Solar options for home in 2022

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35 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 7

#3503847 17-Jun-2026 21:02

Paul1977:

mark0x01:

I haven't looked in detail at how other panels actually get mounted, so don't know how common this is.

The manufacturer specifies mounting point to be 390-490mm from the end (K).

When the rails must follow the iron roof's nail lines, this is not achieved for the majority of the panels.

Some panels have the nearest support for one corner over 900mm away, which might cause damage to the panel in high winds as it can flex.

@mark0x01 Are you saying K is over 900mm in some spots? That'd be halfway down the panel, wouldn't it? What is the measurement of A?

A is the "panel height" of about 1.760m, so over half is unsupported on one edge in places, depending on where rail is.

Biggest group is 12 panels as 4 wide x 3 high.

Homeassistant tinkerer and vintage computer enthusiast

lxsw20

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#3503855 17-Jun-2026 21:46

Install of our setup has started

8kw inverter, 2x 10kw battery, 8.5kw panels.

If anyone has a sig referral code feel free to send my way - will be setting up the app in the next week or so i suspect.

billgates

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#3503857 17-Jun-2026 22:14

@lxsw20 congrats on getting solar. did you choose that install location for the inverter/battery and gateway or the installer did? May be its the angle of the photo taken but it looks like you will not be able to expand by adding a 3rd battery in the future without blocking your gateway door from being open or the gateway's left corner already might be blocking from adding a 3rd battery? The server cabinet also looks like will eventually stop you from adding a 5th battery and beyond? The recommendation is to always install the gateway away from invrter/battery with no chance of either units blocking the other for future expansion.

I sell RUiXU 16kWh batteries, Victron & Fronius inverter hardware

lxsw20

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#3503858 17-Jun-2026 22:21

I chose it and the installer agreed, the angle of the photo is a bit of an optical illusion I agree.

There is about 200mm between the inverter and the gateway, and you'd fit a battery behind the network cab. Worst case we could move the stack where the fridge is if it becomes an issue in the future.

mark0x01

35 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 7

#3503859 17-Jun-2026 22:22

Nice setup but not AS/NZS 5139 compliant?

Clauses 4.2.2.2 and 5.2.2.2 state the following areas are restricted locations for a battery system to be installed in:
Within 600mm horizontally and 900mm below any hot water unit, air conditioner or any other appliance not associated with the battery system.

Might need to move the fridge.

Homeassistant tinkerer and vintage computer enthusiast

lxsw20

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#3503860 17-Jun-2026 22:28

Yeah im probably not going to do that to be honest. (What a rebel) I can understand how that's a reg for fixed assets HWC/AC outdoor unit, how could you ever enforce that with something like a fridge.

CrashAndBurn

697 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 106

#3503865 18-Jun-2026 05:44

lxsw20:

Yeah im probably not going to do that to be honest. (What a rebel) I can understand how that's a reg for fixed assets HWC/AC outdoor unit, how could you ever enforce that with something like a fridge.

I agree about the enforcement aspect—unless, of course, your insurer decides to use it against you when assessing a claim.

Paul1977

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#3504659 19-Jun-2026 15:55

mark0x01:

A is the "panel height" of about 1.760m, so over half is unsupported on one edge in places, depending on where rail is.

Biggest group is 12 panels as 4 wide x 3 high.

@mark0x01 That doesn't sound ideal to me, but I'm no expert. Although I'm confused as to how half a panel can be unsupported, but only on one edge. Are some of the rails not extending the full width of the panels?

Do you have any photos?

Stu1

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#3504705 19-Jun-2026 21:42

lxsw20:

Yeah im probably not going to do that to be honest. (What a rebel) I can understand how that's a reg for fixed assets HWC/AC outdoor unit, how could you ever enforce that with something like a fridge.

Has the inspector been? , if not move the fridge until he’s been :)

mark0x01

35 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 7

#3504878 20-Jun-2026 12:45

Paul1977:

mark0x01:

A is the "panel height" of about 1.760m, so over half is unsupported on one edge in places, depending on where rail is.

Biggest group is 12 panels as 4 wide x 3 high.

@mark0x01 That doesn't sound ideal to me, but I'm no expert. Although I'm confused as to how half a panel can be unsupported, but only on one edge. Are some of the rails not extending the full width of the panels?

Do you have any photos?

The right edge of this panel has no edge support over nearly half it's length and at least half the edge panels are the same.

If the rails had run vertically, clamping at the top and bottom would have been the correct way according to the installation guide, but I suppose many installers never read those so would have missed this information.

"The Module must be installed by a professional who is familiar with the mechanical and electrical requirements during installation. Installers
must strictly adhere to the manual instructions, as well as comply with local laws, regulations, and requirements from authorized agencies."

Homeassistant tinkerer and vintage computer enthusiast

fastbike

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#3504883 20-Jun-2026 13:04

I hope you've not made the final payment.

Otherwise file a claim with Disputes tribunal if the installer doesn't come back and fix the mounting.

Otautahi Christchurch

mark0x01

35 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 7

#3504884 20-Jun-2026 13:08

fastbike:

I hope you've not made the final payment.

Otherwise file a claim with Disputes tribunal if the installer doesn't come back and fix the mounting.

I'm not sure the "fix" would be much better that the install.

If the supplier doesn't honour the warranty because of this, then I would have to go down that path.

Homeassistant tinkerer and vintage computer enthusiast

fastbike

574 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 436

#3504887 20-Jun-2026 13:38

mark0x01:

fastbike:

I hope you've not made the final payment.

Otherwise file a claim with Disputes tribunal if the installer doesn't come back and fix the mounting.

I'm not sure the "fix" would be much better that the install.

If the supplier doesn't honour the warranty because of this, then I would have to go down that path.

The fix is to install them according to the manufacturer installation manual.

The problem with the unsupported end is that it will flex the panel when there is wind and you'll get micro cracking which leads to water ingress and premature failure. Around the point this happens you will be on your own as it is unlikely the installer will be around and they will argue it's age, hail, weather etc.

Edit: Given the poor spacing the panels will need to have rails running in the direction of the rails (see a photo further up the page) but this may be an issue depending on the PV tail length etc.

Otautahi Christchurch

dantheperson

241 posts

Master Geek
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#3505121 21-Jun-2026 21:33

mark0x01:

The right edge of this panel has no edge support over nearly half it's length and at least half the edge panels are the same.

If the rails had run vertically, clamping at the top and bottom would have been the correct way according to the installation guide, but I suppose many installers never read those so would have missed this information.

Could it be fastened to the panel next to it which is supported? Looks like that's what they've done on the other side of the panel?

Stu1

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#3505123 21-Jun-2026 21:47

Depressing week hit my lowest ever day. Is lower even possible mabey they need a clean

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