If the ground is too solid to secure stake posts deeply, a low level wooden frame arrangement can be set up for multiple panel installation. The metal frames of the solar panels should be screwed and cable tied down to the wooden support in this set up, with no need for the U clamp to be used.
To hold the panels down and create ballast to the low level support structure, handmade chicken wire baskets can be filled with large rocks and balanced on additional cross wooden struts. These chicken-wire rock weights should be firmly secured to the wooden platform with cable ties, and not be positioned on top of wires or cables from the panels.
When hammering vertical support posts into the ground, add rocks and hammer these securely downwards into the hole before covering with soil. Add further rocks in piles around the post feet to ensure stability. Extra wooden struts maybe added if the ground conditions enable this feature.
If the ground is too solid to sink a post entirely and snow is not an issue at the field site, a ground level framework can be set up. The frame must be secured with ballast in these circumstances.
Bad Weather Conditions
Strong wind, rain and/or snow in the field site mean that the panels should not be deployed too high from the ground to ensure stability.
In snowy conditions, the panels need to be high enough off the ground to prevent snow drifts covering the cells on the panel fronts. Leaving a gap underneath the panels enables snow to drift through and not buffer up against the solar cells.
Extra supports can be applied to the frames to ensure high winds will not move the panels.
Be cautious in set up of solar panels near to any flood plains, especially if equipment is to be deployed during rainy seasons.
Stabilising Framed and Unframed Panel Attachments
Using an old framed panel attached to an old unframed panel can cause instability and movement to the set-up, especially in bad weather. In this instance, extra supports should be added to ensure stability of the panel at the base. Extra supports should be added to the stakes regardless of field position, and even for short deployment periods.
Cable Protection
All cables should be buried, or in some form of protection (ducting) – or both. Swimming pool plastic ducting is a good material to use for cable protection. Make sure the diameter of the ducting is big enough for all plugs to fit through!
Cables should be securely tied to the wooden frame structure – cable ties are best.
If sheep graze in the region, netting fence installations will prevent the animals nibbling/knocking the installation. If cows or horses are present, barbed wire needs to be installed. Anywhere where plants tend to grow, there will be things that like to gnaw cables!
Working Close to the Equator
Panels at a horizontal angle are theoretically optimal for solar deployment at the equator; however it is usually better to deploy the panels at a slight angle so that when it rains, it washes the dust off the solar cells.
