DIY Adjustable Solar Panel Ground Mount - Part 2

[@rodneyhunt]

Use discount code rodneyhunt50 for $50 off at Signature solar signaturesolar.com/?ref=rodneyhunt

[@donaldreynolds4003]

Good job on your ground mount! It is awesome to see my fellow Americans becoming more self sufficient and less reliant on the government. I have 12 330 watt Sun Power panels coming from Signature Solar that I need to plan on my mounting system. I live in Onslow County and have to deal with the threat of hurricanes and Nor'easters. I currently have about 1100 watts of solar from a mix of Renogy and HQST panels in my 24 volt system. I only have 15wk of SOK batteries, but it has provided for my family during a few power outages. After we lost power during Hurricane Florence in 2018, I said never again. I started with 2 Goal Zero 1000wh systems and installed my own transfer switch. I currently run my garage and 2 freezers 24/7 on solar. I am aiming for 20 to 30 kwh of battery storage by the time I am done.

[@rodneyhunt]

Nice to hear solar is working for you. We lost power during Matthew and florence here in Robeson County NC for days and we are inland.

[@canyondan]

We need a 6 months of use update video on how it has performed during all the weather.. Very nice mount. My wife walked by while I was watching the video and said "hey that is the one you need to build". I am sold on that mounting solution. Thanks for all your videos and knowledge you share

[@rodneyhunt]

@@canyondan hey thanks. It has done great. I still recommend a 6x6 instead of 4x6 for the main post. Depends on how high it is from the ground may need a little more heft. 👍

[@jamesbsa6450]

Do you adjust or flatten it before storms? ​@rodneyhunt

[@oldguitarhack]

Thank you so much! I had a very similar design in mind. Going to follow your lead.

[@jiminsav]

Rodney. Great job. When I have time and money, i'm gonna duplicate that so my panels won't have to be embarrassed by the mount they on now.

[@rodneyhunt]

I had these on the ground for months lol. Didn’t have time to build the mount until now.

[@joeystrains.9316]

Man, I like your style. People need to stay in their own lane. Subbed. In the process of upgraded my solar. God bless.

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey really appreciate that! Thanks

[@northidahodreaming5657]

good job....same way I put up some of my panels...2 x 6s and unistrut...been up and stable for 5 years in the Rockies....I did put some cross bracing between 4 x 6s

[@rodneyhunt]

I did as well. Might be in another video. 👍

[@yramid6770]

This is kind of my reason why when my wife and I move to our forever home. I am tired of being reliant on a third party for the things that we need. Great video Rodney!

[@rodneyhunt]

Well said! Thanks

[@NYCamper62]

Man that is a solid ground mount, nice job. I like how it's adjustable. You could even use another bolt on the center brace 2x4, and maybe a few holes for the back part of it for angle adjustments.

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey thanks! You are right and I may add bolts to the 2x4 in the future if I don’t add auto adjustment

[@CYaunk]

Started building my ground mount off of these plans/directions. Thanks for the very helpful info Rodney! Picked up my unistrut 3/21/24. Still waiting on my center clamps to get here. I did end up putting in a "sleeve" in the 6x6 posts along with some grease to aid in ease of moving. Just wanted to say I appreciate your videos. Also waiting on my 6000XP to arrive.

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey that sounds great! You will like the 6000xp. Mine have been great

[@jeromeprzybilla9999]

Best ground mount I've seen so far built out of pressure treated lumber. Considering going with this one, but adding more 2x6 joists underneath, adding corner braces on all four corners as well using 8x8 treated posts. I get winds up 60 mph during some storms. The prices for metal mounts are out of this world. Great video!

[@rodneyhunt]

So goods. I may add some corner bracing but wanted to see how it was without it first. Also adding cross bracing for post. May go with bigger post on my next one. 👍

[@TechHawk52]

I am impressed with your videos and thank you for giving the rest of us the inspiration to take more control of our living environment. I am a retired Manufacturing Systems Engineer and your videos have got me thinking about building a DIY Solar system for my home. Please keep up the good work and thanks for doing what you do.

[@rodneyhunt]

Appreciate that. That is one of my goals. 👍

[@terrahillfarm]

Great job! Nothing like free electricity from the fusion reactor in the sky! Just finished my first solar ground mount. Lots to learn but the payoff in free electricity is totally worth the effort. 👍☀️⚡️🤠

[@rodneyhunt]

Indeed it is. Keep at it!

[@WeThePeopleSurvival69]

I would run some heavy cables to the ground on each end and have multiple anchor points or something adjustable for high winds to keep you and your equipment safe..and you can use it as an earth ground as well for lighting protection 💪🇺🇲 be safe. Stay Frosty 💪

[@rodneyhunt]

Good ideas and tips thanks!

[@ich1ban916]

Lookin' good, can't wait to see how it performs!

[@rodneyhunt]

Will keep you updated. 👍

[@ScottieBMan]

Great work, thanks for sharing, looking forward to EG4 XP inverter’s all hooked up, mine shipped yesterday from SS!

[@rodneyhunt]

Thanks. You should enjoy them and I am ready to get mine installed.

[@rickhoro]

Nice job! I love the way you make everything look accessible and doable for a complete beginner like me.

[@rodneyhunt]

Happy to hear that! Thanks for watching

[@jasonbroom7147]

Right when you said the government will take care of us that old rooster said "Nuh uh!!", and he's right.

[@rodneyhunt]

Lol yeah

[@realeyesrealizereallies6828]

Nice work..Great minds think alike...I built something very similar...Makes a big difference being able to get that angle right, and change it with the seasons..I've had solar panels on the ground for years, and still have some on the ground for the minisplit..

[@rodneyhunt]

Thanks. It makes all the difference 👍

[@veteranveteran9915]

Just recently found your channel brother absolutely love what you doing keep up the great videos as I am definitely subscribed for the ride❤

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey thanks will do

[@sjbill1793]

Just started on my tilt array today. Inspired by you of course ❤

[@rodneyhunt]

Nice! 👍

[@BuddyEllis]

Great video. I only have 1800w system that doesn't tilt. Thanks for sharing this.

[@rodneyhunt]

Better to have something than to wait. I have been slowing building for several years now. 1800 watts is huge to someone with nothing so you are better off than most. 👍

[@cue881-yo7kz]

Excellent job Rodney! I really enjoyed the videos!

[@rodneyhunt]

Awesome, thank you! Appreciate that

[@hendersonsobers396]

Nicely done Rodney.

[@rodneyhunt]

Thanks!

[@aunttriciaattic]

Thanks I was looking for a hook up like what you have because the Sun come in from the East in the morning then make it to the West by the evening

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey glad it helped! Thanks

[@bhunter736]

Great build, thank you for sharing. I'm inspired.

[@rodneyhunt]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@robertmjr7996]

Very nice build. Just found the channel, the Freedom & self reliance comment earned a subscription.

[@rodneyhunt]

@@robertmjr7996 Hey thanks! Freedom is what it is all about for me

[@robertmjr7996]

@@rodneyhunt Without Freedom, man really has nothing. Just finished part 1, I have to say that your "engineering" looks flawless.

[@rodneyhunt]

At least someone thinks so. Usually everyone tells me what I did wrong. But that’s the internet when you upload content. Thanks!

[@WillMathematics]

You are amazing sir. I appreciate your content.

[@rodneyhunt]

Thank you

[@bw3506]

Cool setup. I'm fixing to build one similar but with a red iron main frame. Have some materials left over from my house. Still going to use the strut to mount the panels. I'd like to ask where did you get the square washers you used on top of the panels?

[@rodneyhunt]

Lowes. Unistrut washer

[@johnqcitizen9177]

Great job Rodney IM getting ready to build the same mount. I looked through the comments and didn’t see how wide and tall is that mount ??

[@rodneyhunt]

I can’t remember off hand lol. Will need to look back and see

[@OFFGRID_Trucker]

Nice solid build. Good job sir..

[@rodneyhunt]

Thank you

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

Don’t need unistrut. Just use more lumber, ss lag bolts, ss large area washers that you make concave using punch/hammer/socket. On the outside perimeter,use 1/2” gray pvc cut to pv frame thickness to keep washers flat when tightening. Looks good.

[@rodneyhunt]

Good tips. Already had some unistrut hardware and it worked before so I just used what I know. 👍

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

@@rodneyhuntkeep it up, you’ll be totally off grid soon. It took 47kWp. All on pt lumber.

[@joetripp123]

Can you elaborate on the 1/2" pvc? Are you saying to make shims out of the pvc and stick them in on the outer clamps so the square washers sit flat? Run the bolt through the pipe or just sandwich the pipe on the outside of the washer? Seems a small wood shim would do that as well but not look as good.

[@Robertbush-s7t]

I have one i made 4 years ago with 4 370 watt panels with on a 6x6 post no problems has had over 50 mph winds ok so I think you are fine

[@rodneyhunt]

Nice! 👍

[@baja3571]

I am just starting to look into solar. I really like this mount. Would it be possible to get a parts list for this build? Thanks for the videos.

[@rodneyhunt]

Will do a video this week on that. 👍

[@WattsMiner]

Like your thinking.... i feel the same

[@rodneyhunt]

More and more people everyday. 👍

[@cottoncb]

you might think about adding some washers between the post and the top part to make it easier to adjust?

[@aroundtheshop]

I'm pretty sure he has that.... Was in part one where he talked about that.

[@rodneyhunt]

I have that just tightened bolts to much I think.

[@rodneyhunt]

👍

[@cottoncb]

@@rodneyhunt Ok cool, just saw this part and not the previous video. Looks good to me, thinking about the same thing looked at sinclair and they were around $2300 for 10 panels. I got the same panels that you did.

[@rodneyhunt]

Save money with DIY. I will go with 6x6 post on my next version. Just for added stiffness prior to adding cross bracing.

[@TheVaga9]

Smart man, I like the rant!!

[@rodneyhunt]

@@TheVaga9 which one lol. I have had a few but I guess this video had one as well!

[@johnmorrison8193]

This is similar to what I have been thinking for my system, but we get a lot of gusty wind all the time in SE South Dakota. How is yours handling the wind? Thanks for a great video!

[@rodneyhunt]

Good in at least 50mph winds. I do try and have it somewhat flat if I know high winds are coming. You could also make the post a little shorter or use 6x6 post instead of 4x6

[@jamesbsa6450]

Shouldn't we be concerned with aluminum to the galvanized steel unistrut (galvanic corrosion) at the place on back of panel where it meets the struts?

[@rodneyhunt]

I used plastic washers if memory serves me between them.

[@JerrodJohnsonD]

Only if you live near saltwater

[@lindaferguson593]

I would like to see how this adjustable rack is fitted for seasonal or monthly tilt positions.

[@rodneyhunt]

Maybe I can do an update when I move it again

[@ClanMercer]

I am building an adjustable panel mount that is way too complex and really like your design. Question: were you using and 8" auger for the holes? And did you need to widen them up at all?

[@rodneyhunt]

Yes 8 inch auger. I didn’t widen it but all depends on your soil, depth, and the height above ground. Mine have been fine in 50mph winds but I do try and flatten them out somewhat if I know high winds are coming.

[@ClanMercer]

@@rodneyhunt Awesome, thanks for the quick reply

[@JWTX]

I really like your set up. Think that'll be the way I do my array. And i do what I want on my property. I don't ask permission. It's mine and I do what I want.... Jeff. P.S. Where did you get the uni strut hardwares ?

[@rodneyhunt]

Thats what everyone should do! I will probably do 6x6 post on my next array to get a little more stiffness before adding cross members. But it will work as long as it is short enough. 👍

[@joetripp123]

Hey Rodney, I'm about an hour north of you in Wake. I was going to use two of EG4's Brightmount system for my 8 panels and 6000XP w/ 2 EG4 LL's (hopefully all shipping this week!). I wonder what the cost comparison is? I know that unistrut can be expensive these days. The Brightmounts are $280 ea and holds up to 4 panels & they come with all the hardware. I'll just need to sink some posts. The benefit for me with your system is that I'm getting bifacial panels, and they like being mounted up off the ground some, so would work better on your rack than the EG4 one. I can't wait for the follow up vids on how this works for you.

[@rodneyhunt]

I have one of the eg4 mounts that I will use for a solar mini spilt when it arrives. I think the eg4 ones are adjustable some what so I would think it would work for you. I have more adjustability with the DIY mount but you should be good.

[@michaelmccotter4293]

I'm generally ok with your design over all. Not certain what your area gets for wind storms? Only thing I see as a possibility is that really high wind may pull the posts out of the ground? 80+ mph? I'm a.... "don't tread on me".... kinda guy myself. Nice job! Anchorage, Alaska

[@rodneyhunt]

That is true! High enough winds will destroy anything I can build. Not looking for any government telling me how I must do it though lol. So you have any Solar installed in Ak yet? How has it been?

[@michaelmccotter4293]

@@rodneyhunt I am building a house at our Lake property. I built a 1200 watt array on a timebframe tower. I used an excavator to dig a 5' deep hole. Used a sonot tube on a "big foot" footing cone. I cemented 4 steel straps into the concrete footing pad. Everything I build uses our native spruce. I built the Tower using 4 rough cut 4X4 posts 16' tall with 4x6 blocks as spacers every 4' or so. 1 timber spacer is above the 4, 4x4's to make the top of the tower. I drilled a 2" hole through the top 2 spacer timbers to slip a 5' long 2" pipe through to make a pivoting pipe mount for an array of 3 200w solar panels. A second array is fixed on an adjustable, but not pivoting, unistrut frame attached to the South face of the tower. I use this system to charge 4 glass matt 12v 100ah batteries configured in a 24 volt system to power a 12 v diesel heater for my 15kw Propane generator, generator house. The Gen Set will be used to recharge 4 14kw lithium batteries that power the house only in the darkest period of our winter here in South Central Ak. I have a 12k SolArk solar System and 20, 375w Bifacial Canadian Solar, solar panels to place on a timebframe ground mount like you have built. I will use 5, 14 foot tall rough cut 6x6 timbers that will have a pivot point 14' off the ground. I will bolt the base to a treated timber ballast cage frame and use gravel for ballast. The property is only 1' above ground water next to the lake. Never Never Lake, Ak on the North shore of the Southern cove if you'd like to Google map it.

[@JWTX]

Hey Rodney, was wondering where on the pv line does the online fuses go. On the panel end or end that goes into isolator. Do you need one on each positive line and negative line or just one on POS line? Thanks in advance foe your help.... Jeff

[@rodneyhunt]

I put one on each positive right before I parallel the two series together.

[@JWTX]

@@rodneyhunt What if only running in series? It's for my mini split

[@rodneyhunt]

I just put it on positive side at the connection inlet mini split. You can put it anywhere as long as it is easily accessible so either side of you line

[@valeriehayes422]

But how do you secure it in its various tiled positions?

[@rodneyhunt]

Right now with a 2x4 from my post 4x6 to array 2x6. Looking at some options not to install for final setup

[@amio_roseto1]

Great Video, wonder how much it will produce. I have 10 panels, same kind and adding to an existing system using another victron 150/45, the issue is that I can only create 4X2 to setup 156V 20Amp because im missing 2 to create another row :), my mistake not ordering 12 instead of 10 in any case, wonder how those panels work and what is the output .

[@rodneyhunt]

Will show what they put out for sure. Will be testing that out soon when I change out all my inverters. Might do it before to show what the growatts will produce before changing to eg4 6000xp’s

[@robertd6925]

Any problems with the wood warping?

[@rodneyhunt]

None yet. Doing good

[@robertd6925]

I bought the same panels from signature (haven't had the time to get them up yet). How much wattage are you getting out of them?

[@rodneyhunt]

They have been doing great. Can’t remember exactly efficiency off the top of my head but will look it up

[@MakingStuff]

Nice!

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey thanks. Appreciate that

[@judygonzalez3435]

Do you have links to the hardware?

[@rodneyhunt]

I think some of the videos have it but will look back to see.

[@denotsironlion67]

Can i get a link to that unistrut hardware please ?

[@rodneyhunt]

Not sure specifically which item you need. Go on home depot or lowes and search unistrut. Everything should come up. Home Depot is better in my area.

[@ShuhDonk]

How has it held up in the winds? About to do 3 of these myself.

[@rodneyhunt]

Great! No problems but I would still go with 6x6 for the post in the future. Then I would be much more confident in the winds. Definitely had 40 plus mph winds so far and still standing

[@ShuhDonk]

@@rodneyhunt Okay, I will definitely go with 6x6's, its been super windy around here lately too.

[@rodneyhunt]

Sounds good!

[@ShaMuhmma]

Price for the ground mount?

[@rodneyhunt]

Thought it was in one of the videos but need to verify

[@t2rx7crx1]

What is your opinion on mounting something like that facing east and having it tilt following the sun during the day?

[@rodneyhunt]

Would be awesome if you could make it automatically move.

[@robertd6925]

12:12 RIGHT ON!

[@aflipzkidn]

You were right! I somehow skipped this video. This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for the content!

[@rodneyhunt]

@@aflipzkidn Awesome! Thanks

[@Electronzap]

Looks good.

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey thanks

[@mwreyf1]

Just thinking that is all fine until that wood starts expanding/contracting and twisting. Seems like that stress could micro fracture the panels if its too much. Only time will tell.

[@rodneyhunt]

Like I said not an engineer but we will see. Might make a few changes on the next one. 👍

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

I have 47kWp on mostly pt pine and one array on oak. No problems so far at two years. Aluminum has a coefficient of expansion 5X greater than pine. The aluminum pv panel frames are the problem.

[@iowac]

have you added any cross braces that you were mentioning? Or has it been too cold? I am get n ready to start but its cold, plus sig solar did not have the battery screws in my EG4 6000xp package so I am waiting for them to send those, but I looked up and I think I found the right screws m6x16mm hex phillips machine so I ordered some from amazon, hope they are it then I can make a test free standing small wall to put that on with a breaker box and hook up to the eg4 powerpro battery. Plus I am doing some insulation installing to finish out our upstairs so I am trying to learn multiple things lol just a wee bit of stress as I want to be sure everything is working.

[@rodneyhunt]

I did! I thought I put that in a video but been busy so maybe not. My 6000xp screws were in the bag with manual I think. Did you check that?

[@iowac]

Ok sorry another question, are you earth grounding the panels? If so what are you using? I am trying to find a simple way to ground them from the unistrut so wont have to run a bunch of wire.

[@rodneyhunt]

You can put a ground lug from lowes/home depot with a bolt hole for the unistrut. Just make sure everything is electrical connected. I used several lugs and verified everything was grounded together.

[@iowac]

@@rodneyhunt thanks Morpheus, 😉really appreciate your help.

[@rodneyhunt]

👍

[@JWTX]

Where can I find the uni strut hardware you used? Thanks... Jeff

[@rodneyhunt]

Home depot, lowes, local electrical supply company, etc. 👍

[@JWTX]

@rodneyhunt okay, thanks wasn't aware they were available locally. Thanks

[@rodneyhunt]

Glad to help

[@zrumble]

At a minimum you need bolts where you have any screws.

[@rodneyhunt]

Only have screws where no load bearing is happening. Only to keep things lined up and square. I think it will be fine but feel free to use bolts anyway you see fit. Thanks

[@zrumble]

@@rodneyhunt It’s not load bearing until a freak storm comes through.

[@rodneyhunt]

Well bolts or even a commercial ground mount can be destroyed. I will make a few changes on my second version of this but that will probably only be bigger post. Thanks for the tips though

[@matthewknight5641]

Hey Rodney what size wire you use to go from your panels to the inverters? I have a couple separate small arrays. 1880 amd 1680 watt amd im using 6awg for a 100 foot run and the 70 foot run. One is 4s2p the smaller one is 2s3p

[@rodneyhunt]

Not sure will need to look. 10awg PV wire maybe

[@rodneyhunt]

Yes 10 AWG PV wire

[@matthewknight5641]

@@rodneyhunt thanks for always answering my questions. That's another reason I like you and your channel. It's not just educational but you really talk to people

[@rodneyhunt]

I try and thanks

[@awbean5254]

RODNEY, REALLY GREAT JOB! YOUR CROSS BRACING COULD BE DONE ON THE INSIDE OF YOUR POST, SO YOU CAN MAINTAIN YOUR FULL RANGE OF FLIP MOTION. ALSO, YOU CAN PUT YOUR TILT SUPPORT BOARDS ON ALL THREE POST TO ELIMINATE FLEXING IN HIGH WINDS. AWESOME PROJECT!

[@rodneyhunt]

Thanks. Put boards on all three already but thanks. Will see if inside is feasible for the boards I have or if I can make front and back sides work. 👍

[@lindaferguson593]

Please elaborate on this @awbean5254. That is what I need to figure out so that I can track the horizon correctly each month for the best collection of solar rays. Thank you!

[@VELOPERS]

AWSOME

[@rodneyhunt]

Thank you! 🙏

[@Ιατροδικαστής-Νικος]

good video 1

[@timmathewson3910]

Great job thanks for sharing. Have a great week.

[@rodneyhunt]

You too. Thanks

[@georgesackinger2002]

Wood can be fine but you need to paint the whole thing. Where I live the wood, untreated would only last 3 to 6 years. Wouldn't want to rebuild because it wasn't painted.

[@rodneyhunt]

It’s pressure treated but we will see how it holds up. My other array is 2 years old and still doing good. Thanks for the tip!

[@justincourts8296]

Pell and stick flashing works great on things like this a decks it's cheaper and easier then painting.just apply it to keep water out the joints.if the joints can't breathe and air dry that's where rot starts even on treated wood. What's the frost layer depth where you live?

[@rodneyhunt]

@@justincourts8296 Pretty shallow can’t remember exactly.

[@plainandsimple1]

​@justincourts8296 you're thinking of butyl tape.

[@plainandsimple1]

​@rodneyhunt you'll be just fine. Your panels will keep off most of the water and wood mainly only rots when it's in constant contact with moisture, all the time. I'm planning on doing this exact thing but with rough cut lumber from my sawmill. Thanks for the videos and the good ideas!

[@itzjustsparky4166]

whats your ethnicity

[@rodneyhunt]

Native American

[@mary74724]

🧡🧡🧡💯💯💯👏👏👏💯💯💯

[@rodneyhunt]

👍

[@arp_catchall]

Did anyone tell you you look like Morpheus from Matrix? Just different glasses, trench coat and the pills...😁

[@rodneyhunt]

Lol just with less money

[@Toad434]

Looks great.

[@rodneyhunt]

Hey thanks!