🛒 EG4 Ground Mount: signaturesolar.com/eg4-brightmount-adjustable-cat1-solar-ground-mount-system-supports-3-4-panels/?ref=thesolarlab • Use Code: THESOLARLAB25 for $25 Off Your Order 🛒 Signature Solar: signaturesolar.com/?ref=theso... • Use Code: THESOLARLAB50 for $50 Off Your Order ☀ Get a Free Solar Estimate for Your Home: www.solar-estimate.org/solar-... 0:00 - Intro 0:59 - Un-Boxing 2:03 - Assembly 3:35 - Bonus DIY 4:57 - Instaling Panels 6:09 - Things We Don't Like 7:22 - Things We Like The EG4 Brightmount Solar Panel Ground Mount is one of the most popular budget friendly ground mounts on the market. In today's video we set it up and compared it to other ground mounts we've reviewed here on the channel. There's a lot we like (especially the price), but also some things that we don't.. and we wanted to answer the question - why is it so popular? 🔔 Subscribe to our UA-cam Channel: @TheSolarLab ⚡ FOLLOW US: / thesolarlab / thesolarlab 👨🏼💻 The Solar Lab: www.thesolarlab.com We maintain an affiliate relationship with some of the products reviewed, which means we get a small percentage of a sale if you click our links, at no cost to our viewers.
Hopefully EG4 hears about the issue with the sliders and redesigns those pieces. Its probably a cut extrusion so it wont be too hard to change the die for it.
I mounted two brightmount arrays on top of a 20x20 pad I created with crushed white paver base on top. Then I used 6x6 posts to create the base footings. One array has four 415W Sirius panels and the other has three. They are all in series and power the EG4 2T mini-split. I set them at 30 degrees. At full sunlight they generate 280V 100 ft from my mini-split. Even though I have a heavy base, I also anchored the mounts to the ground with wire tie downs. The white base provides a good reflective substrate for the bifacial panels.
My only concern would be whether you looked at the wind load/speeds for your area and designed the tiedowns accordingly? My further comment, which doesn't apply to your project, is what the fix is for uneven slopes. It's certainly possible to anchor posts in the ground and make the cut level across them in order to bolt to them. I've been using the Iron Ridge design, which is much more expensive and permanent. But it handles wind loads up to 120mph and snow loads to 40psi, which is usually above the panel strength anyway and with a reasonable panel pitch, never comes into play. I like this system, it just seems like it needs to have a better anchor system with it. Those screw type anchors may work well with this? My system installs are usually 20+ panels in a 4 panels tall arrangement so this wouldn't work for that anyway, but I do like how it goes together.
The clips are designed to be narrow so you don’t have to slide them into place just angle them while inserting. I did not know this at first but it does save time when you have 20 to build. Great review you just reminded me how much I like the Brightmount.
I have 2 installed hooked together have 6 325 watt panels and 8 200 watt panel Been up over a year no problems H2 coming and 16 360 watt panels coming will install this winter
Nice Mount, and one thing I like about them is its an easy way to folly the sun with a simple pic up and moving. One other way too is to mount casters on the bottom that have a lock (brake) on them. Also heck out the Makita 18 volt LXT battery powered impact wrenches that come in 1/4, 3/8. and 1/2 drives, and even higher, .that way with any of these drive sizes, you can drive them bolts on like butter with ease. The Makita 1/2 impact drive have that power to take on and off lug nuts on your vehicles including SUV's and Trucks multiple times on a single charge
I own both v1 and the new v2 of these mounts and put them together over new years weekend. I took a side by side pic of the different parts and you will not believe the difference in thickness between v1 and v2. And to put insult to injury they went up $40 on price! I hope they are not cutting corners like this on their v2 chargeveters and batteries.
We get many feet of snow so it doesn't look like the single ground pivot point would stand up to hundreds of pounds of weight unsupported at the lower edge.
I have been going with the cheap Amazon one, then get the upgraded 10ft unistrut from the local hardware box store. At the very least buy the solid 3/8 or whatever thick joining plate to bolt the smaller sections of unistrut together.
Mounting it on a 4"X6" makes it sturdier and gives it more support. I elevated mine 36" above the ground on 4 6"X6" treated lumber sunk 40" in the ground. It won't withstand a hurricane but I'm in the Midwest so it should be fine. They are included with their mini splits which come with a 4 panels, if you need more clips order them. Not something you'll find at Home Depot.
Reading the manual (online pdf), it says the stands should be 130cm apart max and built/fixed on / as a 5x50x85 cm concrete block each with an earth hole deep to 40 cm! Which makes a bit more stability (!!!!) than just the 4x6”! Somewhere in the middle my engineering brain says, will be the optimal foundation to the panels! I’ll start to built my (6) 400W panels up next week! Winter angle preset… wish me luck ;-)
Thank you so very much for this. I built my own and what a pain! Never again. Plus, with my home made system I have to set each panel for angle to the sun. With this and a helper, it would be all set at the same time. I am going to purchase from Signature after seeing this!! You didn't say or I didn't understand: Why did the larger panels not fit? Too long, too wide, too thick? What would make them work? My panels are huge! Where do I just go purchase the additional holders you robbed from another kit? Do I purchase more from Signature or Amazon? Do you have a link?
It would be cool if they offered a solar panel wall mount. I'd like to put an awning over the front of the house with solar panels. Lets start thinking beyond roof and ground mounts please.
I bought four of these and mounted them over the last two weeks. They can be a bit fiddly assembling the rails as you noticed, those tiny backing clamps that go in the rails are .. too small. I had to buy the extension kit to fit four panels on each since mine were around 44.5" wide. The hardware sometimes being in bags and sometimes not drove me nuts, as it can just float around the box. The rail "splice" part often had hardware not attached and floating around the box. All in all, I would use them again.
@@Scat.original they provide two inserts that just slide together. they provide screws to keep them from sliding apart. the combiner plate is long enough to combine all three pieces together.
Brightmount Ver CAT1 has been posted on signature solar. looks like the rails can be adjusted but does not look as strong. The wind rating went from 105 to 90mph but the cost went up to $310. i was told the rails are different so if you have extras clamps and joining plates they are not going to work on the new version.
Good review… I also have the eco worth and eg4 mount… the eco worth been in the element for over a year and the eg 4 still in the box since 1st or 2nd quarter of the yr 😂
For longevity's sake, if you're going to mount on a treated lumber base similar to this... it'd be best to use long bolts through holes drilled all the way through both pieces of wood - with large fender washers. Similar to what you'd do when framing a deck. Then use some ballast (weight) on the 'legs' for wind resistance.
Heard good things about them but they seem backordered or out of stock everywhere. I might go with those black tub looking ones you fill with rock or sand.
P.S. My brightmount panels came in a few weeks ago. I complained to SS that the bolts were defective. The bolts go on easy enough, but if you make a mistake or need to change something the bolts do not come off. My theory is that when tightening, the nut or the bolt threads bend. This makes it impossible to remove. I had to remove two bolts and with a 2 foot breaker bar and broke the bolts I need to remove. If you never plan on removing the bolts, no big deal. SS would have never found the quality issue just checking the bolts. Maybe it was just my batch. I will buy them again for my next array, but I will not tighten anything until I am sure everything is assembled properly.
Are they Stainless Steel bolts? If yes, then you need to apply anti-seize before assembly. If you do not then then the nut will seize ... exactly as you discovered.
What's the length from the top horizontal rail to the bottom horizontal rail? I tried to find it on their web page but I didn't see it. Good video; thanks.
Great video, helped so much... good stuff, truly... but you left out some major details, like you didn't mention the holes in the adjustable angle inner sliding piece don't actually help... it only has 3 places the hold... so despite your comment about 'firing in a bolt at the position you want', is absolutely impossible to get the right angle if you are in NC in october, and need around 50 degrees... you can't even set it to 45 degrees. it's kind of sad... I will have to drill more holes... they could have done that, but apparently chose not to, OR.... somehow yours is different than my EG4 mount. My GUESS is the way to be accurate is to just use the set screws to hold it in place... which does not seem very strong to me. So for now, I'm drilling holes at 45 degrees, even though 51 is ideal this month.
This mount will fit 3-4 panels depending on the size of panel you're using. Also, thanks for letting us know about the link. Here's an updated one: signaturesolar.com/eg4-brightmount-adjustable-cat1-solar-ground-mount-system-supports-3-4-panels/?ref=thesolarlab
How gaint are these racks??? What is the width??? Your link doesn't go to the rack.... What about the back frame support??? You didn't show the strength of the joints 6:18....the base i do not trust...plus we in snow country needs more hieght off the ground...
Two questions I have is can you connect 2 systems together to be able to install 8 panels across. Second is how far would you have to put 2 different 8 panel mounts apart from the other to prevent shading.
Seem pretty good but I'm needing a ground mount system that i can lower flat to the ground before a hurricane hits. Know any that can lay flat? Wonder if I can modify this one to lay flat. Thanks!
It would probable be cheaper and easier to make it mobile and move it to safe place if possible. This one is not designed to lay flat. It is very sturdy though, as he points out.
@@RichardQuaidwood would be easy but the termites would eventually get to the treated lumber, they even chew through concrete to get to wood in houses here. I'll probably have to fabricate and weld some together. Thanks!
I would like to purchase panels from them. But it shows you have to purchase 10. I may be wrong.. I'd like to start a ground mount. I have a 3000 w battery generator I would like to charge.
is there a solar wattage being produced calculator using different angles for the panels? It does not have to be spot on accurate just a ball park figure.
You get what you pay for. A little more money for durability will pay for itself in the long run. Would you rather have rails that stay straight and rigid then those that sag and corrode in short time? I would invest in solar panels but have too many trees around my house and surrounding area. I like your fair and honest reviews. When I sold satellite receivers, I stuck with high quality products. One man tried pitting me against another company by saying, "What if I told you I can get the model xyz (same high end receiver I had) for __ dollars less?" I told him go for it but I would wonder where he's cutting corners. And I knew where the corners could be cut. Cheaper is not always the best value.
🛒 EG4 Ground Mount: signaturesolar.com/eg4-brightmount-adjustable-cat1-solar-ground-mount-system-supports-3-4-panels/?ref=thesolarlab
• Use Code: THESOLARLAB25 for $25 Off Your Order
🛒 Signature Solar: signaturesolar.com/?ref=theso...
• Use Code: THESOLARLAB50 for $50 Off Your Order
☀ Get a Free Solar Estimate for Your Home: www.solar-estimate.org/solar-...
0:00 - Intro
0:59 - Un-Boxing
2:03 - Assembly
3:35 - Bonus DIY
4:57 - Instaling Panels
6:09 - Things We Don't Like
7:22 - Things We Like
The EG4 Brightmount Solar Panel Ground Mount is one of the most popular budget friendly ground mounts on the market. In today's video we set it up and compared it to other ground mounts we've reviewed here on the channel. There's a lot we like (especially the price), but also some things that we don't.. and we wanted to answer the question - why is it so popular?
🔔 Subscribe to our UA-cam Channel: @TheSolarLab
⚡ FOLLOW US:
/ thesolarlab
/ thesolarlab
👨🏼💻 The Solar Lab:
www.thesolarlab.com
We maintain an affiliate relationship with some of the products reviewed, which means we get a small percentage of a sale if you click our links, at no cost to our viewers.
Hopefully EG4 hears about the issue with the sliders and redesigns those pieces. Its probably a cut extrusion so it wont be too hard to change the die for it.
I mounted two brightmount arrays on top of a 20x20 pad I created with crushed white paver base on top. Then I used 6x6 posts to create the base footings. One array has four 415W Sirius panels and the other has three. They are all in series and power the EG4 2T mini-split. I set them at 30 degrees. At full sunlight they generate 280V 100 ft from my mini-split. Even though I have a heavy base, I also anchored the mounts to the ground with wire tie downs. The white base provides a good reflective substrate for the bifacial panels.
My only concern would be whether you looked at the wind load/speeds for your area and designed the tiedowns accordingly? My further comment, which doesn't apply to your project, is what the fix is for uneven slopes. It's certainly possible to anchor posts in the ground and make the cut level across them in order to bolt to them. I've been using the Iron Ridge design, which is much more expensive and permanent. But it handles wind loads up to 120mph and snow loads to 40psi, which is usually above the panel strength anyway and with a reasonable panel pitch, never comes into play. I like this system, it just seems like it needs to have a better anchor system with it. Those screw type anchors may work well with this? My system installs are usually 20+ panels in a 4 panels tall arrangement so this wouldn't work for that anyway, but I do like how it goes together.
The clips are designed to be narrow so you don’t have to slide them into place just angle them while inserting. I did not know this at first but it does save time when you have 20 to build. Great review you just reminded me how much I like the Brightmount.
Really great review. Many places don't require any paperwork or permitting for ground mount arrays.
I have 2 installed hooked together have 6 325 watt panels and 8 200 watt panel Been up over a year no problems H2 coming and 16 360 watt panels coming will install this winter
Nice Mount, and one thing I like about them is its an easy way to folly the sun with a simple pic up and moving. One other way too is to mount casters on the bottom that have a lock (brake) on them. Also heck out the Makita 18 volt LXT battery powered impact wrenches that come in 1/4, 3/8. and 1/2 drives, and even higher, .that way with any of these drive sizes, you can drive them bolts on like butter with ease. The Makita 1/2 impact drive have that power to take on and off lug nuts on your vehicles including SUV's and Trucks multiple times on a single charge
I own both v1 and the new v2 of these mounts and put them together over new years weekend. I took a side by side pic of the different parts and you will not believe the difference in thickness between v1 and v2. And to put insult to injury they went up $40 on price! I hope they are not cutting corners like this on their v2 chargeveters and batteries.
We get many feet of snow so it doesn't look like the single ground pivot point would stand up to hundreds of pounds of weight unsupported at the lower edge.
I have been going with the cheap Amazon one, then get the upgraded 10ft unistrut from the local hardware box store. At the very least buy the solid 3/8 or whatever thick joining plate to bolt the smaller sections of unistrut together.
Using the BrightMount Extension Rail Kit would that allow it to hold you 415 panels?
Mounting it on a 4"X6" makes it sturdier and gives it more support. I elevated mine 36" above the ground on 4 6"X6" treated lumber sunk 40" in the ground. It won't withstand a hurricane but I'm in the Midwest so it should be fine. They are included with their mini splits which come with a 4 panels, if you need more clips order them. Not something you'll find at Home Depot.
Reading the manual (online pdf), it says the stands should be 130cm apart max and built/fixed on / as a 5x50x85 cm concrete block each with an earth hole deep to 40 cm! Which makes a bit more stability (!!!!) than just the 4x6”! Somewhere in the middle my engineering brain says, will be the optimal foundation to the panels! I’ll start to built my (6) 400W panels up next week! Winter angle preset… wish me luck ;-)
Thank you so very much for this. I built my own and what a pain! Never again. Plus, with my home made system I have to set each panel for angle to the sun. With this and a helper, it would be all set at the same time. I am going to purchase from Signature after seeing this!!
You didn't say or I didn't understand: Why did the larger panels not fit? Too long, too wide, too thick? What would make them work? My panels are huge! Where do I just go purchase the additional holders you robbed from another kit? Do I purchase more from Signature or Amazon? Do you have a link?
Nice video yet again, guys! Good work.
Seems like the link is no longer working. Do you have a new link?
It would be cool if they offered a solar panel wall mount. I'd like to put an awning over the front of the house with solar panels. Lets start thinking beyond roof and ground mounts please.
I bought four of these and mounted them over the last two weeks. They can be a bit fiddly assembling the rails as you noticed, those tiny backing clamps that go in the rails are .. too small. I had to buy the extension kit to fit four panels on each since mine were around 44.5" wide. The hardware sometimes being in bags and sometimes not drove me nuts, as it can just float around the box. The rail "splice" part often had hardware not attached and floating around the box. All in all, I would use them again.
How is the extension installed?, no document on the site
@@Scat.original they provide two inserts that just slide together. they provide screws to keep them from sliding apart. the combiner plate is long enough to combine all three pieces together.
Brightmount Ver CAT1 has been posted on signature solar. looks like the rails can be adjusted but does not look as strong. The wind rating went from 105 to 90mph but the cost went up to $310. i was told the rails are different so if you have extras clamps and joining plates they are not going to work on the new version.
V interesting : more ground mount reviews would be useful ..and some tips about the way to secure them for different weather regions?
peace of mind is priceless. i would never cheap out on the mounting hardware, i would want things to stay solid for 10+ years easily.
Good review… I also have the eco worth and eg4 mount… the eco worth been in the element for over a year and the eg 4 still in the box since 1st or 2nd quarter of the yr 😂
Whose mid rail clamps did you use. I am trying to source ones that fit the rack. SS and EG4 refuse to help me.
For longevity's sake, if you're going to mount on a treated lumber base similar to this... it'd be best to use long bolts through holes drilled all the way through both pieces of wood - with large fender washers. Similar to what you'd do when framing a deck. Then use some ballast (weight) on the 'legs' for wind resistance.
That is what I did with these brackets.
@@RCTVAccountWill 1/2" bolts work?
A fair active review. 🌅
Heard good things about them but they seem backordered or out of stock everywhere. I might go with those black tub looking ones you fill with rock or sand.
Nice job...
Link don't work in description. Do you have updated links?
As of December 5th 2024 I can't find this EG4 Solar Panel Ground Mount in stock anywhere. :(. However... nice video and info!
Good review!
Subscribed
Why did the Sirus panels didn't work?
Love to see what you think about the battery evo WALRUS G2???
P.S. My brightmount panels came in a few weeks ago. I complained to SS that the bolts were defective. The bolts go on easy enough, but if you make a mistake or need to change something the bolts do not come off. My theory is that when tightening, the nut or the bolt threads bend. This makes it impossible to remove. I had to remove two bolts and with a 2 foot breaker bar and broke the bolts I need to remove. If you never plan on removing the bolts, no big deal. SS would have never found the quality issue just checking the bolts. Maybe it was just my batch. I will buy them again for my next array, but I will not tighten anything until I am sure everything is assembled properly.
Are they Stainless Steel bolts? If yes, then you need to apply anti-seize before assembly. If you do not then then the nut will seize ... exactly as you discovered.
@@MrSummitville Yes they are Stainless Steel. Maybe SS should add that advice to their unclear manual.
It's not SS fault that you over-torqued stainless steel bolts. Everyone knows stainless threads will curl when you over-tighten. That's on you.
"Everybody knows..." No, they dont.
I'm glad I read this because I didn't know it@@jonvanwyk2026
Can you flip this around and use it as a wall mount unit? I am looking at making a solar awning and this looks like it may work.
Looking for 3D printable end caps for the mount. They are magnets for wasps! Great video by the way.
What panels would you recommend to max out this array?
Does mounting only 7” above the ground give enough clearance for 30 degree or 35 degree panel angle? Thanks
So, what does it connect to? Is it like a wall plug?
What's the length from the top horizontal rail to the bottom horizontal rail? I tried to find it on their web page but I didn't see it. Good video; thanks.
Great video, helped so much... good stuff, truly...
but you left out some major details, like you didn't mention the holes in the adjustable angle inner sliding piece don't actually help... it only has 3 places the hold... so despite your comment about 'firing in a bolt at the position you want', is absolutely impossible to get the right angle if you are in NC in october, and need around 50 degrees... you can't even set it to 45 degrees. it's kind of sad...
I will have to drill more holes... they could have done that, but apparently chose not to, OR.... somehow yours is different than my EG4 mount. My GUESS is the way to be accurate is to just use the set screws to hold it in place... which does not seem very strong to me. So for now, I'm drilling holes at 45 degrees, even though 51 is ideal this month.
I would angle the base so you could get 50 deg
what was the total size of this? The links do not go to those mounts anymore are they still available ?
This mount will fit 3-4 panels depending on the size of panel you're using.
Also, thanks for letting us know about the link. Here's an updated one: signaturesolar.com/eg4-brightmount-adjustable-cat1-solar-ground-mount-system-supports-3-4-panels/?ref=thesolarlab
@@TheSolarLabsorry yall, this link doesn’t work either
@TheSolarLab What is the length of the 3 feet?
I need a mount for larger solar panels, 200W is too small.
Don't you want this grounded with your house (usually in the ground bar before entering the house) and not a separate ground in the earth?
Not to mention $250 shipping???
Great overview and to the point. ❤ +1 Sub
Did this set up require a building permit?
How gaint are these racks??? What is the width??? Your link doesn't go to the rack....
What about the back frame support??? You didn't show the strength of the joints 6:18....the base i do not trust...plus we in snow country needs more hieght off the ground...
Two questions I have is can you connect 2 systems together to be able to install 8 panels across. Second is how far would you have to put 2 different 8 panel mounts apart from the other to prevent shading.
Yes, but you need extra connectors for the rails
I think this is Discontinued, its no longer for sale on Signature Solar
Seem pretty good but I'm needing a ground mount system that i can lower flat to the ground before a hurricane hits. Know any that can lay flat? Wonder if I can modify this one to lay flat. Thanks!
It would probable be cheaper and easier to make it mobile and move it to safe place if possible. This one is not designed to lay flat. It is very sturdy though, as he points out.
@@RichardQuaid no safe place on the island when a hurricane comes! I might need to do a custom build
@@slugbyte It would be easy to make a custom one by me, but I imagine lumber isn't cheap by you. Good luck!
@@RichardQuaidwood would be easy but the termites would eventually get to the treated lumber, they even chew through concrete to get to wood in houses here. I'll probably have to fabricate and weld some together. Thanks!
Bifacial panels with a rear reflector is a bit better.
So, one EG4 panel fits six 200-watt solar panels, i.e., 1KW?
I would like to purchase panels from them. But it shows you have to purchase 10. I may be wrong.. I'd like to start a ground mount. I have a 3000 w battery generator I would like to charge.
You can print it off
is there a solar wattage being produced calculator using different angles for the panels? It does not have to be spot on accurate just a ball park figure.
Would the Brightmount extension rail kit allow you to mount the Sirius 415w panels?
Yes...I mounted four Sirius 415W panels on my bright mount with the extender (in the middle).
If I were to add a second row behind the first row how would I compute the distance needed to separate the rows for maximum solar power?
Depending on the location and angle. there are calculators online, for CT where I am 7’ space between the rows is good
@@lukimy2704 can you provide a link please for the calculator you used?
Subscribed
I Like Eco Worthy 200 Watt BiFacial Panels & Stand and went 800 Watts and could have gone 1200 Watts on Their Teacking Stand for Allot More Money
It’s not $250 anymore. It’s $310 plus s&h
WHAT IS YOUR WATCH?!
Its not really 250 dollar. after tax and shipping its still 300+
You get what you pay for. A little more money for durability will pay for itself in the long run. Would you rather have rails that stay straight and rigid then those that sag and corrode in short time? I would invest in solar panels but have too many trees around my house and surrounding area. I like your fair and honest reviews. When I sold satellite receivers, I stuck with high quality products. One man tried pitting me against another company by saying, "What if I told you I can get the model xyz (same high end receiver I had) for __ dollars less?" I told him go for it but I would wonder where he's cutting corners. And I knew where the corners could be cut. Cheaper is not always the best value.
Well four hundred watt canadian solar panels fit on this bright mount system
Kinda shocked that a energy battery channel doesn't have any battery powered impact tools? Hmmm... haha!
Sorry but there are better options.
I am looking for a couple more mounts, which ones would you say are better?