Are you tired of paying half your salary going into the electricity bills every month? Or maybe you want to create a positive impact on the environment?
Well, your wish is granted! As by building a DIY solar panel stand, you will not only save money but also help the earth!
Now comes the million-dollar question, how to build a solar panel stand? Is it possible to do so all by yourself? Of course!
Don’t worry, you don’t need to be an expert or have an expensive toolkit. You just need the right tools and know the exact steps to build one.
That’s why, today, we will be discussing all the steps you need to know in the correct sequence to build one successfully. Here’s to how to save money and build a DIY solar panel stand:
Step 1: Understand the Stand Design
First off, you must understand the design of the solar panel stand that you are planning to build. Because if you don’t have a pretty good idea about it, you will not be able to create a sturdy one in the first place.
So, before heading straight to the business, make sure to take some time to conduct thorough research. From simple A-frames to complex structures – pay close attention to each of the materials used while keeping the budget in mind as well.
Any craft projects with wood needs to be well-researched and planned. Having a good understanding of the design ensures that you are well-prepared and have a clear vision of what you are aiming to achieve. Ultimately resulting in a smoother construction process.
Step 2: Measure the Gap of Your Solar Panel’s Frame
Now that you have done your homework, it’s time to take measurements.
This step is where the real work begins.
Here, you have to take accurate measurements of the gap between the solar panel’s frame and the ground, much like finding the perfect fit for the stand.
To take the measurements, put the end of the measuring tape at the bottom of one side of the solar panel’s frame. Afterward, extend it to opposite side bottoms. Take note of the measurements.
Next up, measure the height’s frame right from ground up to the front position. Write down this measurement as well. [This will give you an accurate measurement of the gap you need to fill]
One thing to bear in mind while taking the measurements is to do it with a calm head. So that there is no room for inaccuracy. Otherwise, a little mistake here can ruin the entire work later on. Hence, the smart move is to double-check things.
Step 3: Measure the Stand Dimensions
Take your measuring tape, a pencil and a piece of paper and go to the place where you are planning to install your stand.
Your first task is to carefully take the measurement of the area’s dimensions, i.e., the length and the width.
Next up, consider the desired height of the solar panel stand. Whether it be on the ground, rooftop, or maybe any other elevated surface – make sure to take the measurements of the ground’s or the surface’s height to where you are planning to put the solar panel’s bottom portion.
Lastly, take the measurements of the distance between the legs of your solar panels. This, in return, will help you to determine how far apart the support pipes can be on your solar panel stand.
A good basic rule is to ensure the distance between the legs matches exactly to the distance between the pipes on the solar panel stand.
Step 4: Calculate the Steel Dimensions
Now that you have all the needed measurements, it’s time to do the calculation of the galvanized steel dimensions.
Galvanized steel? Well, they are like the backbone of the stand, hence knowing their accurate dimensions is of utmost importance.
Here comes the bigger question: how to do it?
Start by determining the steel’s length using a measuring tape. Next, take the width of the panel and add a few inches to each side to give some space for overhang. This will make sure that the panels fit perfectly on the solar panel stand without any risk of falling off. Note down each of the measurements!
Now comes the height portion. Consider the angle at which you want to tilt the panels to get the optimal sun exposure. Just keep in mind the higher the tilt, the more efficient the panels will be.
Step 5: Cut The Steel
Time to get those safety goggles on and fire up those power tools as things are going to get heated up!
Taking the measurements from step number four, begin marking accordingly. Before cutting, double-check the measurements to ensure precision. In other words, measure twice, and cut once!
After all, you can take the measurements several times, but once you cut it, there is no turning back. For the cutting, you can either use a circular saw or a tube cutter. Carefully cut them to the expected lengths, and using sandpaper or a file, make sure to smooth the rough or uneven edges.
Step 6: Attachment of the Stand to Your Solar Panel
This is the step where all the pieces start coming together.
Position the frame around the solar panel, and then using a drill, locate the mounting holes or brackets on the frame. You might need some extra pair of hands for this step; hence make sure to call for help, if necessary.
Repeat the same process for the remaining three legs as well, ensuring they are all evenly spaced and properly fastened. After all, you wouldn’t want your panel stand to be all wobbly!
Step 7: Test Your DIY Solar Panel Stand
Finally, we are at the last step of building our very own solar panel stand. Quite an adventure, Right?
However, before quitting it all, it’s time to do some testing to find out whether or not we have created it correctly or not. Fingers crossed!
For testing, carefully place your newly attached solar panel stand in its designated space. That is, you have to put the solar panel on a clean and flat surface – facing right in the direction you desire, aiming for maximum sunlight exposure.
Now, wait for the magic to happen!
If the solar panel starts soaking up the rays, then my friend, understand all your hard work has paid off. Next up, do some additional inspections. For instance, check if the solar panel is securely planted on the ground or not. Does it tend to sway or wobble whenever there is wind?
In case you find any issues, quickly go through your measurements and connections, and if needed, conduct some necessary adjustments.
However, before that, let’s give you a quick rundown of the things that you will be needing to get started:
Tools and Materials You Need
To carry out the steps mentioned above, you will need the following tools and materials.
Tools
- Measuring Tape [Taking accurate measurements of the stand and panels]
- Tube cutter or circular saw [Cutting the steel to the required lengths]
- Drill [Attaching the stand to the solar panel using the screws or bolts]
- Safety Goggles [Protection of the eyes while cutting the steel]
- Screwdriver or wrench [based on the type of fasteners you will be using, you will need them for tightening the screws or bolts]
Materials
- Galvanized Steel [Pick sturdy steel of the appropriate diameter for your solar panel stand]
- Connectors [These fittings are used to join the galvanized steel together – forming the stand’s frame]
- Screws or Bolts [Used to attach the stand to the solar panel]
- Mounting Brackets (optional) [In case your solar panel doesn’t come with any pre-drilled mounting holes, you might need brackets to securely attach the stand]
Now that you know which things to keep in hand while beginning the journey, make sure to have them unless you want any sort of disruption.
To Wrap Up
Having a solar panel is certainly one of the best ways to reduce the carbon footprint, lessen the electricity bills and take full control of your energy sources.
Now that you know how to save and build your own solar panel. It’s high time you take some action to create a brighter and cleaner future. After all, the change will begin when you start doing it yourself.
Happy savings!