8.4 Kw Timber Framed Solar System Finished And Producing Power

Kris Harbour Natural Building・2 minutes read

The solar system upgrade for a workshop and business involves meticulous installation of cables, panels, and charge controllers for redundancy and efficiency. Despite the initial cost, the system is expected to provide a reliable power source and pay for itself in a few years, proving to be a valuable asset for future business endeavors.

Insights

  • The solar system upgrade involves a meticulous setup with dual-string cables for redundancy, lead flashing for watertight seals, and stainless steel brackets for secure panel mounting, ensuring efficient power generation with minimal losses and easy maintenance.
  • The completion of the project within six weeks at a cost of under £7,000 showcases a cost-effective investment that can potentially pay for itself in just a few years, offering a reliable power source generating 40 kilowatt hours daily, thus serving as a valuable asset for future business growth amidst global uncertainties.

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Recent questions

  • How is the solar system being upgraded?

    With a nearly 10 kilowatt system.

  • What is the purpose of the lead flashing?

    To create a watertight seal between panels.

  • How are the panels mounted for maintenance?

    In rows with internal clips for easy removal.

  • What is the future plan for the solar system upgrade?

    To upgrade to 48 volts for increased capacity.

  • How much electricity can the system generate daily?

    40 kilowatt hours, costing £20.

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Summary

00:00

Solar system upgrade for workshop and business

  • The solar system is being upgraded to a nearly 10 kilowatt system to power a workshop and business.
  • A trench is being hand-dug for a 4-core 16mm squared cable to run from the shed to the panels.
  • The cable will be split into two separate strings for redundancy, with each string going to a different charge controller.
  • The system will run at about 200 volts with 25 amps down the 16mm cable, minimizing losses.
  • Lead flashing is being used to create a watertight seal between panels without a roof on the frame.
  • Panels are being mounted in rows with internal clips for easy removal and maintenance.
  • Expansion joints are added to the lead flashing to account for thermal expansion.
  • Stainless steel brackets are made to secure panels in corners inaccessible for maintenance.
  • Different strings of panels are connected to separate charge controllers for grid redundancy.
  • Cables are run, daisy-chained, and connected to a combiner box for final system setup.

27:32

"Electrical Wiring and Charge Controller Installation"

  • The task involves finishing trunking and completing final wiring.
  • Two sets of cables, positive and negative, from five strings are being connected.
  • Cables are wrapped with thick tractor inner tube for UV protection.
  • Specific wiring sequence: string one positive, string two positive, and so on.
  • Two sets of cables: 250 volts for big charge controller, 150 volts for small charge controller.
  • Labels and connections are checked, ensuring correct polarity.
  • Bus bars are being created to organize terminals and tidy up connections.
  • Charge controllers are limiting current to around 35 amps, providing about a kilowatt of power.
  • Plans to upgrade to 48 volts to double capacity and maximize panel output.
  • Future project involves timber framing for a hydroelectric system for a customer.

45:03

"Efficient, Cost-Effective Solar Power System"

  • The individual has made adjustments to their power system to prevent overheating, creating spaces away from wood for insulation. They can generate 40 kilowatt hours of electricity daily, costing £20 at current prices, providing a reliable power source amidst global uncertainties.
  • The entire project, completed in six weeks at a cost of just under £7,000, includes all necessary components like solar panels, cables, and connections. Despite the initial investment, the system is expected to pay for itself in a couple of years due to the significant power output, serving as a valuable asset for future business endeavors.
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