EG4 Brightmount Solar Ground Mount DIY Install, Understand New Changes

[@terrahillfarm]

I used three EG4 Brightmount kits to build my most recent DiY adjustable ground mount array. It took a while to get it all done but after I finished and made this video, I found out that EG4 has redesigned the Brightmount kit into the latest version called the Brightmount Cat1 kit. These are pretty similar but the changes made to the solar panel rail make it where only the new Brightmount Cat1 extension kit will fit the Cat1 Brightmount kit. The Cat1 Brightmount is currently on back order but should be shipping out in a couple weeks. I included some information in this video to help you understand the differences and avoid any mistakes in ordering the new Cat1 kit and Cat1 extension kit. The Brightmount is still an affordable solution for an adjustable solar ground mount kit, especially compared to the other options in the marketplace. I hope you find this video helpful!! 👍🤩⚡️☀️🔋

[@WingAddict]

I don’t understand since they created a new version they didn’t just include slightly longer arms so the extension kit isn’t even required. The majority of the latest 400+ panels have a width of 44.65 inches so just less then an inch more then what an extension isn’t required! Would have made more sense to me!

[@terrahillfarm]

@ That’s a really good point. I suspect it may have something to do with maximum package length for shipping or it might be that the wind loads and ratings may be different with extensions or larger panels. I’m just guessing here 🤷‍♂️. It’s a good rack if you need to mount a few panels and there’s not much else in the price range. For my next rack I need to go bigger! Thanks! 👍⚡️☀️🤩

[@Moes_Prep_and_Tech]

@@WingAddict BINGO!!!

[@GoingSolarEnergy]

I have seen many of these EG4 Brightmount Ground Mount installations, and this is the best one. I love the tips and tricks you provide, like running the wire and saving money on the wire. I love it!

[@terrahillfarm]

@@GoingSolarEnergy Thank you, we really appreciate that. It took quite a while to complete the entire project since we only worked on it over the weekends. Mounting solar panels cheaply is a n ongoing challenge so we’ll keep working on it! 👍👍👍👍

[@WillProwse]

Try the Integra rack and you'll never go back to brightmount lol

[@terrahillfarm]

@@WillProwse Thanks Will! I will look into them 👍🤩☀️⚡️

[@Moes_Prep_and_Tech]

If there was a way to raise up off the ground a few feet then yeah. But I get a lot of snow in the winter. The Brightmount kit I have now is installed 3 feet off the ground on 6x6 posts.

[@ibezag0]

I was going to do eg4, but instead will choose integra rack

[@terrahillfarm]

@@ibezag0 excellent! Please let me know what you think about it after you get it up. 👍👍

[@Moes_Prep_and_Tech]

I wish there was a cheap mount that you could use for Ten 400w panels. 2 racked up vertical, 5 horizontal

[@colormaker5070]

EG4 had a great thing going with the brightmount kit then they changed it with a new model downgraded the max wind rating, raised the price and cannot connect to older models. What were they thinking?

[@terrahillfarm]

@@colormaker5070 Thanks, I don’t know but I’m sure it was probably a move by the overseas manufacturer to increase manufacturing efficiency or lower labor costs since inflation has been impacting all countries severely. I’ll withhold my final opinion on the Cat1 until I have a chance to try it out and compare it, but your point is valid. This is just another example of solar equipment costs beginning to rise due to inflation. The technology itself is somewhat deflationary, but it is the added costs from manufacturing, shipping, warehousing and tariffs that are being impacted by ongoing inflation. I’m wondering if we will eventually see other costs rising in DIY solar components. Battery prices are low now but the US just blacklisted several more companies in 🇨🇳 that mine lithium, zinc, copper and other solar materials like silicon. I don’t want to be alarmist here, but if I planned to do DIY solar in 2025, I’d buy batteries first. I don’t know the future but I do worry about it sometimes! 😆👍🤩

[@nwsolarsurvivor]

I agree, They really downgraded the quality and raised the price. They are about on par with Vevor now.

[@travisfugate3749]

Any concerns about the connection strength of attaching to the end grain of a post?

[@terrahillfarm]

@@travisfugate3749 Good point, I’d encourage longer screws maybe 4-5” instead of the 3” I used. Like I mentioned, I’m prepared to add ground anchors if needed but so far the mount is surprisingly stable and won’t hardly move when pushed on hard. Again there are plenty of superior ground mounting options but they require significantly more cost. Most people are looking to reduce the cost, so I’ve tried to focus on the most affordable mounting solutions with my videos. I’d love to have a fancy Sinclair or Iron Ridge all galvanized ground mount system to install, but I’ve still got a kid in college ! 🤣💰👍⚡️🔋

[@travisfugate3749]

Thanks for the feedback. I’m considering this solution for myself.

[@terrahillfarm]

@ Thanks! I only discovered the changes to the new Brightmount kit the day I was posting the video. I could imagine the confusion and frustration from people ordering the new Ca1 kit and the old extensions that would not fit. 🤬. So, I contacted Signature Solar to confirm all the information on the Cat 1 kit, then went back and added the new information to the video. 👍👍👍

[@travisfugate3749]

@@terrahillfarm FWIW Signature solar says they are no longer selling these mounts and that EG4 is discontinuing them....

[@terrahillfarm]

@ Thanks! The last conversation I had with them they told me they were on back order. But they could have discontinued them. 🤦‍♂️ Things change really fast in DIY solar! My next choice would be integra rack. They’re more expensive but easier to set up from what Will Prowse told me. integrarack.com/.