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We have just had a solar battery installed on our property. It is north-facing and visible from the street. We need to protect it from direct sunlight. The battery needs a clearance of at least 30 cm. Due to its location, the barrier will need to be much higher than the actual battery, because the hot overhead sun will hit the top portion unless the barrier is approximately 260 cm tall. Putting in a roof shade won't protect it due to the location where it would have to be put/the angle of the summer sun. Ideally, the protection will be 105 cm wide, but 260 cm tall.
I had three ideas (but would welcome others).
1. Set up a wire system using steel wire (https://www.bunnings.com.au/pinnacle-3-2mm-x-30m-marine-grade-stainless-steel-wire-rope_p4310785) so that it goes up and over the entire battery setup, then grow a climber over it to provide shade. My concern with this is that the wires will be exposed to the rain (i.e., they won't be under cover) and so I don't know if they will rust.
2. Put up a large aluminium louvre screen (e.g., https://www.bunnings.com.au/protectoral-900-x-1750mm-black-easy-screen-welded-slat-panel_p1142595). My concern with this option is that it needs to be larger than this (so I don't know how to get one that is the right size), and am a bit concerned about how to support such a tall screen so that it does not fall over.
3. Plant some trees/tall shrubs across the front: the issue with this is that the location is probably part shade (which can make it hard for dense, fast growth). Also some of the tree(s) would have to be planted under the eaves, and due to their needing to essentially extend up to the eaves I would be concerned about the height (i.e., if I get something that grows 3 m tall then potentially it would grow into the eave).
Any thoughts would be appreciated, here is a photo of the spot (ignore the black bar in the picture- I am just using this to drape shade cloth in as an interim measure):
Hello @cludelessdiwhye
Have you considered installing a timber awning big enough that it will protect the battery from the sun at all angles. Another option is to install a patio type frame with corrugated roofing. There were two other discussions about covering the solar battery - How to build a solar battery cover? by @RetirednHappy and the other one is - How to build a cover for solar batteries by @bara3.
In regards to your questions, the Pinnacle 3.2mm x 30m Marine Grade Stainless Steel Wire Rope is stainless steel and will not rust. The surface may tarnish, but due to its stainless-steel construction it should be able withstand harsh weather. As to the ProtectorAl 900 x 1750mm Black Easy Screen Welded Slat Panel it is ideal for front cover and surrounds, the panels can be trimmed down to size. The plant option is also a viable solution, but it will take time and proper trimming to train the plant to grow in the proper direction.
Please remember to check with your solar battery provider about proper distance and ventilation requirements for your solar battery.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
