Cheapest DIY Solar Pergola Build Ever - With Sirius 415 Watt Solar Panels

[@jonjojr]

this is not new, but he is sharing the process which is more important than the "idea" itself. I am sure there are tons of us who were thinking on pergola style panels, but didn't know where to start. Well, here it is. Get started!!

[@rodneyhunt]

Very true. Just trying to do it cheap to test if it will survive

[@hiddenintheshadows530]

@@rodneyhunt Sirius PV 415W Bifacial Solar Panel says Minimum purchase is set to 10 at the 200 price.

[@hiddenintheshadows530]

This will cost 10k, not cheap!

[@vevenaneathna]

yes sir. solar is so cheap now, ground mounts are almost as expensive as the panels. this is smart

[@rodneyhunt]

Thank you! Definitely need to find a cheaper way to out up panels. The commercial mounts are ridiculous now. Some are nice for sure but like you said they cost more than the panels.

[@mnotlyon]

The ground mounts are part of the solar system, so if the government is offering incentives, your new sun shade that has solar panels on it qualifies for the incentives too.

[@Alphasig336]

Yes I have been considering this against my house. My roof faces East west. My walkout side basement faces South. I want to build 8’ tall to 12’ pitch that’s 39’ long. I’ve been trying to overbuild.

[@vevenaneathna]

@@Alphasig336 smart

[@gantz4u]

@@rodneyhunt I have a small porch with something like a wheel chair ramp attached for my old dogs legs. I might try to tie in to the 4x4 posts and ramp and cover up the ramp with a solar roof, like this. but bring it up higher than my house eaves so I can shoot over the house roof with the solar support rafters. Im thinking I can get 4 panels mounted in portrait, floating over my roof at the proper southern angel, since my roof line sits east to west. If I were to do it. I think Id be out for wood $150 for an 8 panel mounting system. Provided you had a wheel chair ramp and porch to tie into. Not saying it wont fall over. I'd have to see.

[@mr.makeit4037]

Now you are set up for agrivoltaics! You can simply grow vegetables in raised beds under your pergola. Now days with the intense heat, vegetables grow much better under shade. The vegetable plants transpire moisture under the solar panels keeping them more cool thusly making your panels more energy efficient. Something to consider. I'm doing that. Also the panels can partially provide electricity to maintain a battery and timer system to periodically water the plants. My system utilizes a rainwater catchment system. Good job, Sir.

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey nice idea! Never really heard of that.

[@mr.makeit4037]

@@rodneyhunt just a few videos on youtube, one of which is being done on a commercial scale, but yes I'm surprised also. It's for sure a thing, Especially now because for the last two years for me, the sun and hot summers were so hard on exposed gardens, just cooking my plants. This is a win win.

[@kevinroberts781]

Actually tomatoes grow much better in the shade. Great idea

[@LReno-di9cm]

Just be careful. There are very toxic chemicals in many of those panels.

[@vtecmissle]

@@kevinroberts781 not really we use shade cloth in the tomato industry for temp control but field tomatos come in much faster and usually more yeild.

[@brians7275]

Rodney, I think this is a fantastic idea and appreciate your videos about DIY solar. This one is especially helpful for anyone that was thinking of building a pergola or other structure. Why NOT make some small modifications to the plan and include solar! Thank you again for taking the time to record, edit, and upload all the videos! I know it’s a lot of work and you should know that you are appreciated.

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey thanks! Appreciate the support!

[@underourrock]

I put up 33 bifacial panels on a steel pergola frame in 2017. This was my second personal 12kw installation, and my 4th or 5th overall design. (I've designed systems for people I know to install themselves.) Mine meets building and electrical codes. So I have a pretty good idea what I'm doing. Each corner has 4'x4'x3' of concrete. That's roughly 1.8 cubic yards of concrete per corner. For 1/3 of the panels I would expect roughly 0.6 yards of concrete per corner minimum. Besides support and stability, the weight keeps the panels from pulling the structure out in high wind. Angled panels are going to have significant lift if the wind comes from the back. For your use, I would use minimum 2.3' X 2.3' x 3' deep reinforced concrete with those metal mount plates embedded that hold the wood above the concrete... wood in concrete will rot a lot faster. Concrete and anchors are cheap compared to losing everything. You do really good work there overall. I am only suggesting you don't cut corners on concrete and don't screw around with rotting wood long term. I know it's too late for this structure, but next time a minor investment increase will take this from 10-15 life span to 30+ years for the structure. Nothing worse than buying something twice. This isn't criticism. My intent is to suggest a relatively small change someone could make to make a huge improvement on a good overall design.

[@ericpierce4041]

Thanks thats good info

[@rodneyhunt]

Always like more ideas. This was just a test to make it cheap as my other builds are definitely better structurally

[@underourrock]

Totally fair. The extra concrete and metal base embedded in the wood isn't much more cost or complication but has a ton more value. No criticism, just encouragement to go for it next time because that's a lot of work to not hold it down a bit more. Also, not expecting you to be able to do anything right away with that info, but I know that leaving a comment and replying is a good way to help. My hope was that someone else thinking about doing this might benefit from a little more material and an even stronger structure.

[@rodneyhunt]

Definitely works for me. Like I said in the video, something like I didn’t recommend it i think lol. Appreciate the comments

[@cypsteel]

Care to share more info on your setup? Specifically the framing and how you kept it water tight? Also photos of the concrete posts would be good as well.

[@juanlanda2441]

I have a carport that I was wanting to top with panels. I'm self taught when it comes to carpentry. I see you did a good job on the framing . M not sure what your spacing is between your 2x6 rafters. But since you are using purlins I think 3-4 feet is ok. I usually keep the spacing at 2 feet. It's the thousand of dollars in panels and controller, battery setup that I know nothing about. But it's a great idea . Good work. And your mic is awesome no wind noise, no background noises. You came in clear. 👍

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey thanks! Appreciate that

[@elmedia1532]

I suggest upper corner bracing. High wind day could bring something like this out of plumb!

[@rodneyhunt]

It’s probably out of plum from the builder lol. But thanks for the tip!

[@altosack]

Even better would be earth anchors at 45 deg off of every corner, attached to the cross beams. Braces will keep it from racking, but it won't stop it from flying away.

[@keithb3801]

​@@altosackWould leaving some spacing between panels help with wind resistance that it would be worth it.

[@triggerwarning2439]

I did this about 5yrs ago. I put some foam rubber strips in between. I welded up some thin ss sheet metal brackets so each connection mounts to the wood frame. Its a great wood shed and a spot for my lawn equipment.

[@rodneyhunt]

Sounds like a good setup.

[@triggerwarning2439]

​@rodneyhunt it's been great but now they have some much stronger panels that I would like to swap them out with or just build a whole new aray. I used grid tie inverters so the whole set up was super simple. I bought a whole pallet of new discounted U.S. made panels for a song and sold 6 of them for a decent profit. I think my whole set up with permits was around $2500 which I've made back probably my first yr and half in electricity savings.

[@rodneyhunt]

@ That is awesome!

[@liamsumnicht]

I can only assume based on the title of the video, that it will work! But mostly, I am excited and appreciative that you went through the work of thinking of and doing the experiment, to save the rest of us time lol

[@rodneyhunt]

I appreciate the support! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@SihAza]

I used 1.25" EMT for a frame over a 12 ft span. Mounted nine 550 W panels as a solar carport w/ 7 EMT "rafters". Two 10 ft EMT per rafter ($25 ea), plus ~$10 for connectors at both rafter ends (galv fence clamps, structural brace), so $420. One side attaches to my house rafters. Other side is 2 ft higher to shed rain into the house gutter and better angled to sun (faces SW). I "shingled" the panels for no leaks and catch drips between the panels (2 gaps) in U-slot polycarb clear roofing (strips cut) to the gutter. I bolted the panels together, like you, since the ends fell between EMT rafters (spaced to house rafters), but no riv-nuts just 1/4 SS bolts and nuts. If again, I'd use 1.5" EMT since mine seemed too springy with the 60 lb ea panels (bifacial, 2 glass sides), so I added offset wire rope underneath to support and keep the tubing straight. Perhaps another $100 for bolts and brackets to attach panels to EMT (cut and drilled angle aluminum). Like you, I didn't use any solar-specific mounts (too pricey). Panels were $99 ea (new, cl, slight damage), which was as cheap as metal roofing, so realized an inexpensive carport roof and got 7.7 kW solar power (5 more panels mounted elsewhere). Like you, I used an EG4 6000XP inverter w/ 5.1 kWh battery (smaller than recommended, but works for me). I'm considering a pergola roof by my pool with panels as roofing, to power my pool pump and may go with redwood for looks, plus wood allows a more flexible design. You should add diagonal bracing to your structure for horizontal wind loads in both directions.

[@rodneyhunt]

Nice! 👍

[@underourrock]

EMT isn't structural. If you're going to use conduit in that manner, I can highly recommend Rigid / IMC. The PSI strength is much stronger.

[@Cody_Ramer]

You can plant some poplar trees for windbreaks, they grow 5-8 feet a year so they only take a couple years to be a good windbreak.

[@rodneyhunt]

Nice! I will probably kill those lol. Everything I plant doesn’t work out well usually. Will look into that

[@wannabeaznufcfighter]

I love it Rodney, keep going with your DIY projects. I'm cheering you on for I'm getting a lot of inspiration from your videos.

[@rodneyhunt]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@dwightjtaylor]

You absolutely nourished the way I will proceed on two different projects. One in a major urban area, the other in a vast rural setting, looking forward to viewing other posts, thanks

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey thanks

[@KD0MMF]

Awesome idea and innovation, you could've built the thing but thanks for all the extra work to record it on video to share with the rest of us!

[@rodneyhunt]

Glad you liked it!

[@daylechipps7124]

Thanks!

[@rodneyhunt]

Thank you!

[@AdamDeLayDIY]

Nice job on the build! Gives me some ideas for a firewood shed or even a spot to part the tractor implements!

[@rodneyhunt]

That’s sounds good! I got part of this build from your chicken coop build. Just went as minimal as possible! Thanks

[@ToddDesiato]

I always leave a gap between the panels to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction. If they are locked together tight, the glass or cells could crack from the stress!

[@rodneyhunt]

Possible for sure! But I have seen many like this before without any problems so a risk I am willing to take.

[@Verb130]

Nice build. Attachement here in Florida to meet 150mph code, will require more hardware for the solar panels. I think it would make a great carport. Well done.

[@rodneyhunt]

Yeah definitely need more for your situation!

[@PjotrII]

FIRST RESPECT for building INNOVATIVE things!

[@rodneyhunt]

I appreciate that! Thank you!

[@UnkyjoesPlayhouse]

Dude you got a cornfield in your backyard, no way I would go into that at night, great video, gave me lots of ideas for mounting my 20+ panels.

[@rodneyhunt]

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks

[@jamesg6071]

Yeah this is a great idea and fits exactly what I need for a firewood cover and truck cover to park in. Will be attempting this soon thanks for posting!

[@rodneyhunt]

Good idea!

[@spartanaerialservices]

Really enjoy your content, just stumbled across you today. I’m in the middle of setting up my Horse farm, and we are going to do 100% Solar right now. Our cabin that we put up to live in is finished. I did a simple EcoFlow Delta pro systemwith three 540 W panels in series. Our cabin is 600 ft.² and is wired for 120, and all of our appliances are 120 V. I’m going to be doing solar in all of our structures on the property for the horses, and our equipment.

[@rodneyhunt]

Nice! That sounds like something I hope to do one day. Off grid type homestead

[@dilumd]

i asked a contractor how much it would cost to do this exact type of build, he wanted $6300 excluding the panels. Crazy what people are charging for these simply projects!

[@rodneyhunt]

Indeed! Wow

[@hsew]

It’s because nobody knows how to build anything anymore. Or they’re too lazy to learn how. Or they want it to be somebody else’s liability.

[@hoa8954]

I'm rooting for ya, bro! It's disgusting that people might be hoping for you to fail!! You've got this!!!

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey thanks! Appreciate the support

[@scottfranson4215]

LOVE IT , SO MANY NEED THIS. . IN NC.

[@rodneyhunt]

Bam! Nc

[@keletienne7947]

Ok now this is DIY! Thank you for recording this. Have had an inclination to do the same and this is extremely helpful.

[@rodneyhunt]

Thank you!

[@kirkking6601]

Looks great. You should triple 2x6 or 2x8 the beams so they can carry a snow load. Its so short of a cross span that double may work though.

[@rodneyhunt]

Not much snow here so should not be a problem.

[@debrasaints3809]

Great music and great video! This is exactly what I’ve been wanting to do in my backyard! Thank you😊

[@rodneyhunt]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@marksanders7305]

I just started watching ! “ You idea so far sounds great ! You will succeed ! Great idea thinking out of the box !

[@rodneyhunt]

Welcome aboard!

[@jasonhermosilla9064]

One of my favorite videos in a while!

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey I appreciate that! Hope it helps you with some ideas

[@taj-ma-haul9094]

I built an internal frame to rigid up the panel frame. 1/8” aluminum bar stock an inch wide that I had to cut down to 13/16” to fit properly. I’m not joining panels together, but lifting individual panels 90° from vertical (alongside Taj-Ma-Haul during transit) and then lifting them 90-95° to horizontal+. They then produce the liquid juice *and* provide a shaded deck. This internal framing was key to helping reduce flexing, not eliminating it. I may add cross-bracing in the future.

[@rodneyhunt]

Oh sounds interesting. Thanks

[@bettypowers5166]

My husband and I were just talking about doing something similar, but make it in to a carport.

[@rodneyhunt]

Good idea! 👍

[@beebop9808]

I think we need a swear jar so we know what's really happening when the camera is off. 🤣🤣🤣

[@rodneyhunt]

Lol. These animals will drive you crazy when recording

[@beebop9808]

lol This evening I had a doe with 2 fawns, 2 bunnies, a dog and a yard full of 8 week old chickens running around. Got 6 week old pullets in the shed and just pulled 16 chicks out of my incubator. Got any ideas about building a coop and run out of solar panels? 🤣 As for you mount I don't think you can beat that with a stick! Cheap enough and those panels are kickin!

[@Master_Failure]

Add a coin every time you say "basically". 😂 Thanks for the video and for trying this before I did, basically. 😊

[@Resist.Tyranny]

@@beebop9808 I do. Put it on wheels with a small motor and micro controller, and the chicken coop can automatically move the chickens to new grazing.

[@mondoman1890]

Not crazy, like it or not, you're an engineer.

[@rodneyhunt]

👍

[@tobymaples7646]

This is perfect timing for me. I have been trying to figure out a pergola setup. my system isn't making power during peak cost hours of 4-7 pm so I need to build a pergola in an area that will.

[@rodneyhunt]

You can do it!

[@tobymaples7646]

@@rodneyhunt Hey Rodney, I need some advice. since my peak demand charge hits when I am making very little solar I was thinking about a single big battery and inverter to discharge during peak. i don't want to send any extra to the grid as I am not set up for that. do you have any recommendations as far as what inverter would be ideal? my big central ac pulls a lot of amps and does not have a soft start. I was considering putting a 2 ton mini split in the main living area and turning the central off during peak.

[@KrustyKlown]

Makes total sense to integrate solar panels as a roof for a building / pergola structure... if putting up panels, would be STUPID not to.

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey thanks! 👍

[@AFlaGuy]

the decking board will bend over a few months. I tried it, 2x4 on edge worked.

[@rodneyhunt]

Good to know. Will keep an eye on it!

[@weldonwilks1938]

Dude, thats a great idea, I can do that on my patio cover! Great video!

[@rodneyhunt]

Go for it!

[@thastinger345]

This is Lawrence Fishburn's lesser known Brother Leo.

[@rodneyhunt]

Lol 😂

[@ezabreeza3223]

Great video! I think a lot of us are on the same page. And my phone can read my mind I have a slide incline to put a carport and was just thinking about using solar panels to cover it hopefully it will be done by Spring of 2025. My goal is to have a battery large enough to run my water heater constantly and WINDOW 10K BTU air conditioner😅 16hrs

[@michaelhawkins3417]

What if I told you….you can get energy from the sun…for free?

[@asusreviews]

I think its a neat design and way to do it. I'd worry about high wind conditions and it falling apart though. There is a reason these systems all need to be engineered to withstand all the uplift forces on the panels.

[@rodneyhunt]

We will see. Thanks

[@timothyingram6904]

3:53 at this pause the video point, I think it could cause future damage to the panels due to expansion and contraction of the panels. Of course that will depend on how they are mounted to the structure. Also, fun idea!

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey thanks. Good points!

[@douglaswindsor120]

Hopefully you put braising on all the post to stop any side to side movement and back to front nothing worse than seeing the post bend and snap off in a wind storm

[@denissh3955]

its grate, i have solar pergola for 4+ years but you should increase front and back to 2x10 the minimum preferable 2 rows on each side.. and use Structural Lag Screw like 5 in. Star Drive Low Profile Washer Head RSS ... specialty if you going to spend time under it

[@rodneyhunt]

👍

[@tangent2658]

I'd probably just mount the mounting rails directly to the wood and then attach the panels to them as normal. Would cost more but you would have less in wood costs as you wouldn't need the cross section support as the solar railes would give that support. Nice project. I'm considering similar

[@rodneyhunt]

Good idea! Just wanted to test something different this time. Thanks

[@DeanFamilyAcres]

Cool project, only other way to save is to shop ahead at a resale store or marketplace. We've build an entire barn for under $1K including the roofing metal.

[@rodneyhunt]

Good ideas! Thanks

[@colormaker5070]

Another great project. I did one of your tilt mount PT build from your previous video and worked great. I am installing 2 of the brightmount in a few weeks and bought them with your code. Keep up the great work can’t wait to see what you do next.

[@rodneyhunt]

Great to hear! Nice that you could use some ideas from my build to create more energy independence for yourself

[@Jehovahstool]

Wonderful project... Perhaps you can put some white rock on the ground and a white fence on one side for more bifacial gains.

[@rodneyhunt]

Good idea!

[@raymondpetersen3543]

Nice job I did basically the same but I used 1-1/2 ngle iron and 1-1/4 pipe . If I had that back yard at the back I would have some wind turbines.

[@rodneyhunt]

Nice! 👍

[@abdigitaluk_photography]

Great video! I've just started dabbling in solar. Bought a Bluetti AC200L and got some panels arriving tomorrow. Currently working out whether to mount them on the south side of my house, or put them on top of my 3.5m x 3.5m gazebo

[@rodneyhunt]

You can do it! Sounds like a good start

[@notransfat1]

Comment at 4:00 - I wouldn't bolt panels together. I would put white metal roof on top the pergola and mount panels on that, with some space between panels to take advantage of bifacial. Some extra cost for roofing panels and racking.

[@rodneyhunt]

Nice idea. May need to test that one day

[@Alphasig336]

I would Dig and pour concrete columns 6” above ground and use an anchor to 6x6. The issue I see with ground installed 6x6 is that panels will last 50 years. Posts will not.

[@rodneyhunt]

👍

[@Diva9000x]

Great idea! I'm gonna build something similar but on a smaller scale over my back deck. I learned some good tips. Thanks!

[@rodneyhunt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@clb1024]

I think it should work, however you'll need to put sealer in-between if you want the water to not leak through underneath. Edit: I was wrong 😢

[@rodneyhunt]

So was I lol. Thanks

[@rd30ott]

Great idea man. Real nice, ground mounts are insane now too

[@rodneyhunt]

They are!

[@michaelblew6019]

Far,far better then the massive commercial solar fieds

[@rodneyhunt]

Thank you

[@randya9143]

This winter I am going to build a 30-40' version for car parking. And to power up a heat pump system, free heat & cooling as needed.

[@rodneyhunt]

Nice! 👍

[@Trustedcoins]

I am impressed! Great work.

[@rodneyhunt]

Thank you very much!

[@zaks4434]

You will have a little gap between the panels due to the rib nut. Its like putting a washer between them.

[@rodneyhunt]

👍

[@Jehovahstool]

It will work with the fasteners

[@rodneyhunt]

👍

[@bobcole3852]

Worked out well! To take advantage of the biracial, you could put some landscape timbers between the posts, add some weed barrier and a big load of white gravel. I'd love to be a recipient of another battery (and did buy all my stuff from SS) I'm getting the two V2 batteries from Current Connected simply because they offered free freight which is significant.

[@rodneyhunt]

Good Idea! Thanks

[@bobcole3852]

Bi FACIAL, not racial! Shoulda checked spellcheck!

[@rodneyhunt]

Lol. I understood what happened. It happens to me all the time with spellcheck

[@JillofAllTrades2]

@@bobcole3852(Psst … there’s an edit feature on KZbin if you’re interested.)

[@rangerbob42]

I liked this video like the others! Good job! I like watching these types of videos because technology increases rapidly and you never know what’s going to be the next best thing coming out! Thanks for sharing!

[@rodneyhunt]

Thank you very much! Appreciate the support!

[@kellobyte1]

I before watching the rest of the video I think that this is going to be a good start however, I think it’s going to need some reinforcement modifications and definitely for someone who needs a snow load rating. There’s going to have to be some significant reinforcement modifications.

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey thanks. Good call

[@jsbrads1]

Love it. Just thinking about some short corner braces to strengthen it against winds.

[@rodneyhunt]

That's a great idea! I have bracing on my other builds but just wanted to see what this looks like during storms. Have some wind today so we will see! Thanks

[@jsbrads1]

@@rodneyhunt a friend called me the morning after setting up a small gazebo he set up himself, it had fallen over during the night due to strong winds. We put a couple corner braces in and it was fine. His was only wood no material was lost, if you wait for yours to face serious wind you might lose a couple of panels.

[@davidjackson8787]

I think you did great and it appears to be viable to way to rack up panels.

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey thanks. I agree!

[@rp9674]

Great idea, rooftop installation is expensive, grid tie is expensive. Best savings is AC peak hours, best emergency coverage is a refrigerator

[@rodneyhunt]

Indeed! Thanks

[@AveRage_Joe]

I thought FO SHO those first 2 panels were either going to shatter or pop the frames off lol I was like NOOOOO DONT DO IT😆 The pergola came out nice!!🤘

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey thanks. Yeah the frame bent at the rivet nuts lol. Man I wanted that to work. I bet something that went the entire way thru the tube type frame it would work. I just didn’t have any idea and needed it done lol.

[@ensom]

nice pergola and reasonable materials cost. wouldn't add much to do some diagonal bracing, which i think is necessary to make it structurally sound and much more wind resistant.

[@rodneyhunt]

Indeed have that on all others I have built at my house. May add if it looks necessary but this is a budget build test to see how it does. Will keep you updated and thanks

[@P81OS2]

This turned out really good. Nice work, Rodney!

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey Peyton thanks. People seem to like it so far. Sirius panels are doing great since install. More updates to come

[@talentscout5135]

Great job and nice build! Thanks for sharing.

[@rodneyhunt]

Thanks for watching!

[@DyesubDave]

This is very cool. I have no experience with solar and minimal experience in construction. I'm certainly not a structural engineer. Just wondering how difficult it would be to make the structure adjustable for finding the proper angle depending on the season. I'm sure that would raise the cost though. Also probably better that the panels aren't physically attached to each other. At first I thought that was a good idea but then wondered how much work it would be to replace a panel if need be. Since they're not attached I'm sure it's a much easier process now. Thanks for the very informative video. 👍😎

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey thanks!

[@OfftoShambala]

Until you get a different surface… you could get some aluminum radiant barrier under the bifacial panels… I am currently using some of the bubble wrap type… gives me over 5 extra watts vs the white concrete. The radiant barrier material is relatively cheap and lots of uses.

[@rodneyhunt]

Nice idea!

[@aroundtheshop]

As always.... Great Job.... keep em coming!

[@rodneyhunt]

Thanks! 👍

[@meilyn22]

You are a gem, sir.

[@rodneyhunt]

Wow, thanks! Appreciate the support

[@jbaidoo2000]

This is a great idea. I am definitely going to try to copy some tips from it. Thank you!

[@rodneyhunt]

You are so welcome! Thats great

[@jackkylejr.1112]

I wonder if there is expansion on those panels from winter to summer, making the idea of bolting them together a mistake????

[@rodneyhunt]

I need to do an update video

[@IMJUSTBILLUNO]

“More power to ya.” Lol 😜😏🤭⚡️☀️

[@rodneyhunt]

Bam! 💥

[@bhunter736]

Thank you for sharing this. I have a ground mount system that I used uni-strut and my biggest puzzle was how to make the actual attachment between panels and support structure. You are more brave that I was by running screws straight into the frames. Since it's been a couple months I'm wondering if you made any more tweaks or upgrades aside from additional bolts.

[@rodneyhunt]

No but I need to do an update. I had only one board warp some. But was able to stick a block between it and my mount to straighten it back out. Will see if it will stay after a few more weeks of drying but if not will leave it

[@WiseMovement]

Great video Rodney! I might try it myself.

[@rodneyhunt]

Go for it!

[@mrrustygray]

Well thought out. Good job.

[@rodneyhunt]

Thank you. Really appreciate that!

[@benponderin]

what are the extra considerations for ASIC mining? what equipment would I need between the panels and the ASIC

[@rodneyhunt]

Not sure. I would have surge protection for sure and lightning.

[@canyondan]

you have so many excellent ideas Rodney. Thanks for sharing

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey thank you! Appreciate the support as always

[@nef003]

Was originally going with another setup; similar to the one you have with the tilt; but after 5-6 hours of brainstorming and adding to HD cart; wife sees this video and says " we should do that one instead" lol.. I now have taken this idea and making it my own. the only difference would be the cross runners will be 2x6x16 since each of my panels is 7.6 feet in length and 3.8 in width. its going to run me 494$ + tax.

[@rodneyhunt]

Nice! Like I said this was just to see how cheap I could do it. But beefing it up a bit will always help. It is still standing and doing good though.

[@nef003]

@rodneyhunt thanks for the reply. Just began this journey after trying for 10 years. Now things are more affordable. I have similar setups to you; but smaller scale all sitting in the living room waiting to piece it all together. Just bought an eg4 6000xp along with 10 bi facial panels of 535W and 2 48v server rack batteries. The 6000xp didn't come with the dongle; does that matter or could be fine without it?

[@ericbooth9584]

Always appreciate you sharing your work. Thank you very much.

[@rodneyhunt]

I appreciate that! Thank you for your support!

[@1psyurmind200]

I think that you are to something. I like the idea. Thank you for your video.

[@rodneyhunt]

Thank you too!

[@robertwilson2489]

Dude, You are definitely crazy for trying a ground mount solar panel system, But I love your project and making me want to try my own project.

[@rodneyhunt]

Go for it! Thanks

[@brentjohnson6654]

I am wondering how you are doing after Helene damaged much of Carolina.

[@rodneyhunt]

Doing good. Will have some regular videos out soon. I am in southeastern NC so well out of the path that Western NC is still dealing with.

[@brentjohnson6654]

@ oh good place to be. I have been wondering how life and all the changes are affecting so many out there. Thanks for your videos and responding to our questions. It means a lot.

[@rkeantube]

you might need some high temp sealant to make that pergola water tight for rain.

[@rodneyhunt]

May do that in the future if I feel it is necessary. Mostly for the sun at this point

[@carlhenrikson4174]

Self tapping screws are not what you want to use to mount them. Drill your wood where the bolt holes are in the panels and nut and bolt it with washers. Pps if you don’t want a pergola you can buy a ground mount solar tacking system for around the same price and gain more power. Any drilling on the panel, put a block of wood in that slot to protect the glass so you don’t hit it. You also should have cut out your pillars the size of the 2x10s for the 2x10s to sit in and on the pillars and not screw right to it. Nails are better than screws for shear strength also.

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey thanks

[@jgrowsup5829]

First time coming across your videos! Subbed and liked great work man!

[@rodneyhunt]

Welcome aboard!

[@OFFGRID_Trucker]

I have enough panels to make one of these. My home\RV faces south and the factory awning got worn out.. so the sun heats up the top and the side pretty good, which makes the AC have to work harder. I just bought some land in AZ so I will be getting a carport installed on a concrete pad, fur sun and heavy rain protection. My mini split runs off of Solar (EG4 12k Hybrid) I like this idea though, it's simple and cheap for shade.. Rodney.. get some gloves that fit. lol.. I would go with 3 of them for each 2 panels.

[@rodneyhunt]

Oh nice! Thanks

[@WilliamLaakkonen]

Thanks for sharing Rodney- you're an inspiration. I'm thinking of doing something like this but without sinking the poles- rather bolting them using L brackets to mobile home cement pads, which are pretty heavy- in this way the structure is not a structure at all as it is bolted down. This also allows the possibility to move it in the future. Those seem like nice panels for the money- but I wouldn't want to mount them on top of a vehicle such as a travel trailer, 5th wheel, or motorhome.

[@rodneyhunt]

I love hearing everybody’s ideas on ground mount builds. Sounds like a good idea

[@hacked2123]

Fyi, if those rivnuts are galvanized steel, which they appear to be at a glance, then they will cause galvanic corrosion with alluminum. No clue when, and to what degree, but I'm working on my own ground mount design and I'm even putting a barrier between my copper impregnanted (pressure treated) lumber and the aluminum PV frames, even though they are coated, just in case.

[@rodneyhunt]

Good ideas! Thanks

[@goodcitizen4587]

Really cool. Thanks for the share.

[@rodneyhunt]

Thanks for watching!

[@Bowhunters6go8xz6x]

Good stuff ! I was thinking that a wooden Pergola 2 car Car Port with concrete driveway underneath and you could even park 2 shiny cars underneath would be awesome and the concrete and cars would reflect sunlight onto the Bifacial side of the panels to make that Bifacial thing happen. Take Care !

[@rodneyhunt]

That would work!

[@kenminix4780]

Thanks for all your videos I find them very helpful, I do have a question on the EG4 6000XP that I hope you can help me with, it says in the manual that the PV input can handle up to 500 volts, but is that 500 volts per MPPT or is that 250 volts per MPPT for a total of 500 volts?

[@rodneyhunt]

Yes per MPPT! So go with higher voltage for each

[@Mike-01234]

If you have lot of land this works good.

[@rodneyhunt]

I think it works either way since I don’t have much land. But all relative to what everyone thinks alot of land is lol. Maybe your lot is really tight on space

[@richdobbs6595]

Did you do any design calculations for the structure? Clearly, this must be someplace that never snows, but I can't think of places that don't have wind. The posts look way to skinny for that height. The beam looks seriously under built for that span. No cross bracing.

[@rodneyhunt]

Like I said. Not telling anyone they have to do what I did. If it falls I will make a video. I may add some cross braces at some point like my other arrays. But this is a test to make the cheapest pergola style ground mount. Will keep you updated. Thanks

[@dfuentes420]

Great job Mr.Hunt! The rive-nut could be done alot better and in another configuration to have it sealed and water tight. The mount looks good just add the additional hardware for peace of mind. I agree a swear jar is needed 😅.

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey thanks

[@lugo2214]

Ty for this video. Update? Any wind to test your set up? Wanting to build these type of set up to use as carport roof. Your thoughts?

[@rodneyhunt]

Will have updates soon. Survived high 40’s mph winds so far

[@mikeanonymous669]

Why did you make the ground mount so high? Keep it low as possible for easier cleaning and maintenance.

[@rodneyhunt]

So I could use it as cover to work and it will not take up more ground space. Still walk, ride bikes, work on projects, etc. 👍

[@mikeanonymous669]

@@rodneyhunt I didnt see how much land you were limited to. Im spoiled and have 5 acres so Im not worried about space. You did an excellent job in your construction of your ground mount. Might even consider adding a rear adjustability and front pivot to maximize angle for winter to get a bit more out of panels in the winter.

[@MrButuz]

That's really cool well done.

[@rodneyhunt]

Thank you!