I always say, You can be proud of yourself when you built it yourself. Because you appreciate the amount of work and effort put into it. Its looks great man.
Looks beautiful the only major tip I would give the man is so that your bolts don’t end up ruining your expensive wood put steel platings and steel corner pieces and then put the bolts in it. It’ll make it so that the wood won’t crack and potentially fail when you’re not ready for it.
Thanks. Not sure about "tornado tough". Not much is going to survive a direct EF4/5 tornado hit. BUT, now there is no more "shimmy" or wiggle. It feels tough. You can do pull ups underneath it and it won't budge.
Time Stamp 06:50. I will preface the following with this. I was not there when your house was built. My comment is based on common building practice. Are the brick actually attached to the house? I have seen small steel straps every 2 foot or so nailed to studs. But if a good strong gust came through, and gave that array a solid yank, would those brick stay in place? Or would a section of brick detach and come off? Honestly, I don't think it makes a difference. If a gust that strong were to come through, you would have bigger issues. It just looks like your brackets are only attached to the brick? Asside from that. The array looks beautiful. Very well constructed. I envy your solar system. Thanks for your time.
Thanks for the video. I am considering putting up 3-6 panels above my hot tub. These will run my hybrid mini-split that will power by solar PV panels or mains electrical power. I will also have 6 panels above my garage/shop for the same purpose. I am sure the pergola will have more than those panels, cause I can find reasons to hook those up to something. Haha. All the best from north Texas!
Nice! 12 of those Q-cells is over 6,000w. That is a lot of juice! My wood pergola has stood up to this part of the country's wicked weather, but def consider steel posts for that pergola...extra thick, 4"+. Bifacial solar panels are great for ground mount arrays, pergolas, etc. They can be used on rooftops, but kinda defeats the purpose. Good luck -- you're on the right track with your plans.
@@ChrisDIYerOklahoma yes I like ground mount for a lot of reasons. My plans for power is to have up to 34 panels on a ground mount with bifacials and good reflective surface. But that as they say is another story. I will have to start small on power - I do what I can as I add components with a plan. Thanks for your comment. All the best from north Texas.
Def smarter and a better to do it that way. Mine have lasted 18 years so far. But, if I did it again, I would use steel posts in concrete like my other two solar panel arrays vs using treated wood. Those are galvanized steel and filled with cement...not going anywhere and will outlast me. Good luck with the build!
NICE!!! I dont think it will move. I think its scared to move LOL Cant wait to see the power output on that west facing array in the summer time!! KEEP EM COMING!
Thanks! A few days ago when I had 10/10 afternoon sunshine levels...my whole system was producing 5,500w (73% rated power!). This was on November 6th. In June...if I don't see 6,200w (83% rated power) I will be surprised. I can only invert 3,500w at a time, the rest goes to battery bank (14.4 kWh).
"Rail end clamps" I guess. Here is an Amazon link for them. I used Unistrut nut clamps and 1/4" x 20 bolts vs using what came in the box. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B2NNW2B3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
Looking to do that but on a bit larger scale, over my parking pad, as a "carport" lean to, as the sun traverses directly across in the optimal path. But 2022 lumber costs make it prohibitive at this time.
Hope it all works out for you. Steel posts and Superstrut is much easier to work with vs wood...if that helps. Superstrut is stupid expensive along with hardware. Don't buy hardware at Lowe's or Home Depot...Tractor Supply or online will save you HUNDREDS of dollars.
@@ChrisDIYerOklahomaLowe’s Pro buying in bulk gets you a discount. They put into their system and wait from different vendors to offer and have gotten as much as a 15% discount on both lumber and hardware.
The issue I heard you say is hardened bolts. There is a reason why we do not build homes with screws they do not rack. Harder not the better. For outdoor applications you want less hard bolts which have a much higher ductility. For what you have it should be fine, next time just save the money and get the old fashion zinc coated ones.
No. I asked the electrician who inspected it...the box (panels) need their own ground at the power source. But, I get what you are asking. Never had any issues with my equipment and it passed.
All my panels are now Q-cells (19 total). They have been excellent all hot summer long. Saw a max of 53.7 kWh in July. Averaging about 44 kWh this time of the year
Maybe a 12-deg slope -- not much. This pergola is west facing and quite flat. So, it grabs (mostly) summer electrons. I can measure the angle and get back with you.
I’m trying to figure out how the middle sections of the panels are mounted to the superstrut? I can tell the exteriors is done using the clamps from Amazon but it’s not clear how you achieved the middle sections and still achieved a GAP FREE mount. Also what gauge and length superstrut/unistrut racking is that? Thanks
You might want to read up on bolted connections in wood. They are very different than bolted connections in steel. A bolted connection in steel the bolt clamps the pieces of steel together and the clamping friction is the major part of the joint strength. As the wood expands and contracts, the bolt will get loose. When this happens you lose any clamping force. The only thing holding the joint together is the shear strength of the bolt. You selected nice strong bolts, so they probably won't fail in shear, but they are kind of wasted because the wood will fail around the tiny bearing surface of the bolt. I've seen lots of bolted wood structures last a good long time, but IMHO there are better ways to make these connections. -Jon
Thanks. Beats the T-25 wood screws I used before. I am not even close to knowing much about carpentry. But, this is "still" way better than what I had.
Rule of thumb: When someone opens a statement (or a video) saying I'm an engineer, run away, as quick as you can. But when someone else opens a statement saying I'm NOT an engineer, he's got something you might want to hear.
I did very similar bracket on my fence for backyard light. I am surprised all these setup is only 8K…my main solar is on my roof and it is around 16KWs and it is just enough for 4000 square foot home….
Is there a decent snow load here? Rafter sizing seems like overkill.. If there isn't snow. Regardless of snow load, 1/2" hardware with 2x6s seems like overkill, too. Looks sweet though and probably feels good to have it super secure.
Snow and ice loading. Had over 5" of frozen ice/snow years ago atop the panels on the pergola. And, Oklahoma winds. So, 1/2" hardened hardware and 2x6's are necessary. My other arrays are all steel.
On a good day, about 2,400w for the pergola solar panels. For all three arrays, around 7,100w. I usually can harvest 50-52 kWh per day for all three arrays this time of the year
Looks great. Upgrading away from those window units would be more cost effective than adding solar. Midea makes very energy efficient window units. And ductless mini-split systems are available that are over 35 SEER. A lot more efficient than the cheapo window units. Just FYI. I cut my AC bill in half by upgrading AC. Still debating adding solar.
Very nice build. Strong. I like the Panel end clamps and I also like the Green Caps over the end of the struts. Where did you get those? I think I would like them for my setup also.
Sir, you are addicted to hardware hahaha you did say that you have a tornado monitor so you probably need to build it extremely strong! That thing looks Bulletproof! Thanks for the video I'm trying to figure out what I should do over top of my fifth wheel trailer. The cost of metal roofing is continuously Rising so I thought I would take a look at the option of buying panels instead. I might do it for a section! Definitely a great idea
Typically a cripple or jack stud runs to the ground. It carries the load regardless of the fastener. Having said all of that, I think you will be fine for years to come.
I built it 16 years ago and it was higher (to the roof). Through the years have had to remake/redo the top several times and cut back on the studs. Yes, I hit my head on the short end. The solar panels get AM shading, but the angle (summertime sun) is really good
Yeh, wood has seriously gone up. Solar panels prices are low right now. I bought the hardware at Tractor Supply in bulk -- saved $100's vs Home Depot/Lowe's.
Hahaaa...I wish. Direct hit big tornadoes flatten houses...this solar panel pergola would be destroyed. It is strengthened for higher winds and is insured. My two steel arrays would fair better in a severe storm with high winds.
I have been poked by solar panel voltages...not fun. I respect electricity, but don't fear it. I worked on much higher voltage equipment that would kill on contact. So, safety is always first doing any project...even solar stuff
I always say, You can be proud of yourself when you built it yourself. Because you appreciate the amount of work and effort put into it. Its looks great man.
Totally agree. It is hard work, but 100% your hard work.
How did you waterproof between panels.
It looks like he butted the panels together. He may have put some sealant like silicone on the joining edge, but I feel it is unnecessary.
If it doesnt leak its called a roof. Pergolas are for sun shade they all leak
Looks beautiful the only major tip I would give the man is so that your bolts don’t end up ruining your expensive wood put steel platings and steel corner pieces and then put the bolts in it. It’ll make it so that the wood won’t crack and potentially fail when you’re not ready for it.
Awesome how you maximized you back yard space for solar collection!! ☀️
Thanks...def a typical small lot. But, was able to get some big-boy solar panel power without screwing with rooftop mounting
Dude. Impressive engineering for DIY. You’re a genius.🎉
what do you do so rain does’t drip down between the panels?
Brilliant
I’d recommend getting some EMT and running the PV though that into the house to be code compliant and it just looks awesome. Nice build.
Agree. I plan to run all new lines when it cools off this fall...and use proper conduit
😮 very nice work ❤❤❤
Good solid Build ! real nice !!
Thanks 👍
It sure looks well engineered to me. Built tornado tough.
Thanks. Not sure about "tornado tough". Not much is going to survive a direct EF4/5 tornado hit. BUT, now there is no more "shimmy" or wiggle. It feels tough. You can do pull ups underneath it and it won't budge.
Great Build. Thanks for Sharing
First-Class rebuild and engineering right there! Love it!
Christmas lights must be amazing at your house.
I can honestly say, after living around people and pergolas in four states, I have never heard it pronounced that way lol
Time Stamp 06:50. I will preface the following with this. I was not there when your house was built. My comment is based on common building practice. Are the brick actually attached to the house? I have seen small steel straps every 2 foot or so nailed to studs. But if a good strong gust came through, and gave that array a solid yank, would those brick stay in place? Or would a section of brick detach and come off?
Honestly, I don't think it makes a difference. If a gust that strong were to come through, you would have bigger issues. It just looks like your brackets are only attached to the brick?
Asside from that. The array looks beautiful. Very well constructed. I envy your solar system. Thanks for your time.
I immediately saw that and can see that brick pulling out very easily. That bracket is only as strong as it’s weakest link
Looks fantastic my friend
Impressive!
Thats pretty cool, looks like something I would build.
Thanks for the video. I am considering putting up 3-6 panels above my hot tub. These will run my hybrid mini-split that will power by solar PV panels or mains electrical power. I will also have 6 panels above my garage/shop for the same purpose. I am sure the pergola will have more than those panels, cause I can find reasons to hook those up to something. Haha. All the best from north Texas!
Nice! 12 of those Q-cells is over 6,000w. That is a lot of juice! My wood pergola has stood up to this part of the country's wicked weather, but def consider steel posts for that pergola...extra thick, 4"+. Bifacial solar panels are great for ground mount arrays, pergolas, etc. They can be used on rooftops, but kinda defeats the purpose. Good luck -- you're on the right track with your plans.
@@ChrisDIYerOklahoma yes I like ground mount for a lot of reasons. My plans for power is to have up to 34 panels on a ground mount with bifacials and good reflective surface. But that as they say is another story. I will have to start small on power - I do what I can as I add components with a plan. Thanks for your comment. All the best from north Texas.
I like the Rainwater System. I need to get one, do you have a video on it?
Nice sturdy build, Im looking at building one similar, but I will cement in stainless steal post pins to stop the rot in wet Scotland
Def smarter and a better to do it that way. Mine have lasted 18 years so far. But, if I did it again, I would use steel posts in concrete like my other two solar panel arrays vs using treated wood. Those are galvanized steel and filled with cement...not going anywhere and will outlast me. Good luck with the build!
NICE!!! I dont think it will move. I think its scared to move LOL Cant wait to see the power output on that west facing array in the summer time!! KEEP EM COMING!
Thanks! A few days ago when I had 10/10 afternoon sunshine levels...my whole system was producing 5,500w (73% rated power!). This was on November 6th. In June...if I don't see 6,200w (83% rated power) I will be surprised. I can only invert 3,500w at a time, the rest goes to battery bank (14.4 kWh).
Looks good, nice work.
Thanks. It is holding up nicely since the redo.
Good job! 👍
Thanks...still up and running as I type this.
Nice work
NICE DUDE!! This is a killer setup !!
Thanks. Those Q-Cells like making power in lower light levels...very surprised.
So sweet brother looks great
Thank you. It took lots of effort...but, I also went really slow.
That's nice man. I just bought some panels and want to do t he same you have given me some ideas
curious how short it is, do the panels leak water ?
Hey Chris. Great video and job! What are the corner brackets called on Amazon that is at time index 2:15?
"Rail end clamps" I guess. Here is an Amazon link for them. I used Unistrut nut clamps and 1/4" x 20 bolts vs using what came in the box. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B2NNW2B3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
Looking to do that but on a bit larger scale, over my parking pad, as a "carport" lean to, as the sun traverses directly across in the optimal path. But 2022 lumber costs make it prohibitive at this time.
Hope it all works out for you. Steel posts and Superstrut is much easier to work with vs wood...if that helps. Superstrut is stupid expensive along with hardware. Don't buy hardware at Lowe's or Home Depot...Tractor Supply or online will save you HUNDREDS of dollars.
@@ChrisDIYerOklahomaLowe’s Pro buying in bulk gets you a discount. They put into their system and wait from different vendors to offer and have gotten as much as a 15% discount on both lumber and hardware.
nice
The issue I heard you say is hardened bolts. There is a reason why we do not build homes with screws they do not rack. Harder not the better. For outdoor applications you want less hard bolts which have a much higher ductility. For what you have it should be fine, next time just save the money and get the old fashion zinc coated ones.
Agree...
Nice work and I like the way you built it. One question though shouldn’t your ground be tied into the home ground in order to prevent a ground loop?
No. I asked the electrician who inspected it...the box (panels) need their own ground at the power source. But, I get what you are asking. Never had any issues with my equipment and it passed.
Love your design. How tall are the 4x4 posts in the front and back? What make and model QCell solar panels are they?
Any pushback from the neighbors or the HOA, if you have one, about the aesthetics of the solar panels being higher than the fence?
No issues with the HOA or neighbors.
That is a lot of backyard solar.
All my panels are now Q-cells (19 total). They have been excellent all hot summer long. Saw a max of 53.7 kWh in July. Averaging about 44 kWh this time of the year
Great job! I'm thinking of doing something similar, what pitch angle did you use for the roof / solar panels please?
Maybe a 12-deg slope -- not much. This pergola is west facing and quite flat. So, it grabs (mostly) summer electrons. I can measure the angle and get back with you.
is it water tight? like if it rains does water pours down between the panels? if it's water tight, how did you do it or how would you go on doing it?
Nice Sir
Chris, if I may ask, how did you get the L-brackets to accommodate the 30 degree (?) slope?
Great observation. I put them in my shop vise and banged on them to get the proper angle.
I’m trying to figure out how the middle sections of the panels are mounted to the superstrut? I can tell the exteriors is done using the clamps from Amazon but it’s not clear how you achieved the middle sections and still achieved a GAP FREE mount. Also what gauge and length superstrut/unistrut racking is that? Thanks
Hard to see in this video -- they are all bolted down to the Superstrut on the underside of the solar panel frames using Grade 8/9 bolts/washers/nuts.
I wanted to see close up how you did the panel connections to the vertical fence.
Is there a reason why you are not using 4x4 for the whole thing at the beginning? Also, do you have a storage system?
You might want to read up on bolted connections in wood. They are very different than bolted connections in steel.
A bolted connection in steel the bolt clamps the pieces of steel together and the clamping friction is the major part of the joint strength.
As the wood expands and contracts, the bolt will get loose. When this happens you lose any clamping force. The only thing holding the joint together is the shear strength of the bolt. You selected nice strong bolts, so they probably won't fail in shear, but they are kind of wasted because the wood will fail around the tiny bearing surface of the bolt.
I've seen lots of bolted wood structures last a good long time, but IMHO there are better ways to make these connections.
-Jon
Thanks. Beats the T-25 wood screws I used before. I am not even close to knowing much about carpentry. But, this is "still" way better than what I had.
Rule of thumb: When someone opens a statement (or a video) saying I'm an engineer, run away, as quick as you can. But when someone else opens a statement saying I'm NOT an engineer, he's got something you might want to hear.
Thanks. Just a 2LT in the military saying, "...based on my experience". I was not an officer during my 20+ years
Well, then there’s the pronunciation of, “per-GO-la” 😂
I have the same rule with self proclaimed experts 😂
Must not live in HOA subdivision. looking good 😊
I did once. Never again.
Nice build! Grid tie system or do you charge batteries? Lots of solar in your backyard! Impressive!
Just under 10,000w in PV panels back there. I use batteries. I have two LiFePO4 banks for 44 kWh total.
Amazing job
I did very similar bracket on my fence for backyard light. I am surprised all these setup is only 8K…my main solar is on my roof and it is around 16KWs and it is just enough for 4000 square foot home….
Thought about doing this to my 12x12 pergola. I wonder if it will be enough to drop my electric bill by a good margin.
A 3,000w with good sun will def provide enough kWh to reduce electric bills
Is there a decent snow load here? Rafter sizing seems like overkill.. If there isn't snow. Regardless of snow load, 1/2" hardware with 2x6s seems like overkill, too.
Looks sweet though and probably feels good to have it super secure.
Snow and ice loading. Had over 5" of frozen ice/snow years ago atop the panels on the pergola. And, Oklahoma winds. So, 1/2" hardened hardware and 2x6's are necessary. My other arrays are all steel.
U can increase the size of that pergola if needed more power later. Thats what I plan for my carnopy / carport later
nice job.. looks solid.. i need a pergola .. curious does this supply all the power that you use?
Pretty much. I supply power to six "critical" household circuits.
We have the same panels. Wondering what fuses you used in your combiner box? 20 or 15amp?
4:55
way overkill on the wood structure. but i like it. putting 3 solar panels on my lean to greenhouse. hope it does not fall down.
Now that’s what I call a power station! How much in peak output?
On a good day, about 2,400w for the pergola solar panels. For all three arrays, around 7,100w. I usually can harvest 50-52 kWh per day for all three arrays this time of the year
I’m just wondering why it’s so short and over 5’ with only 4x4s.
Looking good Chris. BTW: I could swear your missing a tree... :)
Thank you...yeh, buh-bye ant-infested backyard willow. The city already came and got the debris (win!). Hope all is well in your neck of the woods
Looks great. Upgrading away from those window units would be more cost effective than adding solar. Midea makes very energy efficient window units. And ductless mini-split systems are available that are over 35 SEER. A lot more efficient than the cheapo window units. Just FYI. I cut my AC bill in half by upgrading AC. Still debating adding solar.
Very nice build. Strong. I like the Panel end clamps and I also like the Green Caps over the end of the struts. Where did you get those? I think I would like them for my setup also.
Thanks. I found those green unistrut end caps on eBay. The vendor sells all kinds of colors and sizes.
@@ChrisDIYerOklahoma I think I found it on ebay. In my watchlist now for the future. Thanks. Those will be a great addition to the end of the project.
I would paint the wood to resistance to water & sunlight to get a longer life out of your solar pergola
I stained it...but, now I kinda wished I painted the wood. It still is looking good and holding up well
Sir, you are addicted to hardware hahaha you did say that you have a tornado monitor so you probably need to build it extremely strong! That thing looks Bulletproof! Thanks for the video I'm trying to figure out what I should do over top of my fifth wheel trailer. The cost of metal roofing is continuously Rising so I thought I would take a look at the option of buying panels instead. I might do it for a section! Definitely a great idea
FWIW - solar panels are really inexpensive these days. Bigger panels = more savings.
Looks great. Are those pergola panels bifacial?
Yes. All three arrays now have bifacial Q-cells - total backyard PV panel rated power is about 9,500 watts
looks awesome fantastic job. come build me 1. HA ha
Typically a cripple or jack stud runs to the ground. It carries the load regardless of the fastener. Having said all of that, I think you will be fine for years to come.
some serious screws you got there
...that's what she said
are these solar panels hail resistant ?
Hail resistant - no. Hail rated up to 1" - yes. Insured - yes.
which state here?
Why is it so short? Don’t you run the risk of hitting you head? Why didn’t you make it match the roofline?
I built it 16 years ago and it was higher (to the roof). Through the years have had to remake/redo the top several times and cut back on the studs. Yes, I hit my head on the short end. The solar panels get AM shading, but the angle (summertime sun) is really good
May I get the item list that you purchased?
I would have made it taller to line up with the bottom of the roof line.
I agree. I originally built it 17 years ago not attached to the roofline. If/when I redo it -- def attached to the roof and larger/taller
Your house is anchored to the porch
You do not use bolt on wood....appart if you sandwich with metal hardware.
What is the size
Roughly 10' x 16'
wood parts should be under panels, i made same mistake
In 2024 this amount of wood is like $50,000+ lol.
Yeh, wood has seriously gone up. Solar panels prices are low right now. I bought the hardware at Tractor Supply in bulk -- saved $100's vs Home Depot/Lowe's.
More bolts and screws than wood XD
What are the measurements of this pergola??? Also what are the measurements of your solar panels??
that's some engineering from a non engineer.
It's holding up well as of today (Oct 11, 2023)
What's up with content creators not allowing to "save" vidoes anymore? --OR--- is this a UA-cam thing now?
solar panels cost allmost same as plastic roofs parts
i'm tryna do the same thing, can you list the parts that you bought? it will be my first build thanks so much for the video
Tornado-proof
Hahaaa...I wish. Direct hit big tornadoes flatten houses...this solar panel pergola would be destroyed. It is strengthened for higher winds and is insured. My two steel arrays would fair better in a severe storm with high winds.
@@ChrisDIYerOklahoma It looks very strong to me. Mine looks weak now. LOL.
Look like a mess, with the small garden space you got i would have favored the roof......
God must have protected you from getting electrocuted.
I have been poked by solar panel voltages...not fun. I respect electricity, but don't fear it. I worked on much higher voltage equipment that would kill on contact. So, safety is always first doing any project...even solar stuff
Nice work