Am I Crazy? Eco-Worthy tracker

[Crowz]

Ive decided to order an eco-worthy tracker to play with. I've got 1 rich solar 200watt panel I had bought awhile back that doesn't pair well with any of my other panels because if its weird stats so I'm going to order 5 more of those and then mount the 6 of them on it. That single orphan panel has been bugging the crap out of me

From what I read in the reviews and elsewhere 6 of them fit it perfectly on it so I'll get 1200 watts out of the thing. Should be interesting to see what it does.

 

[D71]

You see the video of him where his bigger setup fell apart and got destroyed by a storm. His second one with lighter panels survived. The strut was all bent up and the panels fell.

Yes linked earlier… comical. But a good testament to the system if when used as designed with proper weight and spans. I am amazed big system lasted that long ….it weathered several storms according to him. He showed in a video during bad storm- did alright .

Be nice to see someone setup fixed array near a tracker and compare. Same basic panels. One tracked one fixed.

I see these being great for someone small space. Someone that needs panels remain optimal angles max production. Still messing around not got my tracker up. Wrecked my back. Raining a lot too.. power on and off modem on and off on reset.

I found some 650 watt panels for cheap….. 6 x ~650w = ~3900watts around ~26ft run for ground mount. ~$930-~$1000.

I had a 20ft shipping container coming was going to mount panels to it. Top and sides. The seller never communicated back when asked if hazardous materials had been in container …. Hmmm …. So still looking. That seems to be a spooky question to ask container sellers.

Anyway been playing with panels on old pool deck…. 2 each old 325w poly panels will kick the crap out of 4 each ecoworthy 195w bifacial panels. Crazy. Those poly panels are rough shape too. They - poly panels pull ~625w + in series. The 4 each eco 195w pull around ~525-575 or so….on a real good spring day ..once or twice 600w range. Never 780w rating…. Or higher from bifacial. They be fibbing. I was hoping the former pool sand would help ecoworthy bifacial effect. Kind of shocked me for performance that old dirty poly performed so well. Not impressed with ecoworthy.


The ecoworthy are extremely light weight ~20pounds. All 4 eco are about same voltage ~23vdc. I considered popping 2 each ~650watt bifacial on mine to-see how it would do. 6 x 20 = 120pounds.for Ecoworthy

The 650w are 2x~75 = 150pounds they are ~ 94”x51” The tracker is ~117” span. Can tracker take the extra weight of additional 30 pounds? Guy in video over loaded it for big one by about 3x considering the span and weight. One time it looked as if dragging ground on a corner.

The ecoworthy ground mounts were on sale for $89 with discounts got 3 of them…. They need to be reworked - for heavier panels Even with just 2 the Ecoworthy ground mount is flexing and bottoms are touching deck so ran with them touching deck to support weight. The ground mount works like a champ with ecoworthy panels locks together form strong system. This is only temp. The old poly kick butt. They were cheap but are heavy. Btw notice the light - sand on other sides of eco panels that should help bifacial tried get them on edge of old deck allow max light on back.. The cheap bifacial are Pitiful.

Any idea why the poly are doing so well?



Eco ~143w a panel for ~195w bifacial


Poly Wash and cleaned into ~600w range everyday.

Poly ` `316w per for 325 watt rating.

 

[Mkgough]

Yes linked earlier… comical. But a good testament to the system if when used as designed with proper weight and spans. I am amazed big system lasted that long ….it weathered several storms according to him. He showed in a video during bad storm- did alright .

Be nice to see someone setup fixed array near a tracker and compare. Same basic panels. One tracked one fixed.

I see these being great for someone small space. Someone that needs panels remain optimal angles max production. Still messing around not got my tracker up. Wrecked my back. Raining a lot too.. power on and off modem on and off on reset.

I found some 650 watt panels for cheap….. 6 x ~650w = ~3900watts around ~26ft run for ground mount. ~$930-~$1000.

I had a 20ft shipping container coming was going to mount panels to it. Top and sides. The seller never communicated back when asked if hazardous materials had been in container …. Hmmm …. So still looking. That seems to be a spooky question to ask container sellers.

Anyway been playing with panels on old pool deck…. 2 each old 325w poly panels will kick the crap out of 4 each ecoworthy 195w bifacial panels. Crazy. Those poly panels are rough shape too. They - poly panels pull ~625w + in series. The 4 each eco 195w pull around ~525-575 or so….on a real good spring day ..once or twice 600w range. Never 780w rating…. Or higher from bifacial. They be fibbing. I was hoping the former pool sand would help ecoworthy bifacial effect. Kind of shocked me for performance that old dirty poly performed so well. Not impressed with ecoworthy.


The ecoworthy are extremely light weight ~20pounds. All 4 eco are about same voltage ~23vdc. I considered popping 2 each ~650watt bifacial on mine to-see how it would do. 6 x 20 = 120pounds.for Ecoworthy

The 650w are 2x~75 = 150pounds they are ~ 94”x51” The tracker is ~117” span. Can tracker take the extra weight of additional 30 pounds? Guy in video over loaded it for big one by about 3x considering the span and weight. One time it looked as if dragging ground on a corner.

The ecoworthy ground mounts were on sale for $89 with discounts got 3 of them…. They need to be reworked - for heavier panels Even with just 2 the Ecoworthy ground mount is flexing and bottoms are touching deck so ran with them touching deck to support weight. The ground mount works like a champ with ecoworthy panels locks together form strong system. This is only temp. The old poly kick butt. They were cheap but are heavy. Btw notice the light - sand on other sides of eco panels that should help bifacial tried get them on edge of old deck allow max light on back.. The cheap bifacial are Pitiful.

Any idea why the poly are doing so well?

View attachment 226564

Eco ~143w a panel for ~195w bifacial
View attachment 226566

Poly Wash and cleaned into ~600w range everyday.
View attachment 226568
Poly ` `316w per for 325 watt rating.
View attachment 226567

I did that, before my tracker, panels facing south with adjusting angles I charged up by around 4pm, now I charge up by 1pm, so 40% increase they advertise is real and I can attest the damn things work.

 

[Mkgough]

Are y

Yes linked earlier… comical. But a good testament to the system if when used as designed with proper weight and spans. I am amazed big system lasted that long ….it weathered several storms according to him. He showed in a video during bad storm- did alright .

Be nice to see someone setup fixed array near a tracker and compare. Same basic panels. One tracked one fixed.

I see these being great for someone small space. Someone that needs panels remain optimal angles max production. Still messing around not got my tracker up. Wrecked my back. Raining a lot too.. power on and off modem on and off on reset.

I found some 650 watt panels for cheap….. 6 x ~650w = ~3900watts around ~26ft run for ground mount. ~$930-~$1000.

I had a 20ft shipping container coming was going to mount panels to it. Top and sides. The seller never communicated back when asked if hazardous materials had been in container …. Hmmm …. So still looking. That seems to be a spooky question to ask container sellers.

Anyway been playing with panels on old pool deck…. 2 each old 325w poly panels will kick the crap out of 4 each ecoworthy 195w bifacial panels. Crazy. Those poly panels are rough shape too. They - poly panels pull ~625w + in series. The 4 each eco 195w pull around ~525-575 or so….on a real good spring day ..once or twice 600w range. Never 780w rating…. Or higher from bifacial. They be fibbing. I was hoping the former pool sand would help ecoworthy bifacial effect. Kind of shocked me for performance that old dirty poly performed so well. Not impressed with ecoworthy.


The ecoworthy are extremely light weight ~20pounds. All 4 eco are about same voltage ~23vdc. I considered popping 2 each ~650watt bifacial on mine to-see how it would do. 6 x 20 = 120pounds.for Ecoworthy

The 650w are 2x~75 = 150pounds they are ~ 94”x51” The tracker is ~117” span. Can tracker take the extra weight of additional 30 pounds? Guy in video over loaded it for big one by about 3x considering the span and weight. One time it looked as if dragging ground on a corner.

The ecoworthy ground mounts were on sale for $89 with discounts got 3 of them…. They need to be reworked - for heavier panels Even with just 2 the Ecoworthy ground mount is flexing and bottoms are touching deck so ran with them touching deck to support weight. The ground mount works like a champ with ecoworthy panels locks together form strong system. This is only temp. The old poly kick butt. They were cheap but are heavy. Btw notice the light - sand on other sides of eco panels that should help bifacial tried get them on edge of old deck allow max light on back.. The cheap bifacial are Pitiful.

Any idea why the poly are doing so well?

View attachment 226564

Eco ~143w a panel for ~195w bifacial
View attachment 226566

Poly Wash and cleaned into ~600w range everyday.
View attachment 226568
Poly ` `316w per for 325 watt rating.
View attachment 226567

Are you getting clipped? Bigger panels, more watts and/or volts? Inverter limits? On my tracker that has 5-200w BourgeRV N bi-facials, 3 in series and 2 in series then in parallel I am getting 635 ish max out of 1000w. In talking with MPP Solar, my parallels are not equal volts so getting the 3rd panel clipped. I disconnected it so 2+2 now and same wattage. I will be upgrading to a 3024 to get 250v input so all 5 in series and expect 800+ watts on the tracker. Compared to my tracker with 3-365w SolarEdge, I get 835+ out of them connected to my Bluetti AC300.

 

[D71]

Are y

Are you getting clipped? Bigger panels, more watts and/or volts? Inverter limits? On my tracker that has 5-200w BourgeRV N bi-facials, 3 in series and 2 in series then in parallel I am getting 635 ish max out of 1000w. In talking with MPP Solar, my parallels are not equal volts so getting the 3rd panel clipped. I disconnected it so 2+2 now and same wattage. I will be upgrading to a 3024 to get 250v input so all 5 in series and expect 800+ watts on the tracker. Compared to my tracker with 3-365w SolarEdge, I get 835+ out of them connected to my Bluetti AC300.

I don’t think so. My 3048 is rated 120-145volt. The panels are normally in 70volt range working up 91volts when not working. Should be 800w but everything read never get full rating from ecoworthy….the old ecoworthy 195w didn’t do well in testing. The Ecoworthy bifacial are just not putting out that well. When the tax man leaves will swap 2 each 390watt bifacial and see how they do. Tax man suppose to be here this month- they will pimp to code enforcement about to many panels. Feel like a damn criminal.. hiding other panels in garage.

Code enforcement said could have small array no problem ask for specs never got reply. Their control issues. Bad thing most of them probably have not a clue what they are looking at. Except UL labels.

The voltages have decreased since the 195w bifacial were new…i checked them…down Several volts….for ecoworthy. Hmmmm they are very lightweight. I inspected all the mc4 plugs thought one might be faulty. I expected more from first test. There is couple youtube channels show them doing less then good for older non-bifacial 195w. Had watched that video might bought rich or something else. Lightweight panels are best way to go. Will Prowse did a video talking about some higher wattage lightweight panels a while back seem like in 400w range. Weight and span are the enemy with the trackers. The single post worries me in high winds. They have beefed the newer ones up like I bought. You probably got improved one too? The track controller has quick connectors?

 

[Mkgough]

I don’t think so. My 3048 is rated 120-145volt. The panels are normally in 70volt range working up 91volts when not working. Should be 800w but everything read never get full rating from ecoworthy….the old ecoworthy 195w didn’t do well in testing. The Ecoworthy bifacial are just not putting out that well. When the tax man leaves will swap 2 each 390watt bifacial and see how they do. Tax man suppose to be here this month- they will pimp to code enforcement about to many panels. Feel like a damn criminal.. hiding other panels in garage.

Code enforcement said could have small array no problem ask for specs never got reply. Their control issues. Bad thing most of them probably have not a clue what they are looking at. Except UL labels.

The voltages have decreased since the 195w bifacial were new…i checked them…down Several volts….for ecoworthy. Hmmmm they are very lightweight. I inspected all the mc4 plugs thought one might be faulty. I expected more from first test. There is couple youtube channels show them doing less then good for older non-bifacial 195w. Had watched that video might bought rich or something else. Lightweight panels are best way to go. Will Prowse did a video talking about some higher wattage lightweight panels a while back seem like in 400w range. Weight and span are the enemy with the trackers. The single post worries me in high winds. They have beefed the newer ones up like I bought. You probably got improved one too? The track controller has quick connectors?

You will never get 400x2, more like 70%,so 560w or so at the highest. Panels never get close to their full potential. As far as a tracker in high winds.. we had a near miss Tornado with 120mph winds and mine came out unscathed with 2-365w panels on them, it now has 3 of them, bows and flex’s more, but so far no issues. They weigh less than 6 Rich Solar 200w panels so not overloading it. My BourgeRv 200w N type bi-facials are stooped light, so we shall see how they perform on the other tracker, but currently too much solar for my AIO, so an upgrade coming.

 

[smorris]

What gauge of wire is recommended to run back to the tracker to power the system?

 

[Mkgough]

What gauge of wire is recommended to run back to the tracker to power the system?

Just 12v, so outdoor lighting wire is perfect

 

[Johneb]

Thinking of mounting the tracker next to my shed. I would need a pole about 9’. How deep would you go, and how much cement? I plan on staying in the limit of the tracker. Say 6 200w biracial.

 

[Mkgough]

Thinking of mounting the tracker next to my shed. I would need a pole about 9’. How deep would you go, and how much cement? I plan on staying in the limit of the tracker. Say 6 200w biracial.

I am on limestone, so can only get about 6” deep, so I drill two 1/2” holes at an angle into the limestone and drive 1/2” rebar into the holes. It works as it withstood our 120mph Tornado winds. I also used 5” bolts that fit the nuts that come with the cement expansion anchors I did NOT use and turned the bolts upside down into the cement. I used 1/4” Masonite to drill the holes to match the tracker base so the alignment is correct, or use rigid cardboard as it I just holding the bolts in the proper pattern. Masonite lets you screw the bolts in so it holds them, comes off easy with simple pry once concrete sets up. Seems you could have a plate welded to a steel pole attached to your container would be easier. The longer the pole, the more torque that winds can apply, so the stronger you need to make it… long pole = long lever = torque magnifier in winds.

 

[Osjim]

I have an Eco-Worthy dual axis solar tracker. I have 6 200watt Bi-Facial panels mounted on 12ga 10ft unistrut replacing the Eco-Worthy unistrut. I have reversed the stock actuators so that the motors are mounted at the top and not at the bottom. My question is, would it be possible to make dual mounts for the north/south and east/west actuators and double them so that there were two actuators on each axis instead of one?

 

[Osjim]

 

[Mkgough]

I have an Eco-Worthy dual axis solar tracker. I have 6 200watt Bi-Facial panels mounted on 12ga 10ft unistrut replacing the Eco-Worthy unistrut. I have reversed the stock actuators so that the motors are mounted at the top and not at the bottom. My question is, would it be possible to make dual mounts for the north/south and east/west actuators and double them so that there were two actuators on each axis instead of one?

Why? Also why do you have a small panel?

 

[Crowz]

Why? Also why do you have a small panel?

Well he had posted that the small panel is a 50 watt he uses to keep the trackers battery up. I guess he edited his post later and removed that part.

 

[Mkgough]

Why? Also why do you have a small panel?

You can just run an outdoor wire back to your device and use a fuse box and step down to 12v to power your tracker. No need for a battery and additional battery.. use what you already have.

 

[Osjim]

Not sure I understand the mechanics of your suggestion for an outdoor wire, fuse box and 12v step down. Outdoor wire from where? I understand 12v fuse block and 12v step down buck. Just not sure where you suggest the outdoor wire connection to and from?
Thank you for your response and help!

 

[Mkgough]

Not sure I understand the mechanics of your suggestion for an outdoor wire, fuse box and 12v step down. Outdoor wire from where? I understand 12v fuse block and 12v step down buck. Just not sure where you suggest the outdoor wire connection to and from?
Thank you for your response and help!

Same wire used for yard lights. Left hand side you can see my 24v to 12v to power the tracker. No battery or additional panel needed. I use the same setup on my Bluetti, except a modified RV cable into the 12v port. Here is the wire used.

FIRMERST 16/2 Low Voltage Landscape Wire Outdoor Lighting Cable 500 Feet https://a.co/d/1yORpHL

 

[Osjim]

Thank you. It makes sense now. You’re correct. It would be easier and cheaper as you describe. I already had the 50 watt panels. I am using this solar tracker to power an off grid deer hunting blind. I use the 50 watt panels to power lithium batteries attached to Spartan game cameras on the hunting property. The parts for the separate panel and battery were already on hand. If I build another tracker I will follow your advice.

I am still interested in anyone’s thoughts on my original question. Is the Eco-Worthy capable of powering two actuators on each axis instead of one?

 

[JoeHam]

Just 12v, so outdoor lighting wire is perfect

FWIW the current needed to run the actuator and wire length (distance) are primary concerns to determine the proper wire size in this application, not the voltage.

Here is the first calculator google found :

Voltage Drop Calculator

Wire / cable voltage drop calculator and how to calculate.

www.rapidtables.com

 

[Mkgough]

Thank you. It makes sense now. You’re correct. It would be easier and cheaper as you describe. I already had the 50 watt panels. I am using this solar tracker to power an off grid deer hunting blind. I use the 50 watt panels to power lithium batteries attached to Spartan game cameras on the hunting property. The parts for the separate panel and battery were already on hand. If I build another tracker I will follow your advice.

I am still interested in anyone’s thoughts on my original question. Is the Eco-Worthy capable of powering two actuators on each axis instead of one?

Why do you want to?

 

[Mkgough]

FWIW the current needed to run the actuator and wire length (distance) are primary concerns to determine the proper wire size in this application, not the voltage.

Here is the first calculator google found :

Voltage Drop Calculator

Wire / cable voltage drop calculator and how to calculate.

www.rapidtables.com

I run it about 50’ with no issues with 2 of them.

 

[dsnell]

What 12v power supplies are y'all using? The specs say something outputting less than 15A. But wondering what peeps here recommend.

 

[Mkgough]

What 12v power supplies are y'all using? The specs say something outputting less than 15A. But wondering what peeps here recommend.

I use my Bluetti 12v to power one of my trackers and a 24v to 12v converter for the other powering my workshop fed off my 24v fuse box to power the other. But… I bought one so when I take my Bluetti on the road with me I can still power the tracker to power my EG4 hybrid mini-split.

Idealy 12VDC 12.5Amp 150W LED Driver,Waterproof IP67 LED Power Supply Low Voltage Transformer Adapter,100V-260V AC to 12V DC Output for Any 12VDC LED Lighting https://a.co/d/arRL9LK

HOMELYLIFE DC 24V Step Down to 12V 10A 120W DC DC Converter Regulator Waterproof Voltage Buck Converter Reducer Module Transformer for Golf Cart Club car https://a.co/d/7IciVJR

 

[dsnell]

thanks!

 

[henry.yopp.ky]

Just thought I would post pics on my array. I chose to go with Eco-Worthy trackers due to the location being deep in a valley, surrounded by trees in the middle of a forest. I would have preferred a static ground mount setup for ease of maintainance and the lower cost, but I would have to cut down a 1/3 of the forest to get the light I needed.

Anyway, it's a 12 KW dual-axis tracked array consisting of 6 Eco-Worthy trackers modified with heavy components. It contains five 400w panels per tracker for 2000 watts per pole and 6 poles rated at a total 12000w. A single separate static 400w panel powers a 12v solar charger to keep an end point battery bank charged. The bank consist of two 50ah LifePO4 cells in parallel. I have been extremely happy with the products so far. If you have any questions or need advice, I'll do my best to help.