DIY Solar for Farms | Easy Ground Mounted Solar Panel Install Walkthrough

[@NickWindham]

Great looking install! The expense of optimizers couldn’t have been forgone, but yeah, you can’t see panel level data without them. However, the Christmas light analogy is isn’t applicable anymore. Even without optimizers, panels have diodes now that reduce that effect dramatically.

[@prairiesunsolar]

Great point! Modern panels do have bypass diodes to reduce shading effects, but shading can still cause power loss. With optimizers like SolarEdge, you can recover more power that would otherwise be lost, even under shading. Have you had the chance to notice any difference in performance with or without optimizers in your installations? We want to make sure we're giving Canadians the most honest answers when it comes to DIY Solar!

[@NickWindham]

@@prairiesunsolar Here are great references I’ve found on KZbin with tests and data on the matter of using Optimizers or not. Shading Test: Optimizers vs No Optimizers - SolarTime with Martyna kzbin.info/www/bejne/iorSnGWaqdqMgbssi=1D5SbWBEVD3JVpUU Solar Panel Shading: Are Optimizers and Microinverters Worth It? - Gary Does Solar kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4TTpJeDe6p5kNEsi=v7zRUK2b58Ew3s3l Micro & String Inverters, Testing the True Impact of Shading - NRG Solar kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4KchK2eoZaWm7Msi=fhrH6FKrlQQqwEsY Are Optimzers Worth It? - Andreas Spiess kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2qxh394lLSMibcsi=_a5ATx6bJpShoNi8

[@NickWindham]

@@prairiesunsolar here’s one good video I found on this subject matter. I’ve gathered a few others to share with you but KZbin deletes my comment if I try to put more than one link in it. Shading Test: Optimizers vs No Optimizers - SolarTime with Martyna kzbin.info/www/bejne/iorSnGWaqdqMgbssi=1D5SbWBEVD3JVpUU Other KZbinrs with good videos on this are: - Gary Does Solar - NRG Solar - Andreas Spiess -SolarTime with Martyna (has a couple more good videos about it)

[@TheKingOfInappropriateComments]

Is there a scenario where you don't need to trench very deep (or at all) for the lines coming from the solar array to the home/batteries? There's space here to do a ground mount but steep terrain and very rocky and shallow soil would make that very difficult.

[@Leksi80]

Looking at the overview shots there seem to be no chance of shading in that particular system. No chance of obstruction to a particular panel over the others. Why is the cost of optimizers needed in this installation location?

[@prairiesunsolar]

Thanks for the comment and your insight, Leksi80! You're correct that shading from surrounding objects isn't an issue for this installation, or honestly in many places in our home province in Saskatchewan Canada XD. However, in Saskatchewan, snow coverage is a significant factor for up to six months each year. Snow can act just like shading from nearby trees or buildings by covering parts of the solar panels, which affects their performance. Using power optimizers, which are required for SolarEdge inverters, allows each panel to operate independently. This means that if some panels are partially covered by snow, the others can still produce energy at their full capacity. This setup maximizes energy production during the long snowy seasons. Additionally, power optimizers enable us to monitor each panel individually. This helps in quickly identifying and addressing any issues, such as snow buildup on specific panels. They also enhance safety by reducing DC voltage when the system is shut down, making maintenance safer during harsh winter conditions. With SolarEdge's strong reputation and focus on cybersecurity, we trust in the reliability and security of the system. So, while there may be no shading from obstructions, the optimizers are essential for managing snow coverage and ensuring efficient and safe operation throughout the year. This is one example of how we adjust our system designs based on the year-round conditions of the local environment!

[@stevec7272]

Optimizers on that seems like a waste. What casts shadows?

[@rpsmith]

All those optimizers will drive up the price and make the system less reliable! Better to spend that money on more solar panels!

[@hein_mcleod]

Panel optimisers are redundant with today's panels. The bypass diodes prevents the whole string from going down if one panel is shaded/dirty.

[@prairiesunsolar]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Hein Mcleod! You're right that bypass diodes prevent the whole string from shutting down when a panel is shaded or dirty. However, in areas with heavy snowfall, like us up here in Saskatchewan Canada, power optimizers like SolarEdge's can make a significant difference. When snow covers part of your solar panels, the affected panels can drag down the performance of the entire string. Optimizers ensure that panels not covered by snow continue to operate at their best, maximizing energy production even in winter conditions. Plus, with individual panel monitoring, you can quickly identify which panels are snow-covered and address the issue more efficiently. Also, optimizers reduce the voltage per panel to safer levels, which is a big plus if you need to perform maintenance during snowy months. So while bypass diodes are helpful, power optimizers offer extra benefits that really come into play when dealing with snow and challenging weather.

[@rpsmith]

Better to run the high voltage DC from the panels into the home and invert closer to where you use the 120/240V power and the inverter will last longer in that environment as well.

[@adamswift1747]

Great work! Do you find that birds sit on top of these panels and poop? I'm having an array fitted on a flat roof that is very hard to access as it's on a 3-floor house.

[@prairiesunsolar]

@@adamswift1747 Great Question. We have found that if you do not install rodent protection (1/2”x1/2” metal mesh) on the back side of the array or on the sides for rooftop installation it creates the right conditions for birds to nest underneath. This will also help prevent squirrels from chewing on wires as well!

[@Sgtwebbpd]

what is the cost on the racking system for those 20 panels?

[@prairiesunsolar]

Appreciate your question! The racking system for those 20 panels typically costs between $225 and $250 per panel, depending on the size of the installation. Just so you know, this estimate doesn't include foundations. In most cases, screw piles are the common choice, but if the terrain is challenging, concrete piles or ballasted foundations might be needed instead. The type of foundation will have an affect the total cost of the racking system, so it's something to keep in mind. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

[@LateNightCrypto]

@@prairiesunsolar can you share a place to buy this racking system? the screw piles are what 4 feet long? Where can I get them? how about the pre assembled rack? you gotta link these in the footer for all of us! I cant believe how hard it is to find a ground mount system to buy. Literally cant find them anywhere

[@prairiesunsolar]

Hey LateNightCrypto, sorry to hear about your shopping troubles! Maybe we can help - we appreciate your advice as well, this is a new project for us to help get DIY solar equipment shipped across Canada. Take a look at this page on our site for some pre-built DIY kits, and if there's anything specific you need and you can't find it, just shoot us a message through our website and one of us will follow up with you personally to help out! prairiesunsolar.com/diy-kit-shop/

[@ddmitch1]

@@prairiesunsolar Are you saying the entire rack system for 20 panels is only $225-$250? If so sign me up and send the layout plan for a 30kv array. What is the typical cost per watt of the panels? I can get new bifacial panels at $0.23/ watt (Runergy Hyperion 545 W Black on Silver. Free Shipping. Bi-Facial. 30 Year Linear Power Warranty. $.23/W @ 22+ Pallets. $.21/W @ 10-21 Pallets. $.19/W @ 1-9 Pallets). Is that a good price? They ship about 31 panels per pallet. I'm thinking about two pallets (62 panels)= 33,790 watts x $.23=$7,772. for the panels plus tax.

[@Ynotbehumanfirst]

@@ddmitch1he literally said $225-$250 per panel.

[@ngana8755]

How much do 10kw of solar panels cost? And how much extra to install (labor, inverters, mounts, etc)? Also, are these monofacial or bifacial soar panels?

[@prairiesunsolar]

Hey ngana8755, you can check out our online shop for some pricing. We do have pre-built DIY kits that include everything you need, and we even have a kit for a 10kw system, whether you want ground or roof mounted. For installation, this does depend on many factors and we encourage you to give us a call sometime. But, roughly speaking, you can save about 50% on the total price by going the DIY route. And these are bifacial solar panels - it's a major benefit of groundmounted systems, as bifacial panels can boost your total energy production by another 25%-30% by using the backside of the panel to catch solar reflection!

[@heartobefelt]

thankyou for sharing. If we have panels and optimisers on a string and then upgrade by adding more panels and optimisers later but with higher wattage in both devices , can they be added to the same string or must each string have only like for like size of optimisers ?

[@prairiesunsolar]

Thank you for your question. The SolarEdge Power Optimizers have inter compatibility between newer and older generations. Some of the key considerations will be your existing inverter maximum AC Output as well as how many solar panels, optimizers are on each string you might already have. There is upper and lower limits on each string and SolarEdge does have a really nice designer tool that will allow you to change inputs but show you what is comparable and what is not!

[@bluezcluez315]

Location latitude? I think I heard Saskatchewan Tilt angle? 35 degree? Any options for seasonal-adjust tilt? It looks like this has almost no shading; I would have passed on the optimizers.

[@prairiesunsolar]

Great questions! Yes, this system (and our office) is located in Saskatchewan. The latitude is approximately 51°, and the 35° tilt angle is typical for the area. This system uses a fixed position, but seasonal-adjust tilt is an option to optimize performance throughout the year. Even with minimal shading, factors like tilt, horizon, and soiling (especially during harvest) can impact efficiency, which is why we always recommend optimizers. They ensure maximum performance by addressing even small variations in panel output. Bifacial panels could also help capture extra light from the back. Additionally, structural considerations, like foundations and wind load, are important, especially with higher tilt angles, as stronger structures are needed to handle increased wind forces. Thanks for adding to the discussion!

[@dt648]

Sorry man.....but optimisers are useless in that configuration ! You throw your money on the window !

[@rpsmith]

one hail storm and you're back on the grid and out thousands of dollars!

[@stackmanstack]

10kv = max 7,5 kv if you want 10v .....make it 14 kv.

[@mikeanonymous669]

Not adjustable. No Bueno!

[@prairiesunsolar]

Thanks for your comment! For smaller systems like this one, adjustable (tiltable) racking isn't absolutely necessary. Ten years ago, when solar panels were much more expensive per watt, it made sense to maximize each panel's output with tiltable mounts. Nowadays, with the cost of panels being significantly lower, it's often more practical to add a few extra panels if you need an additional 10-30% in power production. Also, not everyone wants the maintenance hassle of adjusting the panel angles seasonally. Fixed racking systems have fewer moving parts and tend to be stronger in high-wind areas, which means they hold up better over time. Tiltable racking does have its place but usually makes more sense for larger, utility-scale systems of 1MW or more. Feel free to ask if you have any other questions!