How I mounted Harbor Freight Thunderbolt VS eBay Eco Worthy

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As of this post, I have 2 solar installations - for different purposes. Rather than running my whole house off one solar system, I am building separate systems for specific needs. My first solar system powers functions for my shop facility while the sign solar system is near the road to power night time lighting. Both of these systems fulfill there purpose and aside form having separate brands, both of these systems are mounted differently.

As noted in another article, I utilized silicone caulk to mount my shop solar panels. Three of the five have been in place since 2010 era. Since I wanted them on the roof and the roof is made out of OSB and shingles I did not want to puncture any holes in the roof. As for the shop it has a nice sloped roof on the south side with plenty of room from East to West.

Since the sign solar panel is not going on or near a roof, I had to get a little creative. Although an eco-worthy could be mounted the same way I mounted harbor freight, I had to take a different route. Unfortunately Eco-Worthy only milled 2 holes in the frame so I had to drill my own holes so as to use a bolt on the top and on the bottom. It just so happens to be that my sign is only about 1.5' from the telephone pole.

Drilling Holes in Frame WITHOUT damaging Solar Cell

What I did to ensure that my drill bit would not damage the actual solar cells, while I drilled a hole into the frame, I placed a 1/2" piece of steel scrap underneath the frame between the frame itself and the solar cells. This allowed me to drill at ease knowing the drill bit would not pop through and damage the solar panel. Instead of damaging anything my bit would simply hit the piece of scrap metal.

Given the sign is so close to the pole I was able to mount the solar panel off the pole and off the sign at the same time and place the panel at a 45 degree angle, considering the height of pole. One side of the solar panel attached to the pole and the other attached to the sign.

Materials Used to Mount Eco-Worthy Solar Panel

• 2 by 4 with holes drilled through, long ways.
• Lag Bolts with Star Heads. Used to attach 2' 2by4 to the telephone pole and to the sign.
• A 6 inch hex bolt and 5 inch hex bolt with nuts and washers.

Notes about Mounting on Telephone Pole

It is technically illegal in most states to attach anything to a telephone pole. I decided to go ahead and do that in my case because the pole is in my property AND it only carries electricity to my house and only my house. It is not high voltage nor does it serve anybody else other than me. Additionally I had a gentleman from the electricity company stop by and verify that it is OK. I would suggest anybody attaching anything to a telephone pole speak to there electricity company first before getting in trouble.