Don't install PV in the backyard!

Xringer · 06-05-11, 08:34 PM

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..

gasstingy · 06-06-11, 07:48 AM

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.}

Xringer · 06-06-11, 09:25 AM

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..

Ryland · 06-06-11, 09:56 AM

Sounds like an inverter and charge controller issue, not a solar panels in the back yard issue.

Xringer · 06-06-11, 12:51 PM

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..

06-05-11, 08:34 PM	#1
Xringer Lex Parsimoniae Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Woburn, MA Posts: 4,918 Thanks: 114 Thanked 250 Times in 230 Posts	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
gasstingy Journeyman EcoRenovator Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Arab, AL Posts: 491 Thanks: 109 Thanked 49 Times in 43 Posts	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
Xringer Lex Parsimoniae Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Woburn, MA Posts: 4,918 Thanks: 114 Thanked 250 Times in 230 Posts	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
Ryland Master EcoRenovator Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Western Wisconsin. Posts: 913 Thanks: 127 Thanked 82 Times in 71 Posts	Sounds like an inverter and charge controller issue, not a solar panels in the back yard issue.

06-06-11, 12:51 PM	#5
Xringer Lex Parsimoniae Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Woburn, MA Posts: 4,918 Thanks: 114 Thanked 250 Times in 230 Posts	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..