06-05-11, 08:34 PM | #1 |
Lex Parsimoniae
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Woburn, MA
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Don't install PV in the backyard!
Not only do you spend a lot of time and effort on cutting back trees (shading the panels).
But, the charge controllers & inverters make so much RF noise, you can't hear your favorite AM radio station while you are pushing your reel mower around the backyard on a nice sunny day! After I looked at the meter and saw my load was under 100w, and the bank was charged, I switched the loads back to the grid and mowed the lawn in peace.. I'm hoping a pure-sine-wave inverter will cut the RF noise down to a low roar.. |
06-06-11, 07:48 AM | #2 |
Journeyman EcoRenovator
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Arab, AL
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I have a 1050W array ground mounted in my backyard and am pleased with the way and the where they are. The adjustable ground mount makes it easier to clean and to change from the summer angle to the winter angle.
As for trees, we've taken down several to reduce shading and to make mowing easier. {We are on more than 4.5 acres though.} |
06-06-11, 09:25 AM | #3 |
Lex Parsimoniae
Join Date: Feb 2009
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I was pleased with the East-side cuts we did yesterday. Got full sun on the arrays
much earlier this AM! Now, for the west side But first, a nice bike ride down Paul Revere's little trail.. |
06-06-11, 09:56 AM | #4 |
Master EcoRenovator
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Western Wisconsin.
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Sounds like an inverter and charge controller issue, not a solar panels in the back yard issue.
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06-06-11, 12:51 PM | #5 |
Lex Parsimoniae
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Woburn, MA
Posts: 4,918
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It's a PWM charge controller (TS-45), which is noisy all by itself..
But add on a MSW inverter, and it becomes very hard to tune in any slightly weak AM stations.. |
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