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How to protect solar battery from the sun?

Garrygaz

🖼️

The project:

Hi, im wanting to protect our solar battery a little more from the sun. The battery faces north west, as you can see I’ve already placed a canopy over it from Bunnings however it doesn’t block most of the sun. I was thinking of attaching shade cloth however not sure how that could be attached especially to the pavers. Any assistance would be much appreciated.

@Garrygaz

- Materials:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/altamonte-1200-x-700mm-havana-aluminium-composite-canopy-with-plastic-brackets_p1010475

- Step 1:

placed canopy over top

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Accepted answers

All comments

EricL

Hello @Garrygaz

Thank you for sharing your question about covering up your solar battery from the sun. You have suggested using shade cloth to provide better coverage. I suggest building a timber frame in an "L" shape and attach the shade cloth to it so that it covers the exposed front portion of the battery. Please note that the cover frame must follow the manufacturers recommended distance for shade covers.

I suggest building it as a mobile cover so that you can move it aside just in case there are a number of people at your place having a get together. I suggest using either 70x35 or 90 x 45 treated timber frame, these are rated for outside use. I recommend using https://www.bunnings.com.au/coolaroo-3-66m-wide-shell-heavy-duty-sun-protection-shade-cloth-per-90-uv-block-p-mtr_p0471721 to cover the frame. I've placed a sample image below to give you an idea of how it could be built.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @DIY4Knuckleheds for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Garrygaz

Hi @EricL

Many thanks for your suggestion it certainly looks like a good option👍

Dave-1

Good Evening @Garrygaz

I would strongly suggest to contact the installation company or preferably the manufacturer to find out if its wise to have a cover over the battery.

Personally I do NOT like the idea as the batteries have been manufactured for use in the outside areas within Australia. Anything above or around I tend to think of fuel for a fire from the batteries if something goes wrong.

There are rules regarding the distances around the battery, section 4 of Changes to Battery Standards is a place to start. You will end up needing a login to Standards Australia org to be able to see the details tho. This is why I would head towards the installer or manufacture.

Dave

R4addZ

Hi @Garrygaz

I would be getting the installer back as I believe these batteries are not recommended for installation in full sunlight and it could void your warranty if it is. For example, see point 3 here….

Sigenergy

I would be contacting the manufacturer for clarification!

Garrygaz

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/153794#Comment_153794

Hi @R4addz,

I appreciate your advice and have sent an email to Sigenergy seeking their guidance
Regards

Garrygaz

DIY4Knuckleheds

G'day Garrygaz l just googled battery shade covers and there are some really good ideas that you could copy 👍

R4addZ

Hi @Garrygaz

Please let us know their response for others future guidance.

R4addZ

@Garrygaz

Just another point here, the current shade has issues. I don't know what it is made from but should there be a fire, the curvature of the shade will funnel the flames back towards the house, intensifying the heat there (until the shade melts if it isn't steel). Any cover over a battery should be flame resistant and direct the flames/heat away from the structure to maximise the time before the property is irretrevably damaged, A lithium battery fire can be very intense and every second you have to escape could save your life! let's face it airlines are getting touchy about powerbanks and they store a lot less energy than one of these batteries so protect yourself!

Nailbag

Hi @Garrygaz

I have been tasked to build a few shelters and privacy screen for external home battery systems. And as @Dave and @R4addZ has highlighted, it's first VERY important to seek the advice of the battery supplier. There will be guidelines around air ventilation and as importantly access for any maintenance like a gate.

The ones I have built look similar to the ones below in timber. But if it was my system I would be getting a custom or off the shelf aluminium one in a lighter colour that would reflect any sunlight.

Nailbag

R4addZ

Hi @Nailbag & @Garrygaz

I agree with all you say Nailbag but I personally would install a steel "flame deflector" above the battery to direct any heat beyond th eaves. Perhaps I'm just erring on the safe side but why not? The other thing you could do is check with your insurance company what their requirements are!

There is also the question of, if the installer installs the battery in full sun, do they void the warranty.

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