go the whole way through everything then you clamp it all together with a nut. That will hold tension better than lag bolts.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

That’s a great point! Thank you and I appreciate the feedback!!! 🙏🏻🤙🏻

[@ptech88]

Come on. No engineers can actually use tools. But they sure can draw.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Haha as a master plumber by trade you are 1000% correct most of the time but I think he’s got a point here 😂

[@ptech88]

@@ChumpChangeXD im also a master plumber. Too funny. Cant stand dealing with engineers and architects on the jobs.

[@AlexWaardenburg]

@@ptech88 I'm not going to argue your points, sir. Engineers are insufferable! I only bring the point based on experience. Especially with pressure treated lumber it's going to shrink as it dries and loosen your connections. I had to run around and retighten all of my bolts periodically.

[@OzSkyking152]

I just finished putting a pool in my yard and building a small deck with stairs. My next project is a solar pergola and your timing of this video is perfect. I will enjoy your next video as well!

[@ChumpChangeXD]

No way! That’s awesome!I’m working on my pool also (in my back yard just not gonna be a video tho haha) The next video I do the final cuts all around and start the wiring up of this unit! Started recording and just finished the cuts today. Oh ima plan to put a stock list sheet and how much this cost me to install/make also! Have a great n safe 4th of July man!

[@JimMorten]

Great looking finish, now I can't wait to hear how well it's working.

[@kevinSr1593]

Impressive, can't wait to review the next video.

[@fezwhy]

I love this idea! You see people mount them on houses, sheds and have standing units on the ground. But I think the solar pergola looks fantastic.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks brotha, Appreciate that!! 🙏🏻 Final Cuts / Material cost video releasing tomorrow! 😎🤙🏻

[@SihAza]

And a Solar Carport, like I did. Keeps the sun and rain off my classic car parked on the side driveway behind the fence, plus other good-stuff I keep there. Otherwise, a car tarp barely lasts a year in our evil sun and if in the rain, water can sit under the tarp to cause corrosion. I plan to add a solar gazebo beside my pool to make the space more useable in summer. Just don't know what I'll do with the extra PV power, other than power the pool pump (new ones can run straight off panels).

[@CWK09]

I thought the purpose of the post base was to keep the post above ground (out of water). I have also seen people seal cuts on PT wood since the pressure treatment is more surface level protection and yours are just exposed underground. The method you chose looks intentional so I’m curious about the thought process there, choosing what you did over a few more bags of concrete and something like a sonotube. I also think doing something like a white rock bottom would help with more sun on the bifacials. Great build!

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Yes it should be above ground 100% but my plan it to fill around the hole with rocks so it’s not sitting in wet dirt and the water will drain around them easier. Those poles are just too tall so I needed to have either real concrete footers (sauna tubes) or bury them a bit deeper than anticipated. This was my decision, though, as I did not want to make it a permanent structure with sauna tubes.

[@MiningMeister]

Great job Chump! Excited to see the rest of the setup

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks brotha, Same!

[@canvargun]

I like this type of content. It is not only interesting but also informative and allowing us to see dfferent applications. Thanks for your labor.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Appreciate that brotha! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@toytulog576]

The way I did my pergola post for my solar. I just dig 4 holes 1ft, then put the 6x6x12 Wood Post and Pour it quick cement.. once all 4 post dried. I only need to cut 2 pole 1ft shorter than other 2 (cutting it from the top). It seem a bit overkill you have to measure from the ground/bucket leveling when you can just level those post by just shaving off from the top of wood post..

[@chefsas80]

Outstanding work, Chump!

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks man!

[@dgrows]

Using those footer metal connections in cement is to be above grade not below if you were going to stick it in the ground it should be incased in cement so moisture cant rot the wood.

[@NScherdin]

How about sealed/treated lumber?

[@TheMaliaAble]

Looks fantastic and perfect timing.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Good luck with your build! 🙏🏻

[@racingtogreen2023]

Love the quick and dirty design.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks brotha!

[@brady.essman]

Great idea and awesome build! Certainly opened eyes to something I hadn't even considered... solar on our new Pergola build.

[@zarkov2324]

That's some serious talent

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks man 🙏🏻

[@metal_mo]

What an awesome project man! I've been thinking about building a lean-to off the side of my barn for extra storage, but I never thought about a solar panel roof. It also faces south with no trees. Now my wheels are turning lol.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Haha you should do it!! I will put together a list of materials for you with cost of this project in the next video or so 🤙🏻

[@metal_mo]

@@ChumpChangeXD awesome man. I was already checking out the solar kits.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

@@metal_mo “Signature Solar” is a great company and in my experience great to deal with 🤙🏻

[@737smartin]

Looks great! I'll be SHOCKED if you get significant power from the backside bifacial sun hot you're so excited about, though. Time will tell.

[@georgemaneira358]

Nice video! My only add would be to next time use 1" pieces of wood, or plastic pipes, across the buckets to hold the metal off the concrete, take them of and that way you will have one less point that will rust. Great job!

[@CapeCodCrypto]

Awesome concept and nailed the execution! Nice work brother!!

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks brotha!

[@kr00tmanmining]

Amazing video, I love how you were able to build something that you and the family could use while getting some more solar for your trailer.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks brotha! I am tempted to build a shed and day Fk the trailer but idk… 😂

[@joeharvey268]

Great job Chump ! A lot of planning and hard work makes for a great project ! Hope you get many years of satisfaction and lots of sunny days . Peace !

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks brotha 🙏🏻

[@mausr8488]

The posts should not be in contact with soil to prevent them from rotting. Best is to keep a distance if 6 inches between the end if the post and groundlevel. Beside that is it a cool project. Wish you a log of sun.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

@@mausr8488 yes 100% agree I’ll put rocks around the posts at a later date!

[@amplifiergamingBTC]

Looks awesome fantastic job. Didn't understand much of the construction lingo but dope anyways. Can't wait to see it fully finished

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Appreciate it!

[@miningstacker]

WOW . Amazing work and by far one of the best ways to mount and have a dual use vs just taking up that yard space , great stuff bro!

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks man I appreciate that 💯!

[@jokerminer1]

Man you are so motivated and such a hard worker. Great work as always when you do these big projects. Looks great!!!

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks man the means a lot! You will have to come visit some day 🤙🏻

[@allen35315]

Great video - gave me some sound ideas

[@HawkCryptoTech]

Hi can you help me install my solar? LOL! Great video! Finally watched it!

[@hyuxion]

Great project, would you consider to weather proof the woods such as staining?

[@domg6614]

Where is the work team, you're a beast to do this by yourself, love it.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks brotha!! Appreciate that. It was a lot of work my everything hurts 🤣

[@Cryptobadel]

Awesome job. lots of knowledge.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

🙏🏻 Thank you, Appreciate it!

[@t-GiG]

Chump comin in with yet another flawless execution. Bravo! You know when you see something that’s so obvious in retrospect but you never thought of it yourself? Tossing the whole bucket with cement in the hole was my aha moment! I would’ve been out there for hours trying to keep the base feet squared and level 😂

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Haha dude it made life so much easier! I just had to open up the hole to one side a little bigger to get my drill down screwed in one side of the post, then spun the 6 x 6 and screw down the other side cause both together were over 200lbs wasn’t moving that around 😂

[@harvmac69]

Very cool build, I need to do this to my back porch!

[@davidadkins1926]

I'm working on same thing... How did you secure the panels to the rafters?

[@ChumpChangeXD]

I used little self tapping tec screws for the panels and 1-1/4” wood screws for the joists and some 1” L brackets I found on amazon. I think I put the full list in my other video

[@davidadkins1926]

@@ChumpChangeXD thank you for answering. I’m very happy to hear those held up to winds and storms.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

@@davidadkins1926 no worries at all brotha (I put 4 on the top and 4 on the bottom of each panel left/right and two on the center joist) Good luck!

[@bNixx83]

This is awesome! True inspiration.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Appreciate you. 🙏🏻

[@DavesBonsai]

I love this and will likely create one very similar now with yours as my guide!

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Any questions feel free to reach out!

[@harthenry]

Does zoning allow you to be less than 10 feet from property line for pergolas?

[@ChumpChangeXD]

I own 10’ on the other side of my fence 🤙🏻

[@GavinStoneDIY]

Nice work on this one. I’m looking at getting some similar panels to expand my system.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Dude these panels are awesome looking with the black frame! Signature Solar came through quick as well which was nice. They are the 495w Bifacial "Hyperion" (Link is in the pinned comment for their site)

[@TheOGBigShow]

What brackets did you use to screw the panels to the wood?

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Just some small 1” L shaped brackets I put a link in the google doc of my second video

[@TheOGBigShow]

@@ChumpChangeXD thanks! I’ll check it out!

[@yankeeownz9980]

Awesome pergola. That was a lot of work. Next time look at the GAF Timberlane roof shingles or change all the wood to vinyl.

[@jonphanspromotions]

This is beautiful brother. I love it.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@AlmightyPyro]

if you wanted to make them serve like a roof that no water comes down when it rains, what would you recommend?

[@ChumpChangeXD]

They actually have some "Rubber Tape" Stuff ( www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLY3LXYX/?th=1 ) Thats what you could used it would probably work real well! I just didnt want to wait for it to arrive lol

[@trevorshiffermiller9390]

I am thinking something like this for my house. I have a south facing walkway beside my house that gets tons of heat during the day. I was thinking of putting up a solar pergola like this for two reasons. One the obvious solar panels to make electricity. the second to prevent the light from mostly hitting my house to help reduce my cooling bill most of the year. You gave good instruction in the video but do you have actual plans for something like this? What would be different since I already have concrete along the side of the house?

[@ChumpChangeXD]

In the next video I have a parts list but that is all I got brotha I’m sorry wish I had more for you!

[@RobTheMiner]

Awesome job brother, thats going to pay off in the long run. Always quite the handyman!

[@ChumpChangeXD]

I appreciate you, thanks man! 🙏🏻

[@sparkfire1223]

Cool video, what is the value of using the buckets with concreate instead of just concreting in the poles in the ground?

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Didn’t want it to be 100% permanent. I can remove the buckets need be. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@sparkfire1223]

@@ChumpChangeXD O, interesting. I didn't think about that. Awesome man project looks great.

[@ACMining1]

Great job man. Looks great!

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks Brotha! 🙏🏻

[@stephencicero]

Bro. Looks awesome. Good work.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Appreciate you, Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@jimranger11]

I like the pergola idea , I am going to copy from you and make my own , But make two , one for the rising sun to mid day , and one from mid day to setting sun. Could not see how you fastened them to the pergola also what is the watt size and volt

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Check the second video I put out. Also a pervious one I put out goes over the solar kit I got from Signature Solar

[@Merrayle]

Brilliant! I love your ingenuity! 🎉

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thank you!

[@Merrayle]

@@ChumpChangeXD You are most welcome! 😁

[@Solar_and_Security]

Thanks for this, I've been planning to do this exact project soon. Looks great!

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thank you!!! I will get a full materials list together for you in one of the next upcoming videos for you!

[@id104335409]

Clean work!

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thank you!!

[@TradeLikeSnipe]

looking good my brother

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks brotha!

[@Flash1857]

Awesome work, looks very good

[@ChumpChangeXD]

@@Flash1857 thank you 🙏🏻

[@Kharrari]

amazing

[@KJAJOBRIEN]

I saw a similar pergola, only instead of solar panels, they used panels to heat their in-ground pool. Of course, here in Florida, we don't have that problem. Nice video.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

That’s awesome! Thanks brotha 🙏🏻

[@CharlieMoDank14]

Nice idea. Good job.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@Robertevo]

Looks amazing man great job!

[@ChumpChangeXD]

My man, thank you! 😎🤙🏻

[@canvargun]

How did you develop your crafting skills?

[@ChumpChangeXD]

I have been handy my entire life. Growing up broke forced me to learn how to do things myself and it has always stuck with me even after being semi sucessful. TY for watching!

[@adame924]

It appears you have a 4 ft rise over an 8 ft run which calculates to 26.75%. Were you shooting for a particular angle or just guestimating what angle would work best based on the sun's location?

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Just guesstimating and facing them south which I hear is best for placement 🤙🏻

[@BrentMcDonald-t5t]

Can you share the calculation?

[@paulsmalser3261]

I am looking at doing something very similar. As far as dealing with the joist spacing/ bowing/ twisting , I would have run a set of blocking between the joists at mid span.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

I agree I just didn’t wanna ruin the look 😆

[@TheMaliaAble]

Would you mind adding the materials list please?

[@ChumpChangeXD]

In the next video I plan to do that and all the math on cost!

[@TheMaliaAble]

@@ChumpChangeXD thank you, sir! I'm eager to replicate this.

[@bru512]

Great job Is there a better way to seal the panels to prevent water from going between them? I was wondering if an EPDM gasket would have been better.

[@MyGoogleYoutube]

I think butyl tape would be good?

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Yea for sure I just didn’t have it when I did this so ehh. Next time that’s what I would do tho for sure!

[@castletown999]

I am a little confused. From the video it seems you have the panels facing north? Also, when you used clamps to straighten the rafters, when you take them off it means the panels are acting as clamps. Is that wise? They are glass and not designed to be loaded like that. I think I would have used separate blocking.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Straightening the wood and securing the panels won’t hurt the panels. There wasn’t that much pressure the clamp is to hold it still not because it was hard to compress…

[@timiamcrypto2202]

Just a great job!

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks brotha!

[@TubeandJar]

Nice wood skillz

[@ChumpChangeXD]

LOL TY!

[@EdmondBradAshworth]

Looks great! I do have a question, are you worried about a strong wind grabbing those panels and ripping them off the frame?

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thank you! I mean yea that’s always a worry but I have 4 screws on each side. I would be shocked but I may add some additional stuff later now that it’s done 🤙🏻

[@EdmondBradAshworth]

@@ChumpChangeXD I am also using 2x8 for my framing on my solar pergola. Living in a windy area I am using 4 1/2" Anchors to hold them down, Tulsa can get some super strong winds and they will rip out the small screws easy.

[@carlcote7351]

Awesome job 👏 Looks great 👍

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks man!

[@prodevops6271]

Nice idea, what is the capacity of solar power panel and total project cost?

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Check out my other video on the kit I just got. I’m actually wiring it up now as we speak. But advertised MAX 495w Bifacial 7,920w Max

[@Mr_Hundredaire]

Looking good homie

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Ty Ty!

[@patrickmurphy3]

Sick setup bro! All you have to do now is pull those tags off the ends of each board and she's done! Can't wait to see how you wire this bad boy up!

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks brotha 🙏🏻

[@rondy87]

Good stuff, brody!!! 💪

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks Brody! We need to catch up soon! 🤙🏻

[@rondy87]

@@ChumpChangeXD 💯

[@dinkyshopYT]

Not sure of your climate, but what is the freeze thaw depth in your region? Otherwise you cd get heaving and displacement (of the posts/footings) as the ground goes thru freeze thaw cycles.. Might be helpful for folks in other regions to address that issue for posts/footings that go into the ground. Also, those rafters are notched so deep, it negates the strength. (Don’t notch more than 1/4 the depth.) Should reinforce them or they can crack/fail since you mentioned you have snow loads. Could also have some wind uplift unless you included hold downs on those rafters.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

32” is the frost line which I am past. Also yes I threw some finish screws in the joists for extra security off camera that I will mention in one of my future upcoming videos

[@bryongodwin8471]

Looks good great job!

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks Man!

[@expert244]

I am liking this project

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks brotha!!!

[@mindbender50]

Blocking would be better at keeping them spaced and remove the stress from those fragile panels..As well as make the complete assembly more ridged!

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Yea that’s why I got a few extra boards but it will be ugly! 😂 Appreciate the comment! 😎🤙🏻

[@dr.projectx5142]

Nice project. How much was it all in the material ?for this project not including pannels.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

I will put a full list of everthing toegther for you in one of the next videos!

[@easyadmin3429]

MAN! Nice job!!! Can't wait to see how much volts you get out of this.. Keep it ON!~~~

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Dude I can’t wait either! Hope to start running wires next in the next 2 days 🙏🏻

[@grantmidd]

What did you use to secure the solar panels to the rafters? I can't actually see what you used it doesn't look like what I commonly see for sale for solar brackets.

[@mxcollin95]

Nice work man! 👍

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks brotha!

[@vladbagdasarov1672]

Looks awesome! Question, having a support joist right in the middle of the bottom side of the panel, essentially permanently shading it won't render useless?

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thank you! Yes tho you are correct. BUT, my reasoning for that was being in New England I am worried about the snow TBH

[@Pepaw-Bill]

Great Job! Looks fantastic. Really like how you’ll be able to overpower the panels with the white fence reflection and even get late day power on back side. Keeping the battery back full shouldn’t be and issue now.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Man I hope it works as well as I think lol! Thanks brotha 🙏🏻

[@archur111]

Just a great idea!

[@adamwiseman5831]

Looks great. I was going to do something very similar to yours but a little further forward from my bright white fence in hopes of getting by facial gain reflecting from the fence. Not sure how much it will help. But was going to experiment with a single panel at first. Do you notice any from you're set up before the sun directly hits the back? And do you think the fence in giving any? Thanks for the vid.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

I haven’t hooked this all up yet to be honest I will do the testing on video once it’s all hooked up!

[@polpolisation]

good work!

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks!

[@jasonherzogmma]

Very nice. My initial concern is you aren't using rafter ties and using the solar panels to keep the wood from bowing. I don't think they will bear that tension well as the wood changes.

[@chrishanly5682]

Bro, You nailed it…So jealous! Looking forward to the wiring 😂😂😂

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Hope to start it in the next 2 days 🙏🏻 Thank you very much my man 🤙🏻

[@Robert-xi6bf]

Putty tap would seal between and still allow small movement

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Yea I didnt want to wait for it to arrive! LOL and I woulda needed alot of it 🤑

[@kathycarraher5014]

How heavy are those solar panels? That is stout enough for a horse barn.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

They are roughly 65 lbs if I had to guess. They are just awkward cause they are so large! 🤙🏻

[@privateuploads-geo2625]

Awesome solar pergola. It is nice that your backyard is very level. Even so, My main question is how did you get your uprights to come out exactly level across the tops, and especially so that the notches were exact? Did you have to make multiple adjustments on each hole, from being either too shallow or to deep, to get a level point across all of them? Did you draw a line at 42" above the concrete bucket on each post, and then match to that point with the laser level?

[@ChumpChangeXD]

So yea it was a pain in the ass to get them exact but I would ROUGH measure the length of the bucket plus the 42" before putting the bucket in to see if it was exactly 42" from the top of the bucket... I did have to remove the buckets once or twice being off by a little. That was horrible but coulda been worse lol

[@MyGoogleYoutube]

Check out a water tube levels

[@TechyRodsWire]

good stuff would like to see more content like this

[@ChumpChangeXD]

I will do my best! It’s just hard when I don’t always have things I need build! lol Thank you for the feed back it means a lot!

[@sh0cktim3]

Maybe I missed it in the video. What is the overall purpose of a solar pergola? Or specifically what you using yours for?

[@adamscott7545]

This is clean…but did it need to be so beefy?

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thank you. I wouldnt trust 4x4s tbh

[@davidmc1975]

NIce!!!! I know who to hire when i need something built

[@ChumpChangeXD]

My man 🤙🏻🙏🏻

[@EbayDK2K]

Is this the chrisfixit for solar? Love it!

[@deeproots24]

great video, how much did these solar panels cost ?

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Check out my other video I show the kit that I purchased. I got it during the Memorial Day sale. I know you can get just the panels and not this entire kit if you would like to go that route. I have. A link in the description and pinned comment for signature solar

[@chucktrotter9699]

7.4.24 Did you have toi get a building and electrical permits?

[@ChumpChangeXD]

You probably should but it’s a “temporary structure” the way I built it and the electrical is all off grid so they can’t do anything tbh.

[@Mgamerz]

Looks nice, I will probably follow this for mine when I get to it. Doesn't that wood rot in the ground though?

[@ChumpChangeXD]

I mean over years and years yea for sure but for a 6x6 Pressure Treated to Rot fast or badly is very unlikely. I’ll prob be dead by then 😂 The alternative is you could do 4 foot sauna tubes in the ground, but I didn’t want to have to deal with any permitting BS from the town (already boarder line lol)

[@SpyderKing34]

painters tape or small backing rod will stop the culk from oozing thre

[@ChumpChangeXD]

That’s brilliant! Damn lol

[@N1NJAKIDD]

Bro you got some serious DIY skills, I wouldn't even know where to start with building that. I'm the person who would pay someone else to build that😂😂. I love watching you work. Also you have such a beautiful property, well done brother

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks man that means a lot! Reach out if you ever need help with a project!

[@crypto440]

Bro that's sick. I wish I had them skills.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Appreciate you brotha! We all good skills others want! You the electronic wizard over there haha!

[@jeremyspecce]

Awesome structure, but man, i think I would have built it to park that travel trailer under, though. Seems like the perfect opportunity to protect that thing from the weather.

[@ChumpChangeXD]

Thanks man! Yea unfortunately I don’t wanna part it on the lawn haha