SOLARDUCKNEWS.com

Last updated Mar 27, 2008

SOLARDUCKNEWS.com

DIY SOLAR

OK...we got it under control..Hmmmmn

I bought this wimpy solar array..funny thing..it's a substrate Morphous panel..but it's a good one.

The frame is wimpy and needs some reinforcement because if you tried to mount it on a post/pole it will maybe last about 30 seconds in a 20 MPH wind.
I bought it from Harborfreighttools
I actually believe it was a fluke that I come across this panel as it is custom made for HFT.
I think the keyword here is Amorphous..in reality it out performs Polycystalline and Monocrystalline panels in low light conditions 10 times over.
It has a nice blue tint on the face of the panel.

HOW TO MAKE A POLAR MOUNT PART 1

I have built a Polar Mount from common parts from the local Home Depot a

For those of us that are not getting sunlight we can use the chart below, got a compass?, If you don't have one I'll lend you mine..email me at
Publisher@SolarDuckNews.com
nd other hardware stores locally and it works just fine.
It has been in use since July 2007 and has suffered some pretty exciting weather here in Eugene, Or.
I have priced the mounts on the internet and it seems the median price I have seen is about $200.00 depending on the size of your panel.
I have a Amorphous panel and a distain toward the local building code requirments for mounting a panel on the roof..besides that, I believe my landlord would have a hissy-fit if I drilled holes in the metal roof.
Using a polar mount you can have your panel and the electricity too, not that I'm saying to by-pass the safety that one should adhear to in installing a solar panel. Good common sense is always required.
Most solar panels are built with the mind-set that the panel should be installed into a rack or roof mount of some sort, this strengthens the panel and is a method of placing the panel where it can be pointed toward the south to harvest those important little photon's.
Determining where to mount the post is going to be the key question before you start, what I did was to make 5-6 wooden stakes or you can use something different for stuffing them into the lawn or ground during different times of the day. Doing this will give you a map where shade might visit your likely spot where the post goes.
I placed a stake in the likely spot and checked it during different times of the day to see if it was shaded..if it was I moved the stake out of the shade and checked it later.

The first modification I did was to reinforce the existing frame on the panel using 1/2" L braket I bought at the local building supply, I used Home Depot as I didn't want to spend the whole day chasing prices.
The Panels measured just over 32" and if you times that with 2 per each side of each panel you come up with just the right amount. Do the same for the ends.
I reinforced each panel with a layer of the additional aluminum.
I wanted this reinforement to be a permanent one as I did not want to make a separate frame to clamp into.
I cut the aluminum allowing just about 1/8th in. for the center pieces (expansion) and drilled holes larger that the screws I was going to use but the holes for the original frame had to be the correct size for the sheel metal screws to thread into for a good solid fit. The screws cannot be over about 3/8th of an inch.
I fastened the center pieces from the side as the back was open and it was a tight fit.
I also used a depth gauge when I drilled the holes in the original frame so I wouldn't damaged something in the process. I used a low head clearance 90 degree drill. If you do not have one.. a Dremel should work as well with the correct size bit and using care.