PV Panel Mover ??

[furkin]

I am about to build a frame for 1 x 110w (or 2 x 55w) panel.   This is to go on my patio.   I'd like this to be able to skew around as the sun does.  My initial thought was a satellite dish actuator.  Comments & alternative devices invited.   Hopefully this would be run by a sep PV. 

I am assuming that there are expensive products to make this ‘Automatic’,,, but I am relying on your readers to point me towards a cheaper way of doing this.

Even if it only goes ‘left-right’ would be fine,,,, up to about 180 degs !

thanks

[Bill H]

Hi Furkin,

have a look around here for the elegant, expensive solution....

http://www.wholesalesolar.com/solar-panels.html

[Andyr]

Hi
   check out this site for homebrew ideas.

http://www.redrok.com/main.htm

[Ivan]

I know a few people that have mounted our panels on old electric satellite dish units. If you look out for the really big ones (1.2m+ dishes, you will see that these old-fashioned dinosaurs are not wanted by the satellite industry, so they sell for next to nothing). A couple of redrock tracker modules to controller the satellite dish stepper motors should finish the job. They can be a bit erratic on overcast days

Ivan

[furkin]

BILL: Thanks for that. I had already looked at their site. Their unit would be ideal,,,,, but no way can I afford that,,, as good as it looks.
IVAN: redrok stuff looks great. I've been in touch with Duane, who is away 'camping' ?!?!  I think his Tracker will suit my purpose and am waiting for him to get home.
He also suggested an old C-Band dish mount,,,,,, so far - nothing on e-bay etc.
IVAN, to follow on from Ian/Mickeys arithmetic, can you tell me the voc & Vmax of the 55w panels please ?
I'm ready to order, but want the best thing for my job. Would it be better to get 1 x 110w or 2 x 55w ?
Thanks again to you all

[furkin]

ANDYR  Sorry mate,,,, it was you who pointed me to redrok.  I'm glad you did - thanks.   

As soon as I get final details from Ivan, I can get the panel/s & get started.

Apart from the actual motor, I think I have everything sourced.  Can't find a used sat dish mount yet,,, so might use a vehicle motor (wiper/window - would it be better to us a 24v item powered straight from the panel,,, or a 12v using a transformer )

all the best

[Ivan]

Voc and Vmax are not given on the panel identification label, unfortunately. However, they come from the same factory, and constructed in the same way, from the same number of cells as the 110W units, so I guess it will be identical, if not very similar in voltage function.

To choose between 110W or 2x55W you need to ask/answer:

1. What voltage do you want?

A. 12v - you can use either option
B. 24v - you will need to use 2 x 55W

2. Is the location liable to shading?

A. Yes - then it is better to use two smaller panels, (assuming you are running 12v), as there is more chance of one of the panels still being in full sun
B No - you can use either option

3 Are you Lazy?

A. Yes (like me) - then a single large panel is quicker and easier to install physically, and requires less wiring
B. No (unlike me) - you can use either option

4. Is cost an issue?

A. Yes - then 2x 55W is a lower cost option
B  No - you can use either option.

5. Are both size panels available and in stock?

A. No - then you will have to wait or go for whichever is available!
B Yes - you can use either option.

Hope that helps!


ivan