Movable solar panel cart version 2. 2 of 4 panels now live
- Thread starter JJJJ
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Brucey
Velcro Man
Best part of the adventure imo.
EastTexCowboy
Solar Wizard
Very cool build. I keep thinking about doing something on a utility trailer to use around the ranch. I'm going to have some panels left over from the current project so maybe next year, or maybe something like you've done. Practically speaking, it makes more sense for me to just load the Miller Bobcat on a trailer, which is what I've always done. But where's the cool in that? Nice job!
pollenface
Solar Wizard
I like wood as long as it's treated for termites. Untreated stuff doesn't last long in my back yard
Brucey
Velcro Man
Do you have the ++ on the pv panel side?
Drunkin Solar
Solar Enthusiast
Very nice job and I think the key here is if your making something portable it needs to be able to handle strong winds without worry.
Am in the process of making a portable rack for a single 415w panel. Lots of shaded areas that change with the seasons where it will be used.
So need mobility because of shading and ability to cut the grass.
Acquired some aluminum rectangular tubing cheap and had a friend weld the basic frame together and that's as far as I got for now. Paint next.
Really like the job you did with your project
Am in the process of making a portable rack for a single 415w panel. Lots of shaded areas that change with the seasons where it will be used.
So need mobility because of shading and ability to cut the grass.
Acquired some aluminum rectangular tubing cheap and had a friend weld the basic frame together and that's as far as I got for now. Paint next.
Really like the job you did with your project
I am impressed with some of the aluminum tubing they have now. Have some as spacers for my battery cases. Lightweight yet very strong. The downside to wood is that once it gets outside the live tree (e.g. bark) it is an uphill battle keeping it safe from the elements. The key it to make sure it is coated on all surfaces. The play set I built for the kids was a perfect example. It stood for a long time. The upright posts which had coating on all sides held their strength. The facing boards for the climbing wall were only coated on the exposed edges. Ultimately the boards that were not coated on all sides experienced dry rot. The play set is no longer there (kids grew up) but the lesson was learned. Reason I was so OCD with the solid stain on these.
If you do pursue this please include a link here. I am sure others would be interesting in seeing your progress. I know I would.
I recently had the opportunity to view a ground system on rollers that was quite ingenious. It had a tripod wood frame on wheels. The tripod housed a metal post as a pivot point. The multi panel array was supported with metal bars and u channel. The addition ingenious thing was that the angle could be adjusted with a scissor jack on the one side. Got the brain cells going for a possible version 3 of this project. Time will tell.
Brucey
Velcro Man
Sounds like in addition to the screw jack for regular elevation changes you could rotate the whole assembly to track east to west each day?
In this case, the array could be adjusted to about flat. Perhaps a large enough jack could provide some of this rotation. Some ingenious person will probably devise a light sensor that would help align the array to the incoming sun. A less tech approach might be to have a timer which would activate some rotation. A simple motor attached to the jack could prompt rotation. Someone with some Ardino experience could write the software for something like this. Would be pretty cool! The key would be keeping the board protected from the weather.
Brucey
Velcro Man
I was thinking like this but with me instead of donkey
Donkey. Brought a smile to my face. The basic concept could work. The key would be the size of the array in any case.
On the other hand, having a cart with three panels might do the same without any moving parts. One panel facing east, one facing top and one facing west. No rotation needed. The factor would be the size of the unit since it would be a bit wider.
However, as I stated above, if one designs another version, please feel free to post a link to the thread here since we are all trying to find better ways of gathering the sun.
Drunkin Solar
Solar Enthusiast
I didn't really have plans on starting another thread to show my aluminum version but since you requested one I will.
After a thread is put together I will edit here with a link to it.
It's going to be awhile before it's completed because as you have just mentioned the aluminum will corrode and I'm painting it. No warm garage to work in so need to wait for decent temps.
Keep up the great work you have been doing!
After a thread is put together I will edit here with a link to it.
It's going to be awhile before it's completed because as you have just mentioned the aluminum will corrode and I'm painting it. No warm garage to work in so need to wait for decent temps.
Keep up the great work you have been doing!
So true. Have so much I want to do outside, but alas winter is full force at this time.
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