Wow, That does look heavy. I buy panels as I get the cash so it will slow grow. I will add the next two panels to the top side so it will jut make it lighter. Here is a pic of my first mount. I used a satellite pole and actuator I had to go to the Shack and get a couple of relays and a timer and a few other parts. I built a timer that would run the actuator for 20 seconds every two hours and at midnight return back to the east. Worked pretty good and I have been trying to think up a good way to put one on a larger system. Some way to be stable and lift one end for yearly tilt and the same for following the sun during the day.

sg,
i'm envious. 48pvs!!! i see your lift problem too and i agree you need to make the hinging action occur higher up to lighten the load. looks like it still can be done without too much problem. you need quite a few people to lift that while you secure it.
btw you guys took some nice pics and jon you got some excellent close views. what camera are you guys using?

Hey niel, I'm using a Vivitar 5.0 Mega Pixel camera. The last pic of the two SunWize 90 watt panels was taken with my cell phone. I think it is 3.1 mega pixel.

what did it run you? better yet is how much is it now? i'm too lazy to look as i can't afford it anyway right now, but it does nice closeups jon. i bought a cheap one from wally world for $40 and it's 2.1 meg pix. it really is sucky, but it's better than nada for some things.

Hi Neil,

I have used Olympus camera's for years, the pictures of my old system were with an old 3mp camera. I now use a 6mp (C-60) and they are not that expensive. I personally have recommend to family friends about 10 different Olympus cameras over the last 2-3 years, everyone loves them!

Olympus Direct sells on eBay, it's about 150.00 for a 6mp now ...

Regardless of what brand you get, beyond the MegaPixel, the most important feature is the zoom, you want optical NOT digital.

I agree with you SG on the zoom. I think I got mine from walmart for about $140 about a year ago. I have pretty much always used the vivitar brand or for the last 20 years or so anyway.

Actually, my current system is 60 pv panels. The 48 Kyocera panel system was built at my previous residence.

I have three arrays, the pool array is 20, BP 75 watt laminates. The East and West arrays are each 20, Photowatt 155/165 watt modules. I pushing close to 8kW STC, which I never see since

1) There roof mounted and tilt only matchs the sun correctly twice a year and

2) Its florida and the panels ALWAYS run hot

Here are some more pictures, I added a few panels since this was taken by Lakeland Electric using a bucket truck!

The rainbow is real, we have wack weather, but words don't describe seeing this in person!

Happened on to a German web-site that offers complete PV systems. Apparently they are bringing a rack system on the US market. If any one is interested check out k2-systems.de Too bad that it is in German.

I recently added a kc 125 panel to my existing kc 120 panel at a remote cabin I have been building the past 3 years. I decided to bulid my own rack because of the reduced cost and the fact that it was a simple task. I did purchase the 1 1/2" aluminum angle racks that the panels mount on from a pv distributor. The 2 1/2" x 1 1/2 zinc plated angle was purchased at Home Depot and they are attached to the roof with 3 x 3 Simpson Strong tie L brackets. They in turn are attached to the roof and joists that are 16"on center using 3" lag bolts. All nuys and bolts are stainless. The entire system is secured using "security bolts" available at another distribtor. The system has since been exposed to 55 mph winds and all is well. See attached pics. Any feedback appreciated! Mark in New Mexico.

sg,
nice, but i counted 18 on the right. anyway it is very good to have that much in pv. the electric company took the pictures for what purpose? as favor to you? anyhow did you see the gull on your pvs? they are like the pigeons up here. eat anything and are dirty. they poop everywhere.
yup been to florida several times. oh btw have you ever seen 7 rainbows one atop another? i have here about 15yrs ago. never saw anything like it before and i've seen doubles and triples since.

wilsonm,
i'm all for homemade mounts, but those pvs are very close to your roof. they will degrade more in their output as the heat has no place to escape very well. maybe get some more hardware and move them outward more.