Hello,
I'm getting ready to install a 100w solar panel on my travel trailer.
I'm curious to see that other have done with tilting and tracking solutions.
I have decided that it makes since for my application because if I am camping with the trailer it will be parked for several days so why not tilt it and get the 20% gain.
Some say $ is better spent on more panels but the mounting system will be custom build by my self out of materials i have laying around. (basically free). Ther other reason I dont want more panels it this might be swapped between a trailer and 4x4 camper van. (smaller is easier).
Auto tracking is definitely out of the budget. I'm think about hand tracking via adjusting the swivel 2 or 3 times per day. If i plan to be gone all day I will just point it south and say good enough.
The tricky thing about a mobile solar system is I can not guarantee what direction the trailer will be oriented when parked.
2 way tilt: piece of cake to fabricate but there is a 50% chance It will be parked the wrong way. And no tracking as the sun sweeps 180 to 200+ deg.
4 way tilt: better but it will be pointed the wrong way 25+% percent of the time. And It will probably not be perfectly oriented south.
It could be mounted on a pillow block bearing but i'm not sure how to lock it into place. The other issue is small surface area connecting to a weak aluminum shell/foam room.
I need a big cog with a spring loaded pin or something....
The last issue becomes wind resistance and strength so that wind can not move it out of adjustment or rip it off.
Ideas???
Any accolades of wisdom for what has and has not worked for folks???
Thanks!!!
I'm getting ready to install a 100w solar panel on my travel trailer.
I'm curious to see that other have done with tilting and tracking solutions.
I have decided that it makes since for my application because if I am camping with the trailer it will be parked for several days so why not tilt it and get the 20% gain.
Some say $ is better spent on more panels but the mounting system will be custom build by my self out of materials i have laying around. (basically free). Ther other reason I dont want more panels it this might be swapped between a trailer and 4x4 camper van. (smaller is easier).
Auto tracking is definitely out of the budget. I'm think about hand tracking via adjusting the swivel 2 or 3 times per day. If i plan to be gone all day I will just point it south and say good enough.
The tricky thing about a mobile solar system is I can not guarantee what direction the trailer will be oriented when parked.
2 way tilt: piece of cake to fabricate but there is a 50% chance It will be parked the wrong way. And no tracking as the sun sweeps 180 to 200+ deg.
4 way tilt: better but it will be pointed the wrong way 25+% percent of the time. And It will probably not be perfectly oriented south.
It could be mounted on a pillow block bearing but i'm not sure how to lock it into place. The other issue is small surface area connecting to a weak aluminum shell/foam room.
I need a big cog with a spring loaded pin or something....
The last issue becomes wind resistance and strength so that wind can not move it out of adjustment or rip it off.
Ideas???
Any accolades of wisdom for what has and has not worked for folks???
Thanks!!!