Post by orange on Jan 25, 2015 16:36:33 GMT -5
I have just upgraded my solar panel installation,, Whilst mulling over how I was going to attach them... It morphed into a solar tracker!
My criteria was
It needed to mount 5x 120w panels
It needed to fit into my van for transportation to Spain
Needed to be light enough for me to move/assemble on my own. Whilst being self supporting
Had to be made from materials at hand and I only had a week of evenings to make it!
I made the end supports from salvaged "A" frames used to transport granite sheets. The "pivots" from a rusted out trailer hubs,, I cheated and bought the electronic part, But I had to modify the pivot points on the actuator..
I had more or less arrived at the conclusion that a tracker wasn't viable especially when you consider the cost of panels is getting so good just buying extra panels is cheaper! (I added 3x ex solar farm ones £55each to the two I already had) ... But for security reasons I don't leave mine out when I come home so the more I have... The longer my set up/knock down is.. My building has a flat roof and the fabric of the building is thin walled hollow section blocks getting a fixing for much more than a picture is a nightmare! so more panels = more wind load etc etc plus I fancied a crack at making one!
In the end it has performed brilliantly and I wish I had taken more care making it and used proper materials .. As to be fair... it is an eyesore on the roof 
I cant find where my phone is hiding my pictures on my laptop! so I will email the to Cye (sorry Cye) If he thinks they might be of interest I am sure he will post them.
