Rohn 65G or similar tower mount solar

[rjdel]

Cutting down enough trees to get full sun most of the day would require quite a bit of tree removal. Just imagine the shadowing cast by 40-50' hardwoods in spring/summer.
The surface area of two 120watt panels is not that great, so I am confident it can be achieved. I will seek out a structural engineer.
It may make sense to mount the array below the highest guy wire connection, and perhaps a spring-relieved mount to allow the panels to give to high wind...just thinking out loud.

Another option may be tree-mounting, as discussed here:

http://www.arboristsite.com/arborist-101/67197.htm

[russ]

Those tree mounts would be difficult unless you topped the tree to give the panel full sun - not partial sun.

[rjdel]

Those tree mounts would be difficult unless you topped the tree to give the panel full sun - not partial sun.

True, but topping/trimming would be more acceptable (to me) than multiple tree removal.
The main issue with tree-mounting is proper mount design (taking cues from the tree-house community), which allows for tree growth and does not compromise tree health, both of which are do-able.

[Cal Dan]

True, but topping/trimming would be more acceptable (to me) than multiple tree removal.
The main issue with tree-mounting is proper mount design (taking cues from the tree-house community), which allows for tree growth and does not compromise tree health, both of which are do-able.

You are suposed to hug the trees, not chop their heads off

If you try this pay extra attention to the mounting. A tree that is still growing is ever changing.
Also I wouldn't necessarilly take structural advice from people who live in trees

Anyway, good luck. I am interested what you do and how it turns out.

Dan

[inetdog]

True, but topping/trimming would be more acceptable (to me) than multiple tree removal.
The main issue with tree-mounting is proper mount design (taking cues from the tree-house community), which allows for tree growth and does not compromise tree health, both of which are do-able.

Take a look at this other thread on the subject.

And also some background on Dereck's experience with wind loading and what kind of structure it can take to hold panels in the wind.

[Sunking]

And also some background on Dereck's experience with wind loading and what kind of structure it can take to hold panels in the wind.

That is just a work of art, and my most proud commercial installation. Not the biggest, but the prettiest. Don't ask how much. You cannot afford it. It cost more than most houses.

[inetdog]

That is just a work of art, and my most proud commercial installation. Not the biggest, but the prettiest. Don't ask how much. You cannot afford it. It cost more than most houses.

But based on the calculations your firm did for that, can you give some rough lower bounds on the wind force per panel that a tower would have to be able to withstand?
Not an engineering evaluation or anything to be sued about, but a ballpark figure?

[Cal Dan]

And also some background on Dereck's experience with wind loading and what kind of structure it can take to hold panels in the wind.

Wow!
You were hiding this throughout this whole thread
I thought you had to be retired. This, solar, ham radio, 4 handicap?
Your asking us to believe quite a lot. I don't think I'm buying it

[Sunking]

I thought you had to be retired. This, solar, ham radio, 4 handicap?

I am retired, 2 times and working 3rd career. If things go as planned will retire for the 3rd time this year and move to Panama. I started my own AE firm when I was forced to retire the 2nd time. Sitll do the same type work for the same people, just get paid a lot more. I cannot take credit for the whole thing, but my company can. My partner is a Architectural Engineer who designed the tree, and I did the electrical. Plus a little help from the rest of our team.

[rjdel]

Thanks for the links.

While a guyed tower is doable if sized properly, I think I just determined the main reason why it will not be appropriate for my site:
the potential for falling trees/branches hitting the guy wires. Due to the thick forest, over time I think this would be inevitable, and cause serious damage or compete tower failure.

Back to focusing on the tree mount approach.

[Sunking]

Thanks for the links.

While a guyed tower is doable if sized properly, I think I just determined the main reason why it will not be appropriate for my site:
the potential for falling trees/branches hitting the guy wires. Due to the thick forest, over time I think this would be inevitable, and cause serious damage or compete tower failure.

Back to focusing on the tree mount approach.

Just remember all towers come down.