Forum Discussion
Almot
Apr 11, 2014Explorer III
If you have access to any of those private receivers across the border in WA, you can get it for half the price and with free shipping.
Solar Blvd have competitive prices, though kits are still relatively expensive. Panel alone you can get under $US 0.70 per watt. Many will argue - as usual - but I think the controller should have features that you need, and it makes sense paying extra for that. Controllers included with kits may not have adjustable setpoints and never have temp compensation.
Another problem with a kit is - too short or too thin panel-controller wire, and you still may need to buy controller-battery wire and some switches/fuses/connectors.
Crystalline panels will collect very little in the shade, so you might still want a portable. How big? With you energy budget 200-250W should be enough, if it's out in the sun.
If you still consider roof install - hiring an installer is RIDICULOUSLY expensive. I would consider them only when DIY is totally out of the question. Mostly, it's planning - may take a few weeks or a few months. Installation itself, for a simple system like yours, under 300W without big inverter, won't take more than a week. Few days on panel brackets and few days on routing the wires and adding fuses/breakers. Check the List of solar projects.
It looks like your roof is a usual EPDM, then aluminum angles with machine screws and nutserts in the side of the panel, with deck screws into the roof, is the way to go. Here is my 4x4 bracket, 6" long, 1/4" thick. I had to use 4x4 because there are 3" tall plumbing vents under the panel. You can use 3x3, 3/16" thick. With plenty of sealant underneath. I overdid the anchor screws, 2 or 3 will be enough on a small panel. Places like http://www.onlinemetals.com/index.cfm?affiliate_id=604 will have aluminum angle in all sizes and will even cut it into short pieces for a nominal fee.
Solar Blvd have competitive prices, though kits are still relatively expensive. Panel alone you can get under $US 0.70 per watt. Many will argue - as usual - but I think the controller should have features that you need, and it makes sense paying extra for that. Controllers included with kits may not have adjustable setpoints and never have temp compensation.
Another problem with a kit is - too short or too thin panel-controller wire, and you still may need to buy controller-battery wire and some switches/fuses/connectors.
Crystalline panels will collect very little in the shade, so you might still want a portable. How big? With you energy budget 200-250W should be enough, if it's out in the sun.
If you still consider roof install - hiring an installer is RIDICULOUSLY expensive. I would consider them only when DIY is totally out of the question. Mostly, it's planning - may take a few weeks or a few months. Installation itself, for a simple system like yours, under 300W without big inverter, won't take more than a week. Few days on panel brackets and few days on routing the wires and adding fuses/breakers. Check the List of solar projects.
It looks like your roof is a usual EPDM, then aluminum angles with machine screws and nutserts in the side of the panel, with deck screws into the roof, is the way to go. Here is my 4x4 bracket, 6" long, 1/4" thick. I had to use 4x4 because there are 3" tall plumbing vents under the panel. You can use 3x3, 3/16" thick. With plenty of sealant underneath. I overdid the anchor screws, 2 or 3 will be enough on a small panel. Places like http://www.onlinemetals.com/index.cfm?affiliate_id=604 will have aluminum angle in all sizes and will even cut it into short pieces for a nominal fee.
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