Movable solar panel cart version 2, all 5 now live
- Thread starter JJJJ
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So 4 panels are up and running. One faces south, one faces mostly south/slightly west, one a mix south/west and one west. Not a formal tracking system but it picks up the suns rays from sunrise to sunset.
What I find encouraging is that these things start drawing power once the sun peeks over the horizon. Granted once trees get their leaves, they will compete for this precious resource. However, by then the sun will be higher in the sky so it should be interesting to watch.
Those with solar panels will understand. Don't get intimidated by the "solar charts" which predict the average sunshine. If you do this, you will never start. The newer panels seem more efficient at picking up ambient light and at least for mine, do not require the sun directly in their face before they start bringing in the power. No, it is not at the rated specs. It might be a dribble at first. But power is power.
I enjoy a morning walk. Now as the sun peeks over the horizon, it brings a smile to my face. It took countless hours of time calculating and designing this system. I don't even want to explore costs, but I saved a bundle doing it myself. The advantages of this system is that the panels are on flexible lines and as such can be moved around as conditions change to try to capture the best sun. Being on the ground with firm bases has kept them in place during some strong winds. Granted they are on a slight slope so much of the wind is likely directed slightly above them. As the days get warmer they might pick up heat from the ground but it is much less than they would receive should they be on the roof, therefore increasing their efficiency. There is room for plenty of air movement around them for cooling purposes.
Would I do this again. Yes, without a doubt. The first portable version I built was cool and could easily be adjusted. It is more top heavy however and unless secured to the ground, more likely to tip in higher winds.
I am grateful for all of those veterans out there who have so generously shared their knowledge over the years. I have learned a ton. For those who are starting out, might I suggest taking the time to learn the benefits of a good multimeter. Not only can it help with voltages, but it helps to determine things such as positive vs negative leads and wire continuity which can be invaluable in a project such as this when lines are being connected.
Solar is a journey. Be safe, and enjoy the process.
What I find encouraging is that these things start drawing power once the sun peeks over the horizon. Granted once trees get their leaves, they will compete for this precious resource. However, by then the sun will be higher in the sky so it should be interesting to watch.
Those with solar panels will understand. Don't get intimidated by the "solar charts" which predict the average sunshine. If you do this, you will never start. The newer panels seem more efficient at picking up ambient light and at least for mine, do not require the sun directly in their face before they start bringing in the power. No, it is not at the rated specs. It might be a dribble at first. But power is power.
I enjoy a morning walk. Now as the sun peeks over the horizon, it brings a smile to my face. It took countless hours of time calculating and designing this system. I don't even want to explore costs, but I saved a bundle doing it myself. The advantages of this system is that the panels are on flexible lines and as such can be moved around as conditions change to try to capture the best sun. Being on the ground with firm bases has kept them in place during some strong winds. Granted they are on a slight slope so much of the wind is likely directed slightly above them. As the days get warmer they might pick up heat from the ground but it is much less than they would receive should they be on the roof, therefore increasing their efficiency. There is room for plenty of air movement around them for cooling purposes.
Would I do this again. Yes, without a doubt. The first portable version I built was cool and could easily be adjusted. It is more top heavy however and unless secured to the ground, more likely to tip in higher winds.
I am grateful for all of those veterans out there who have so generously shared their knowledge over the years. I have learned a ton. For those who are starting out, might I suggest taking the time to learn the benefits of a good multimeter. Not only can it help with voltages, but it helps to determine things such as positive vs negative leads and wire continuity which can be invaluable in a project such as this when lines are being connected.
Solar is a journey. Be safe, and enjoy the process.
As I sipped my first cup of coffee, I looked at the projected sunrise. It is getting earlier and earlier. This brought a smile to my face since we are projected to get some sun this morning.
I then looked into the back yard to see a candy coating of light snow on everything, including my precious panels.
As others with ground mount systems will indicate, it is easier to reach panels on the ground. The advantage to the system I selected is that it does not require a brush on a pole. I got a soft bristle hand brush from the garage and lightly brushed off the panels. It was a quiet operation so the neighbors were not disturbed during the process. I am getting ready to start my second cup of the coffee for the morning and watch the solar production begin. And it is now starting to trickle in as the sun peeks over the horizon.
I then looked into the back yard to see a candy coating of light snow on everything, including my precious panels.
As others with ground mount systems will indicate, it is easier to reach panels on the ground. The advantage to the system I selected is that it does not require a brush on a pole. I got a soft bristle hand brush from the garage and lightly brushed off the panels. It was a quiet operation so the neighbors were not disturbed during the process. I am getting ready to start my second cup of the coffee for the morning and watch the solar production begin. And it is now starting to trickle in as the sun peeks over the horizon.
OK. So I have four panels that are up and going. On a sunny day it’s fun to watch the the power shown by the charge controller. When I built the combiner system, I allowed for five inputs, although it can handle up to six. So I did an inventory. There was a blank spot in front of my two panels just begging to be part of the project. I already had the wire to run to the combiner. My inventory also included a breaker and I still have three panels sitting in the garage. So I decided to add one more of a slightly different design.
This is a little different design. It was also easier and faster to build since it didn’t require wheels. The base has pressure treated lumber and quite heavy, so nothing should move. The legs also have protective pads. The right side is hinged so if I wanted to, I could make it a steeper angle. For the summer though that should work well. This unit will not be mobile like the others. And if it is would probably require two people. It still needs the panel and to be wired in.
OK. Now it is spring. Pollen and leaves and all that.
Just moved this panel back about 12 feet and gave all the panels a gentle wipe with a microfiber cloth. Got a little boost in solar harvest. Oh, and the tree behind has been cut down. Stump is for a hammock.
Just moved this panel back about 12 feet and gave all the panels a gentle wipe with a microfiber cloth. Got a little boost in solar harvest. Oh, and the tree behind has been cut down. Stump is for a hammock.
Well the rain has finally stopped, for now. Panels were covered with residual rain plus a heavy dew. Gave me a chance to use the new squeegee. Cleaned off the water and small amount dust, debris which may have gathered. Scratch free and now clean panels. Since they are at ground level easy to reach.
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