solar hooked strait to the battery question

[Mary B]

Unirac rails are galvanized steel. Panels were about 5 feet long. Longer and I may have gone 3 rails

[gww]

Thanks guys
gww

[ChrisOlson]

Unirac rails are galvanized steel. Panels were about 5 feet long. Longer and I may have gone 3 rails

The ones I got are aluminum.
http://unirac.com/residential/residential-products/solar-mount-residential

And here's how you put them on - it's real simple.  Except gww won't need the flashings or standoffs for his frame he built - just the L-brackets.
http://www.unirac.com/video/animations/solarmount/index.html

You can lay 3 kW per hour with no problem once you get the rails installed.
--
Chris

[Mary B]

Picked mine up at Menards in the electrical section. Made for conduit hanging.

[gww]

Chris
Unless I am doing something wrong, pricing from the site you posted earlier, the hardware adds $5500 to my rack.  That cost the same as 5600 watts of solar panels and this is not counting enclosing the rack with tin.  Ouch.  I am sure it is easy to use but $647 for a 20' section is rough.  I really did like the installation link though.
Thanks
gww

I stand corrected.  I can't read apparently.  Forget my above numbers as I missed on important part of the listing.  I was thinking $647 for just one 20' rail when in fact it was for eight rails, which is what I need.  Due to your post I believe I know what componants I need to order now.
Thanks
gww

[ChrisOlson]

Yeah, the rails and hardware for your size installation (based on your support structure size) should be roughly $950-1,000 with all the hardware (including clips and T-bolts and splices) and freight to get it to you.

You can probably build something cheaper than that but the Unirac rails are designed to allow for expansion and contraction of the panels, and it's all aluminum so it will never rust or rot.  When you look at what you get with a Unirac rail mounting system, you can't built it for that and make it equally as good as the "real thing".
--
Chris

[gww]

Thanks
gww

[ghurd]

I'd be more worried about the warpage.
I've seen 2x4s warp blow out 32 and 64W panels.
G-

[gww]

G
Before I left I was advised on how to brace to help with warping but I ran out of time before I could impliment.  Hope it last till I can get back to it.  You would have loved my battery set up if my picture would have worked.  Its worse then one you posted.
thanks
Glenn

[Mary B]

I used this rail http://www.menards.com/main/electrical/rough-electrical/strut-supports/strut-channel-12-gauge-pre-galvanized-10/p-1628628-c-12477.htm with z clips on the panels for some flex for expansion/contraction

[gww]

Maryalana
Thanks,  as I always want more,  What is a z clip?  Sorry to be a bother.  Also did you ground your pv aray?  Also it looks like you placed the open chanel of the strut to the wood and solid part toward the panel.  Did you use leg bolts?
gww

[Mary B]

http://www.solarblvd.com/p2289/Z-Bracket-Aluminum-Flush-Mount-Kit/product_info.html

[gww]

Maryalana
Thanks for the link.  I also liked your solar panel link posted on a different topic.  Just another option if I buy more solar panels and comparible to what I have all ready bought. 
Thanks for the help.
gww