Energy Matters Forums

[Tracker]

If they are 24V panels then I doubt that the SB1100 would even start up. .

Thanks for the comments..
- NO - they seem to be 35V (Vop) panels, and so they normally sit at 140V.

From my winter observations, they can have trouble getting started some days.

I just could not be bothered gathering data in summer -- Just disappointed that the system could have been so much BETTER..
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[Tracker]

Oops-Warratah St.jpg (36.56 KiB) Viewed 274 times

Oops, perhaps the spacing should have been a bit more.

http://www.nearmap.com/?ll=-33.975201,151.077373&z=21&t=h&nmd=20110603
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[Gordon-Loomberah]

They almost got it right- that photo is dated 3rd June, when the sun is only about a degree south of its maximum northerly declination on the winter equinox 3 weeks later. Maybe they worked out the spacings and angles based on the noon sun position, but forgot to allow for the sun being lower either side of noon, when the panels are going to be shaded.

[Inspector]

I know this site all too well (but I wont name and shame the installer). It's what you can't see in the nearmap photo that's a problem... In case you didn't notice - there are two rows of panels on the right of the image - the front row virtually hard-up against the brick "bunker" wall, and the bottom edge of the panels in that row is almost always in shade. I will attach some close-up photos when I find them.





(photos taken approx midday in middle of September)

(Admin, feel free to delete photos if deemed inappropriate/breach of privacy)

[karlajensen]

very dissapointing as in that case,they appear to be Qcells panels... and tilt frames athough poorly constructed and non-compliant to the std (overhang for starters) too would have cost the customer a small fortune....

[Tracker]

Solar-SaltPan.jpg (27.45 KiB) Viewed 197 times

WHY - would you do that..

OOps - just looked closer - there is what looks like a sky-light on the NORTH face.
STILL - I would have simply split them , or gone for the EAST face..
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[bpratt]

I'm assuming North in these photos that are getting put up is the top of the image ?

Why would you put them up on the Western side, when there is a Eastern side available ?\

It is a dark roof, which is only going to get warmer throughout the day, and in turn keep the panels warmer than what they would be in the morning, which means on hot days they won't be producing as much as they could.

Also not knowing the actual location, it might have a higher chance of cloud in the afternoon than in the morning.

[Tracker]

I'm assuming North in these photos .

Nth. ALWAYS up in my images.. and these are in Sydney..
Just such a shame that installers can be so thoughtless..
I'de reckon they could have had 4 panels on each of the 3 Nth face roof panels..
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[karlajensen]

6NNW and 6 East Nth East
12 panels makes 2 kw need min 6 panels in a string for most 2kW inverters.

[Tracker]

Oh, where is my compass..

Solar-Boundary Rd.jpg (14.42 KiB) Viewed 114 times

Whilst this only shows the Waffle-Pods on the ground, there is now a duplex standing there today, and guess where the panels are mounted..

Elsewhere I declared that the customer should have the right to say where they want THEIR panels, PROVIDED that the install could be technically safe and generally productive, but HOW could ANYONE justify placement on a SSE roof face..

Solar-Boundary Rd2.jpg (29.7 KiB) Viewed 114 times

I managed to send myself an email from the phone of what I saw..

I will be fascinated to know who the installer was...
Did he lose his compass, or is this a case of money at any cost..

I do hope that he is not going to do the opposite roof next, despite it facing NNW.

Now, HERE is one for ORER to follow up, but they won't..
( BTW - Nth is UP..)

and here is another that I have mentioned in passing..

solar-allawah.jpg (17.43 KiB) Viewed 112 times

YES - Nth facing and those dishes are right at the foot of the panels..!
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