The Greening of St Barnabas Chapel of Ease

[StBarnabas]

Another few photos

a) Spikes to transfer PV mounting hole positions to MDF template
b) MDF template + Spirit level - I'm hoping this may speed the process of drilling holes for the PV panels
c) New bolt box (On offer for c£8.50 from the orange place at present) plus right angled screw driver attachment for rapid bolting of PV panels

[Green Transitions]

That's a lovely looking place you have!

I must say I am jealous, haven't installed any PV for ages, wish I was there Its a lovely feeling when you finally throw the switch and watch all that energy start to flow.

Best of luck with the installation, though you look very organised so I doubt you need it!

[StBarnabas]

Hi GT (Ben)
thanks - have spent nearly 10 years working on StBC and I am proud of the way it looks. Have been meaning to post some more pics re passive solar etc - may get around to it sometime! Have spent the whole of this year thinking the PV install through (First post 31st Dec 2008 - though it seens a lot longer) so hopefully things will run smoothly! I ceartainly have learnded a lot.
Sean

[Ted]

Sean, why the need for the right-angled attachment?

Surely if you have this in a battery powered drill you will need to use two hands to hold it rather than just one with a straight driver and leaving a hand free to hold on to something?  All the bolts are easily accessible aren't they?

[StBarnabas]

Hi Ted
The panels will be rear mounted like Ivan's so the bolts will have to be driven from the roof side = there will be something like 60mm clearance. The bolts I am using have Allen key type heads and can be driven with one hand leaning the other hand free to hold onto a spanner holding the nut - will draw a few diagrams if it makes things clearer.
Sean
 

[StBarnabas]

Hi
all. Have just spoken to Steve K and it looks as if the strut etc should be arriving Wed next week. So weather permitting the main push will be on the 22nd/23rd August. I hope to get the strut in place before then. I have now put 6 of the 21 mounting bolts in - the first 8 are the most difficult as I am removing the slates to confirm that I am at the center of a rafter line. As previously advised forum members are welcome to pop along (Well apart from the mean spirited soul who has just given me a smite! (why?))- though I realise it is a bad time as many will be on holiday.   PM me if you want to pop along. I can give you directions - though there is enough information already on the forum for the you to be able to work things out. 
Sean

[StBarnabas]

Well
been raining on and off today and couldn't get going till late. Now have 11/21 hanger bolts in place. The rest require hanging using a ladder and I need to ensure the bottom of the ladder is secure as space is limited so it would be difficult to use a roofing ladder with space at the top. The insertion of hanger bolts is also slowed down by the fact that some cowboy in the past used copper wire rather than copper roofing strip to support some slates and the some are cracking. An obvious time to repair the roof!  A few photos
a) Showing slates replaced with copper roofing strip
b) showing some of the attached hanger bolts
c) Telescopic ladder

StB 

[billi]

Sean  i hope the two PV s  are charging your cordless drill on the roof     kick the bloody mains cable of the roof ,

 
Anyhow ,good drill skills  ,

Billi

[StBarnabas]

Hi Billi
most will be drilled by cordless - just using the mains cable for my SDS+ drill for the slate drilling for the mounting bolts. Using PV to charge my cordless would be a very nice touch.
Sean

[sleepybubble]

I'm really impressed with the built in scaffolding platform your house comes with... more houses need those!

[StBarnabas]

Hi SleepyB
yes it is remarkably useful. The chapel  wasn't high enough to put in a 2nd floor so the walls were raised up. Don't particularly like felt on a flat roof but at least it is very non slippy. The down side is that with a 50 degree roof slope one has to use a ladder. I've been on plenty of 30 degree roofs when I felt quite happy to walk.
Sean

[StBarnabas]

Well a very frustrating day 3. Raining on and off most of the day it was c 4:00pm when it was dry enough to climb ladders. Call me I wimp but I find ladders slippy in the rain. Finished off replacing broken tiles etc and am awaiting the Navitron Van in the morning. (SleepyB I will report if I see a mast!).
I tried putting my entire weight 75-80 kilos on a bolt and seemed absolutely happy. The max load will be 20 kilos per bolt so I am happy it is strong enough.

A few photos
a) Ladder system. Main ladder is supported by a step so can't slip backwards   
b) Securing mech - a tightener for fencing bolted on to the mount
c) My electrical box - 6 separate consumer units! Just about room for the PV!
 

[StBarnabas]

Well
sadly another frustrating day. My last Navitron delivery arrived at 9:30am. It is now 15:43 and still no sign of the Navi' Van. It has also started raining... Work now at a standstill until the van arrives.....

[sleepybubble]

Well
sadly another frustrating day. My last Navitron delivery arrived at 9:30am. It is now 15:43 and still no sign of the Navi' Van. It has also started raining... Work now at a standstill until the van arrives.....

You should get Rick's number off Mike and find out where he is politely. Ask him when you see him if he has been up to Inverness recently as Mike reckons they haven't done a run up there since June!!!! grrrr!

[northern installer]

c) My electrical box - 6 separate consumer units! Just about room for the PV!
 

hmmmmn.that bell transformer needs taking out st b;its costing you money!!! try wiring a waterpoof bell push (mk master seal) into the mains side,with the transformer secondary permanently connected to the bell;or let em knock on the door!