3RD UPDATE! Solar Panel Mounting Brackets Kit, 1 to 24 Panels-SAVES INSTALLED $$

Description

**UPDATE #3 - See the last Graphic for a NEW "NO DIG" (Weighted Base) Support System using readily available concrete blocks (Lowes, Home Depot, etc. This Simple Design Solution's main component, the common 8"x8"x16" concrete blocks, are readily available in my locale for .98 each, the cored blocks for .28 each).  In addition to the solid blocks, the following are required:
8"x8"x16"
cored blocks, thinner 2"
x8"x16"
solid concrete blocks (or more decorative pavers or patio stones), a small amount of concrete (or grout), and construction adhesive (caulking gun type).
PLEASE NOTE
: NONE OF THE ABOVE MATERIAL IS A PART OF THIS LISTING'S SPMK KIT(S).
The design details shown are being presented solely for the consideration of use by our Valued Customers (i.e., providing a different D.I.Y. Alternate to installing more permanent, in-ground support posts).
NOTE: Unfortunately, as material costs increase, our list pricing will have to follow suit.
***** WE ARE RAPIDLY APPROACHING A KNOWN PRICE INCREASE AS CURRENT MATERIAL SUPPLIES DWINDLE AND INFLATED PRICES ARE SEEN FOR THE UPCOMING NECESSARY REQUISITIONS. ****
However, we have decided to increase our pricing
only
as existing material inventories deplete, and we purchase replacements costing more
(i.e., not increase our pricing now in anticipation of the upcoming higher replacement costs).
When you see the resulting future price increases during these trying times, please realize this is not an increase for the sake of more "profit".
...................................................................................................................
**MAINTAINING REDUCED PRICING
RIGHT NOW
ALONG WITH THE DEEP DISCOUNTS FOR ORDERING MORE THAN ONE SOLAR PANEL MOUNTING KIT!!!
..........
These Solar Panel Mounting Premium Kits have all the components you need to create the assemblies shown in the graphics except YOUR
Project-Specific
lengths of 1 ½" EMT Conduit and Strut Channel.
.........
(FOR PREVIOUS UPDATE #2, SEE
BLUE TEXT
BELOW.)
.....
..........
Why would you want to use the Kit?
Truly
better
"by Design"
:
(A design "born" out of a professional engineer's frustration with the other LOW-QUALITY offerings that were definitely not optimized for their use.)
·
Clean, Commercial,
Professional
," Quality" Look ("by Design")
- A
round
support post, a
round
one-piece horizontal mounting tube, and a "matching" heavy-duty
custom-fabricated
tee
.
·
SAVES ON INSTALLED COST!
Allows Use of Less Expensive EMT Conduit ("by Design")
– Readily available 1-1/2" EMT Conduit is
MUCH CHEAPER
than the typically specified 1-1/4" Schedule 40Pipe.
Example of Cost Savings (Pricing from my area's large retail chain
building supply):
Galvanized 1-1/4” Sch40 pipe @ .95/ft.
Galvanized 1-1/2” EMT Conduit @ .10/ft.
(
It seems like prices are going up daily now; don't wait too long to buy
.)
Example Savings for 2 Kits:
Two one lengths (10' ea) per 2 posts & 1 length (10') for the two horizontals (allowing 5' for each).
For the above estimated 30 ft total required,
Example Project's Savings = ,
Same as a "Deep" Discount Off the (Already Reduced) Price of Each Kit!
AN OPTION
: Short (8") strut channel pieces could be installed along with another longer (i.e., matching panel length) lower-cost component of your choosing fastened to the top part of the strut channel (ex: 2" galvanized channel, aluminum U-channel or Z-channel, etc.).
This allows you to explore the possibilities of even more total-installed-cost savings!
.........
UPDATE
: Though not right for every installation, one of the listing's Graphics details a
cost-saving
HORIZONTAL MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT (i.e., the typical rooftop panel orientation) that uses only one 10 foot length of 1-1/2" EMT Conduit per assembly.
Actually,
EVEN MORE
Cost & Labor Savings exist with the EMT Conduit design:
>>> No expensive (due to pressure-rating) Galvanized Pipe
Fittings
>>>No separate Galvanized Bolts, Nuts, Washers needed for the Support Assembly
>>>No need to cut the much thicker wall Pipe, ETC.
·
Simplified installation ("by Design")
– Slip in the EMT conduit & tighten the set screws,
no use of U-bolts, flat plates, angles, or other "misapplied" components &, again, no hassle with nuts, bolts, and washers (or the wish for "3 hands").
·
Easiest to Adjust ("by Design")
– Allows for 360 degrees of rotation and 0° to90° of tilt
of individual panels
after the panels are installed
(or at any time in the future)
with only loosening/tightening set screws
.
..........
UPDATE #2 - “FOOD FOR THOUGHT”
1
.   Many solar panel installation instructions advise adjusting the “tilt” for winter versus summer seasons, typical wording:
“Solar panels should tilt, from the horizontal, at an angle equal to Latitude
plus 15°
in winter and Latitude
minus 15°
in summer;
an additional 3%-5% in output can be gained
[vs. a tilt equal to the Latitude].”
“Easy Math” 5% example:
10 each 400W panels = 4,000W.
5% = 1/20 as a fraction
So, the output gain would be 4,000/20 = 200W
Adjusting tilt acts
like a 200W panel “add-on” was installed
.
THE ADJUSTABILITY OF AVAILABLE MOUNTS VARIES FROM “NOT ADJUSTABLE” TO “INCREMENTALLY/STEP ADJUSTABLE” (SOME INVOLVE SIGNIFICANT DIFFICULTY/WORK). THIS TASK IS A
VERY EASY, “ONE-MAN JOB”
, WITH THE KIT’S INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE 0°-90° TILT RANGE BY SIMPLY LOOSENING/TIGHTENING SET SCREWS.
THEREFORE,
WITH THE KIT INSTALLATION, MUCH MORE LIKELY TO BE DONE (& THE INCREASED SYSTEM OUTPUT REALIZED)
.
2
.
Instructions for “solar-powered only” (i.e., no-battery) installations (i.e., “day time” use of solar-powered pumps, fans, & compressors) may include (paraphrasing):
“Suggest adjusting [half of the panels] for the best morning sun and [half of the panels] for the best afternoon sun; this reduces the max input a little but gives a longer day of running.”
NOT POSSIBLE WITH A FIXED MOUNT, BUT
VERY EASY TO ACCOMPLISH WITH THE KIT’S 0°-90° TILT RANGE
FOR EACH INSTALL
.
(AGAIN,
ONLY INVOLVES LOOSENING/TIGHTENING SET SCREWS.
)
..........
IMPORTANT NOTE: THESE ONE-OF-A-KIND TEES ARE NOT AVAILABLE FROM OTHER SOURCES.
THIS OFFERING IS STILL CONSIDERED A
LIMITED PRODUCTION RUN
(COMPETING FOR SHOP HOURS NEEDED FOR OUT OTHER PROJECTS). PLEASE,
IF YOU THINK YOU MIGHT EVER WANT
A D.I.Y. (HEAVY DUTY & VERY EASY TO INSTALL) PROFESSIONAL-STYLE SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION, ORDER BEFORE THIS AD EXPIRES!
..........
THE MAIN DETAILS:
Again, this Kit is for the Do-It-Yourselfer (D.I.Y.) who wants a genuinely Robust Quality/Commercial/ Professional-Style solar panel installation with a minimal amount of time and effort.
If you can 1) install a fence post and 2) use one of the many methods available to cut thin-wall metal tubing & standard strut channel (Unistrut) to length, as do thousands of Electricians every day, you should have no issues with the installation.
..........
The mounting arrangement easily allows for 360 degrees of rotation and 0° to 90° of tilt
of individual panels after the panels are installed
(i.e., easy to "tweak").  Resetting the orientation only requires loosening and retightening the set screws.  For the cases of:
Ø
Winter versus Summer orientations/exposures (more likely to do, since it is
effortless
, just loosen/tighten the set screws)
Ø
To maximize harvest during morning hours with some panels and evening hours with others (by slightly different individual panel tilts).
Ø
To align panel rows with a fence or along a property line as needed (and still maintain proper orientation)
Ø
In the event you decide to relocate the solar panels
……..
THE KIT TEE COMPONENTS INCLUDED ARE FOR THE INSTALLATION OF EITHER TWO "STANDARD" SIZE SOLAR PANELS (EX:100W) ON ONE POST OR ONE MAX SIZE PANEL (EX: 300+W) ON ONE POST (PLEASE, SEE THE GRAPHICS).
........
Each D.I.Y. Solar Panel Support kit includes:
>>>
One (1) of the
Custom-Bored
Heavy Structural EMT Tees
(the key to making the installations a snap).
>>>
Four (4) each 1-1/2" EMT Electro-Galvanized Strut Channel Clamps
>>>
Two (2) each 1-1/2" EMT Black Polyethylene End Plugs
(for the, otherwise exposed, ends of the
horizontal
tubes, to keep out insects such as wasps, spiders, etc.)
THE EASE OF PROCURING THE EMT AND STRUT CHANNEL COMPONENTS AVOIDS YOU INCURRING THE HORRENDOUS SHIPPING CHARGES OTHERWISE ASSOCIATED WITH SHIPPING THESE OVERSIZED PIECES. AGAIN, PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THESE TWO OTHER NECESSARY MATERIALS (SHOWN IN THE GRAPHICS) TO CREATE A COMPLETE ASSEMBLY; NAMELY, THE EMT CONDUIT AND STRUT CHANNEL PIECES, ARE NOT INCLUDED (The cut-to-lengths required depends on YOUR project's specific requirements).  These are "common" items and are typically "Off the Shelf" at Home Depot, Lowes, or an Electrical Supply House.  They are also available from online sources (Amazon, online Electrical Warehouse sites, etc.).
The "Plus Side" of a separate purchase
: You are allowed to
buy only what you need
and can create the "correct"
custom lengths
that match your particular solar panels.  Otherwise, the Kit would include wasteful "one-size-fits-all" pieces at a higher price (and that would still require "cutting to length").
…….
EVEN MORE DETAILS
:
……..
This unique custom tee is made of
heavy
cast iron, is silver-galvanized (complementing the EMT conduit finish) & is custom-bored for a slip fit with a 1½" E.M.T. conduit. The design provides both cost and labor savings by incorporating common 1-1/2" E.M.T. galvanized conduit (high yield strength of 50,000+ psi, 1.740" outside diameter - much less expensive than the smaller diameter schedule 40 galvanized pipe alternative). The design uses the economic E.M.T. conduit for both the upright post tube and the one-piece horizontal panel support tube.  Each tee's outlet has a
LARGE
set screw that securely grips the E.M.T. conduit once the orientation and tilt are adjusted.  A standard 5/16" (or 8 mm) hex Allen L-shaped wrench is required for assembly.   Each post assembly can support either two solar panels or one large (300+ watts) panel (See Graphics). Included are assembly diagrams and measuring instructions for cutting the conduit & strut channel.
........
The Kit's
DETAILED ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS AND DIAGRAMS
assist you in buying only what your specific installation requires.
DIMENSIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
allow the determination of the (
minimal
) lengths of conduit and horizontal strut channel required.  (Note: The concrete foundation details are not addressed as this depends on the local soil conditions and wind zone.)  There are also INSTALLATION TIPS provided that will extend the life of the components.
.........
ADDED BONUS:
For a need of a VERY TALL MOUNT, a straightforward method is fully detailed to adapt the 1-1/2" E.M.T. support assembly as a "top part". This "top part' is securely bolted inside a larger diameter more wind stable tube or pipe.  (Example: 2" schedule 40 pipe post.)  The next to last ad graphic shows an actual installation example that provides "walking clearance below" using a 2" schedule 40 galvanized rigid conduit (or pipe) post with the E.M.T. "top part".  If the method detailed is too involved/time consuming, an easy-to-install accessory drop-in 2" pipe-to-1-1/2" EMT Custom Adapter (
Item ID
#294846579037
)
is available.
The last graphic attached shows the pictorial custom adapter installation instructions.
.........
TAKE PRIDE IN THE UNIQUE
QUALITY
RESULTS WHILE SAVING MATERIAL COSTS BY CONSTRUCTING YOUR OWN PANEL SUPPORTS! FABRICATED IN THE U.S.A.
(TEXAS)!
IF INTERESTED, ONE FURTHER CONSIDERATION
:
Why "pole-mounted" instead of "roof-mounted"
?
·
DANGER OF VOIDING ROOF WARRANTY:
o
Long-term roof warranties (ex; 25-yr) are significant in the initial roof cost (and rightfully protect your investment).  Please do not take the chance of voiding the protection you have invested in!
o
Weather
i
ssues (ex: "straight-line" high-velocity winds) requiring roof repairs can involve costs to remove/reinstall the solar panels.
o
Panels wil
l have to remove entirely (at some point in the future) to replace the roof.
NOTE: DON'T INSTALL PANELS ON AN OLD ROOF
.
o
Panels,
mounting systems, & maybe even "ballast" add significant weight to roofs, possibly requiring reinforcing.
o
The h
eat from the roof adversely affects panel efficiency, especially important in hot climates where max sun exposure and max roof heat are simultaneous.
·
ACCESSIBILITY:
o
Safer
working "on the ground" than "on the roof."
o
Easier
to inspect, check voltage, amp draw, grounding, etc.
o
Easier (
much!) to reach for cleaning.
o
The
Kit makes it easy to optimize alignment (unlike a fixed roof orientation and fixed tilt).
·
D.I.Y. ASPECT:
o
Many
of the above issues are even more critical for D.I.Y.:
§
SAFETY
§
ROOF
WARRANTY (i.e., inadvertent damage the voids the warranty)
§
OPTIMUM
ALIGNMENT – effortless, to maximize solar harvesting (
your investment's "bang-for-the-buck"!
)
§
Ease
of installing the Project A PIECE AT A TIME (i.e., multiple sessions,
when YOU have the time
)
§
The
Kit results truly look PROFESSIONAL, "BY
DESIGN
".
§
Almost
all of the Kit items are "OFF THE SHELF" and easily obtained now & in the future.  Of course, the Kit's CUSTOM TEE IS BOTH VERY "STRUCTURALLY SOUND" AND EASILY REUSABLE.
CONSIDERING ALL OF THE ABOVE, (I.M.O.) THE ONLY REASON NOT TO USE POLE MOUNTS IS IF YOU ABSOLUTELY DO NOT HAVE THE AVAILABLE GROUND SPACE.
NOW, JUST FOR FUN: BELOW IS A LINK TO A VERY SHORT VIDEO RELATED TO THE ATTACHED 2-PANEL GRAPHICS (IF YOU LOOK CLOSELY AT THE PICTURE, YOU CAN SEE A MINNOW POND IN THE BACKGROUND).  THE PROJECT WAS A MINNOW (BAIT) POND AERATOR; VERY SIMPLISTIC, JUST THE SOLAR PANEL SUPPORT, 2 PANELS, WATERPROOF POWER CABLE, SUBMERGED DC PUMP, AND AERATOR RISER PIPE.  AERATES LITERALLY FROM DAWN-TO-DUSK (THOUGH LOWER FLOW RATE AT DAWN & DUSK) AND EVEN ON FAIRLY CLOUDY DAYS (ABOUT A YEAR IN OPERATION NOW)
.  [I do not sell the panels/pump/aerator kit, but if interested, contact me, & I will gladly share info.]
[PLS, PASTE https:/ LINK BELOW INTO YOUR BROWSER WINDOW TO VIEW THE VIDEO.]
https://www.youtube.com/embed/UuT1yj2h7rs?rel=0
Watch Video
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