We started the process of installing a solar PV system in July. The idea had always been to go 'off grid'.
As always, the process has been slow.
We approached a local company, Sparkpoint Solar, to provide the system and the installation service. I could have sourced and installed the system myself, but the process of registering with the Portuguese authorities is still somewhat daunting. Best to let the experts do the work 😏
Because of our land and house orientation, the site doesn't allow for a perfect positioning of the panels, and we didn't want them on the roof, so I proposed a raised platform that would be used as a carport in the future.
My original idea for the structure proved to be too small, so I changed the design and extended the plot to accommodate the 10 panels, which were over 2m long and 1.1m wide.
The final structure is 5.4m wide, and the top bars are 4.2m from front to back. On top of this will be the sloping frame designed for the panels.
By the end of September, I had it all built and ready.
Unfortunately, the scheduled install date for the system had now pushed back to the end of October.