Project Synopsis:
Project Goal:
Create mounts for my solar panels using inexpensive PVC pipe and fittings from the local home improvement store.
Project Impact:
This will improve the yield of solar power harvested by the solar panels by better maintaining the position of the solar panel(s) with respect to the sun. It will also give me a safe way to place them on my roof without being blown off or damaged by wind.
Project Budget:
Initial budget: $10
Final budget: $200
Lessons Learned:
- Using a hand saw and miter box to saw PVC isn’t very fun!
- Requires a lot of force to keep the hand saw moving especially near the end of the cut
- The the grooves miter box I used were larger than the saw blade such that it was a challenge keeping my cuts straight and even. This often resulted in pipe edges that were rough and uneven.