DIY Solar Ground Mount on Wheels
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- Опубліковано 2 лип 2024
- In this video we build a solar ground mount on wheels
Amazon Affiliate links:
Adjustable Solar Panel Tilt Mount Brackets: amzn.to/49s0OFv
5 Inch Caster Wheel set: amzn.to/4cB8fvT
Another 5 Inch Caster Wheel set: amzn.to/4car4pz
The bolts, and washers I used were from Home Depot. Here are some with the same specs (actually should be better since they are SS)
1/4" x 3-1/2" Hex Head Lag Screws Bolts: amzn.to/49N0AbB
Stainless Steel Flat Washer 1/4": amzn.to/3T9Kq6J
I have not used these, just some things I found when researching ground anchors. Might be worth a look.
Ground Anchors: amzn.to/3UUwEpL
Again, I have not tried these, so YMMV
I get my solar panels from: beenebrothers.com/shop/
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AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: This channel may earn an affiliate commission if you purchase products through links I provide.
================
CONTACT: bradcagleyt@gmail.com
Business/Collaboration only. Please do not contact me for for personal project help, or advice.
================
DISCLAIMER: These videos are documenting my own projects, and experiences. These projects, and activities can be dangerous. Do not try any of this at home, doing so will be at your own risk.
Amazon Affiliate links:
Adjustable Solar Panel Tilt Mount Brackets: amzn.to/49s0OFv
5 Inch Caster Wheel set: amzn.to/4cB8fvT
Another 5 Inch Caster Wheel set: amzn.to/4car4pz
The bolts, and washers I used were from Home Depot. Here are some with the same specs (actually should be better since they are SS)
1/4" x 3-1/2" Hex Head Lag Screws Bolts: amzn.to/49N0AbB
Stainless Steel Flat Washer 1/4": amzn.to/3T9Kq6J
I have not used these, just some things I found when researching ground anchors. Might be worth a look.
Ground Anchors: amzn.to/3UUwEpL
Again, I have not tried these, so YMMV
I get my solar panels from: beenebrothers.com/shop/
================
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: This channel may earn an affiliate commission if you purchase products through links I provide.
================
CONTACT: bradcagleyt@gmail.com
Business/Collaboration only. Please do not contact me for for personal project help, or advice.
================
DISCLAIMER: These videos are documenting my own projects, and experiences. These projects, and activities can be dangerous. Do not try any of this at home, doing so will be at your own risk.
Oh no.. no longer available item
This is such a good idea. The solar illumination varies so much throughout the year in my back yard, so I could move my panels around for optimal illumination and have easy access to mow my lawn.
Thank you! Yes exactly same scenario in my back yard :)
I have been taking about making something like this, but didn't know mounts existed. Thanks so much for this video, now for me last upgrade. Wanted them moveable so I could quickly mow and put them back. Again thanks for the info and ideas.
You're welcome, glad you find it helpful!
I started doing this with the EG4 Brightmounts and 8" casters. The EG4 mount is much larger so I'm using 12' 4x6's with 2x6 cross members. I'm also using 16" ground anchors with tie down straps to secure in place and protect from potential high winds. Out in the country so the 8" wheels really help on the rough terrain and they needed to be able to handle 500lbs. So far so good..
That sounds awesome. I really consider the brightmount, but decided I wanted two halves to experiment with. Thanks!
Very nice, I thought that would be hard to move on grass, but having the rope attached so that you also lift while you pull is a good solution.
Yup, the rope tied to the frame makes all the difference. Thanks!
Great job, I especially like your supervisor/inspector, he is so cute.
That's my boy :) Thanks!
MAN! AWESOME DIY PROJECT - YOUR CHANNEL ROCKS!! SO GLAD I WATCHED THIS VIDEO FOR MY NEXT UPGRADE OF A SOLAR 2 TON MINI SPLIT HT PUMP
Thanks, man!
Simple but works. I like that they are so portable
Thanks!
Easy DIY. Will add to list of Solor Projects😅. Thanks keep us busy
You're welcome. We wouldn't know what to do with ourselves if we didn't have at least 10 unfinished projects stacked up, right? 🤣
Nice setup. Looks very sturdy.
Thanks!
With that mobile rack, or a stationary version, you could have a second wooden rail attached so when you are approaching the summer solstice and want to lay the panels flat, you just unbolt them from the "winter" position and move them to a more horizontal layout. Very cool stuff.
Hmm, good Idea. Or how about 1 foot wooden kickstands on the front that swing down to prop up the front? Just a 2x4x1 (or 1.25') that has a single lag through it so it can pivot down, one on each front corner ?
@@BradCagleso when not using the front kickstands you'd remove the bolt from the front of the kickstands, where it connects to the corners, and store the one foot kickstands until needed again?
Thank you Sir for posting.
@@mikedevita5558 I was thinking they would pivot on a single bolt. That way they could swing back up into the frame, and latch. Like a kickstand on a bike, but you would need to have some latch mechanism to hold them up. Or maybe friction can hold them up, spring on the bolt? or you get the bolt tight enough to hold the kickstands up, but not too tight that you cannot move it? I still feel like you would need a spring to keep tension as the wood will shrink overtime. Just some ideas. Thanks
Simple and effective, thanks.
Thanks for the info. I get a lot of wind here so anchors would be a good fit. I might as well get a wind turbine wind mill to take advantage of the free wind.
Well done, Brad. Keep at it! Will emulate in Florida.
Thanks!
Nice frame. That mount kit looks like a less expensive version (but basically the same) as the "HQST Adjustable Solar Panel Tilt Mount Brackets" kit. I have like five or six of the HQST kits that I bought a few years ago and they are endlessly useful and flexible. Very sturdy.
I recommend using some of the spare lumber to reinforce the four corners of your frames. Your wood framing is a lot prettier than what I did. I basically use some wide wood blanks, two on each axis, and bolted them together with big washers. It kinda looks like a "#" (hash symbol). Then I bolted the mount kits to them. Also with big washers to prevent the bolts from sinking into the wood over time. Oh, plus a third thin piece of wood in the middle going down one axis to prevent the structure from twisting. So far they've survived 2 years exposed to the elements and wind up on the top of the back-deck Pergola.
Heavy-duty zip-ties are useful with these things too if securing to something (railing, pergola, whatever). I've been getting JIAHCN zip ties and they are freaking awesome! 2 years in the elements holding things together and still in perfect condition.
-Matt
Great suggestion on reinforcing the corners. Yeah, I noticed a lot of well known companies have these adjustable kits, and most look the same as these (at a much higher price). This one seems quite sturdy, I'm almost temped to buy one of the name brand kits to compare. Thanks!
Thank you for this! Gave me some ideas😀
This seems perfect for my situation. I have an HOA and I don't want to put solar on my roof. This is the idea I was looking for. Now just to do it. Berri No-ICE.
Nice, simple build! Giving me ideas...but I don't need any more projects!
Yeah, I hear ya. I don't need anymore projects either, but we all know it'll never stop LOL. Thanks!
@@BradCagle always keeps things interesting! I'm looking at a "solar roof" for our chicken/duck coop and run this spring/summer.
Nice. I've really been thinking about building a studio with a solar roof.
@@BradCagle why not…always need more Solar!
Really nice!
Thanks!
I would like to build a few of these for some really big panels. Like 550 watt ones. I'm guessing I would need like some 12 inch casters and a much wider array frame.
Very nice i like it....
Thanks!
Awesome. How do you ground the panels in this rack? Are you just laying the cables to the inverter in the ground our you ran conduit? Thank you, I’m to build one for my ecoflow.
unique design. How rigid are the mounts after fully assembled. Also the back of the Bi-facials are glass probable what your seeing is a protective film on the glass, there not that fragile. One thing it might be best the have the adjustable panel brackets facing on the outside just to avoid the metal being under the glass, less chance of catastrophic damage in a freak wind storm pushing the mounts into the glass. Shed or trampoline ground anchors would work good for securing.
Thanks. These do not have glass on the back. Some have glass, and some just have a translucent plastic backing.
Been looking at something to make panels absorb more sunlight and this is the cheapest method i reckon
Man this would be perfect for me. Thank you for this video. What's the dimensions on those panels you used?
You're welcome. The dimensions of the panels are 69.06 × 43.15 × 1.18 inches
Simple and Cost Effective.
Thanks!
I just ordered 2 sets of the same $59.80
@@hegefarms4260 Nice! :)
Hi;
What size, weight, wattage and make are yout panels shown here?
I have some Rich Solar 400 watt
Mega panels and I would like to compare to the size of what you have built the 4 wheel carts for, as I really like what you have built.
Thank You
I’m looking for that same blueprint, but want four panels with an actuator that slides two of them out. Only have room to store two panels but need four.
Man, that would be awesome! I have thought about doing slide outs. Maybe I can figure out how to do it on a budget?
How much angle adjustment do you have? I’ll need 22.5 - 44.5 degrees throughout the seasons.
Great idea Brad. I reckon someone will put this on powered wheels and sense the ultimate positioning for max solar. Maybe reach out to James Bruton?
I swear you have tuned into my brainwaves LOL. I was totally thinking this :)
@@BradCagleBrad, I'm not a real person. I am AI that reads minds. Lol.
@@BenMitro It all makes sense now 🤣
Very nice video and great informaion, how much power were you able to get out of these 2 panels?
I see around 1400w peak (sometimes higher) with all 4 panels. Thanks
What do you think will happen when gusty winds come?
I’m going to build something similar for a single 220v panel. I’m debating on doing it horizontal or vertical. Have you had any issues with the wind catching it?
Im thinking of doing the same but with pvc 👍😎
Oh man, that's a good idea!
Harbor Freight screw anchor 18” Pet Stake $3.49
Nice video. Did you mount the Sungold Power 560-watt Bifacial PERC panels on these stands?
No, but I was really considering it. Not sure if they would fit. Hmm
Seems like you could just take the sawhorse mounted rotating array from your previous video a while back and put it on wheels then you wouldn't have to worry about manually adjusting it
That's true, I've got some ideas brewing for other trackers.
he had the best idea on that setup ...
Hyperion panels? They look nice, also nice mount!
These are the 385w Trina Vertex Beene Brothers has, although I think he's about out. He does have the Hyperion 400w Bi facials. I got these before he had the Hyperions, I would have got them instead. Thanks!
Great setup. What are the specs on those panels? I want some. thanks
The panels are these beenebrothers.com/product/trina-vertex-385w-new-panel/
He also has these 400w, for an even better price beenebrothers.com/product/hyperion-400w-bi-facial-new/
What size solar panels are you using, I love the build, I'm going to copy you.
These are the panels I used beenebrothers.com/product/trina-vertex-385w-new-panel/ Thanks!
Thanks@@BradCagle
@@Tightburn You're welcome
You used 43 inches for the width because your panels were 43 inches wide? You put the length over that width. I don’t follow. Please explain
Nice setup how much solar is on each cart?
Thanks. The panels are 385w each, I've actually seen over 770w each cart.
Can you purchase these panels in Florida @@BradCagle
Are you still using the Solar tracker? I was thinking of building one.
I'm going to rebuild it. I have some ideas, maybe a new design.
I guess I will wait and see what you do. I’m just getting started. Thank you I appreciate you and I am learning a lot.
I'm surprised your roof isn't covered with panels. Lots of flat space up there.
A lot less chance of roof damage if you don't drill holes in it LOL
That's why I'm going with ground mount.
Plus easier to clean and maintain if they're on the ground as we get older.
Actually that flat portion on my sun room is covered with panels on one side. I'll be expanding more, just got to get around to it, and there's a large tree branch I need to remove first.
@@mycabinlife1291 Very true.
@@BradCagle Very cool!
Ah spotted the Maligator….
Yup, that's my bitey boy :)
You should put more effort in your 2 axis solar panel design. Already proven as fact that you get more wattage per day than rigid standing panels
Hang tight, I've got some ideas in the works :)
hey, I really liked this construction and the video in general.
question, what do you think will be the life span of the wood frames considering the rain factor?
These are pressure treated for outdoor use, also you can use something like BEHR waterproof stain/finish.
pneumatic wheels would be much better for grass
True, but also requires more maintenance, and that's why I intentionally avoided them. Everything I've had with pneumatic tires, hand truck, pressure washers, etc. have been an extra pain. Thanks!