Basic Solar Installation

[ultrarunner]

FWIW: While it wasn't the case previously, there are now low profile vents that are permitted under solar panels.

All the best,

Peter

I did not know that.

On occasion I have used roof vents to snake or drop a balloon to clear/flush a line.

 

[ponytug]

I did not know that.

On occasion I have used roof vents to snake or drop a balloon to clear/flush a line.

As in all things code related, the inspector, and the AHJ, have the final say. It has been mentioned fairly extensively on various solar sites. Here's a gizmo to reroute the vent as another alternative;

Details on a code change that allows for solar panels above plumbing vent pipes

A standard change from the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials will allow for a sophisticated new design concept that allows PV installers to place panels above existing ABS plumbing vent pipes, instead of designing around them, giving installers the ability to offer...

solarbuildermag.com

Solar Roof Jack - More Power Production

Solar Roof Jack is a more efficient way to use roof space, leading integrated solar panel, offers solar panel for home, Offices at affordable price in California, U.S.

solarroofjack.com

I've read that some AHJs are comfortable cutting them off an inch or so below the panel, as the normal function for a DWV is to allow a pressure relief while draining, and to allow off gases to dissipate.

Our local AHJ would not sign off on them a few years ago, but they have a reputation finding issues...

All the best,

Peter

 

[ultrarunner]

Always learning something on TBN

It makes sense because I see many new installs that are offset for vents.

 

[shooterdon]

Great information guys and thanks for sharing.

I did not know the LiFePo4 batteries had to be kept out of the cold. That could an issue I need to think about. Snow on the roof is another "weak link".

 

[Williy]

MattB 48 Volt batteries are not more than 8 times
a 24 volt system! I use two 12 volt batteries to make
24 volts. Also for the price of two of the 100 amp batteries I can purchase a lot of deep cycle batteries
that will last me just as long and with a whole lot more
power and the cold don't bother them like the lifepo4 type battteries and always have plenty of power. Any temp below 32 degree's F the lifepo4 batteries go down hill for efficency. Also the L6 batteries lasted approx
16 or 17 years. How many people live in area's that
have temp's below 0 degree's?? LOTS??? You like
to pay over a $1k for a bettery great; I will stick with
the deep cycle batteries they work for me. Plus
they have over 900 amps vs 100 amps!

INFO ON LIFEPO4: LiFePO4 Battery Operating Temperature Range: Safety, Precautions, and Common Mistakes

willy

 

[MattB4]

MattB 48 Volt batteries are not more than 8 times
a 24 volt system! I use two 12 volt batteries to make
24 volts. Also for the price of two of the 100 amp batteries I can purchase a lot of deep cycle batteries
that will last me just as long and with a whole lot more
power and the cold don't bother them like the lifepo4 type battteries and always have plenty of power. Any temp below 32 degree's F the lifepo4 batteries go down hill for efficency. Also the L6 batteries lasted approx
16 or 17 years. How many people live in area's that
have temp's below 0 degree's?? LOTS??? You like
to pay over a $1k for a bettery great; I will stick with
the deep cycle batteries they work for me. Plus
they have over 900 amps vs 100 amps!

INFO ON LIFEPO4: LiFePO4 Battery Operating Temperature Range: Safety, Precautions, and Common Mistakes

willy

Uh, I never said they were. I said they were 8 times capacity of the same ah 6vDC.
Watts = Volts X amps For 12 volt batteries it would be 4 times. Batteries in series doubles the voltage but the amp hours remain the same. 4 - 100ah 12vDC batteries wired 2S2P gives you a 24v 200ah battery. If you wired 4-100ah 12v batteries in series to be 48v you would have 1-100ah battery.

No, your deep cycle lead acid batteries will not last as long and especially not if you exceed 50% of capacity on a regular basis. Whereas Li can be easily cycled 80% of rated. Typical deep cycle batteries will have 500-600 cycles. Lithium will have 2000-6000 cycles.

Your use of amps instead of amp-hours is incorrect.

I used to think that it was best to stick with FLA for PV until I started using LiFePO4 about 2 years back. They are superior in every metric with the exception of not being able to charge if below freezing. They can discharge though.

 

[Carl_NH]

A question for those with roof mount panels in northern climates: How do you keep the panels clear of snow?

Ours are on a 10/12 pitch garage and south facing and they shed snow within a few hours - heavy snows they shed every 8-10".

I also use a snow broom on the lower two rows to get it to shed faster. Amazon.com

 

[bdhsfz6]

Ours are on a 10/12 pitch garage and south facing and they shed snow within a few hours - heavy snows they shed every 8-10".

I also use a snow broom on the lower two rows to get it to shed faster. Amazon.com

The most efficient panel angle varies with latitude. In some locations, not necessarily yours, I suppose it's worth sacrificing some efficiency by increasing the mount angle to get better snow shedding.

 

[ponytug]

The most efficient panel angle varies with latitude. In some locations, not necessarily yours, I suppose it's worth sacrificing some efficiency by increasing the mount angle to get better snow shedding.

And /or relatively more power in the wintertime.

 

[Williy]

I don't have a 6 volt system its 24 volt
I never discharge my batteries to 50% The solar
panels provided enough power that it didn't happen
I will be getting 2 24 volt 1600 watt wind generators
from:

Wind Turbines | Missouri Wind and Solar

Buy a micro wind turbine for energy independence. Produce your own energy, day or night, with wind turbines that really work - buy from the small wind experts at MWANDS.com.

windandsolar.com

plan is to be off grid

willy