Adjusting the tilt angle of my solar array--->novel method proposed

[n3qik]

The holes where not that big. The 10' I had, had 1/4" size holes. Plus, on a dish, it had to move 150+ Deg. On a solar array, only need to move 50 Deg. so the mounting point can be moved farther out from the pivot point.

Another plus would be to set the array close to 90 deg. during any snow.

[mtdoc]

That's a great idea to use a satellite dish actuator. It looks like they can be had for about $100. I have a Wattsun tracker with 1-axis traking. The 2nd axis tracking with manual control of tilt would have cost another $500 which did not seem worth the small increase in PV harvest. Besides I can - with some effort - manually adjust the tilt - but it's really a 2 person job. It's not easy to drag myself (or my wife!) out there during a snow storm to do the job.

It would be great to have a way to easily adjust tilt for seasonal changes and especially snow shedding. I don't want to spend the $700 required for a retrograde addition of 2nd axis tracking from Wattsun.

Has anyone used a satellite actuator to adjust tilt on a Wattsun tracker or other pole mount ? How hard is it to wire up to the controller? Any recommended brands?

Thanks for any info and for the great idea!

[n3qik]

The $ 100.00 ones maybe too light duty.

As for a controller, just need a on-off-on, momentary, center off, DPDT switch.

[Gitchee Gumee Kid]

Gentlemen,

Your suggestion of the actuator is very intriguing .I was unaware of their existence.( being " A New Guy " )

Now if some you wannabe engineers out there could come up with some design ideas I would be eternally grateful.

GGK

[Dave Sparks]

Did power fab spec the mount for that height? I would just add more panels and not do anything to compromise the strength of the system, with pole heights that you require.

[n3qik]

Will need to know the length of the tubular support bar.

Min to Max tilt angles.

If I scale this out, guessing it should be 23" center to center of the bolts.

[sawmill]

I had a much smaller array (since replaced) than yours that used a linear actuator to adjust the tilt angle. Like n3qik stated this is an ideal way to prevent snow build up by tilting to 90 deg. All that is needed is a 24 to 48 volt supply and a DPDT switch. To be honest I have quit adjusting for the seasons because of the small gain realized. I do use E & W trackers on some of the arrays.

If you decide to go the actuator route, a heavy duty unit will be necessary. I have about 20 used actuators picked up from scrap yards and no two are alike. Some use a hard rubber gland for the acme screw to rotate in, some use metal on metal and others use tiny ball bearings in a screw type race.

When I used an actuator to adjust tilt on my first tracking array, it was the hard rubber or composite type and after a couple of years this partially stripped and would allow the tilt to change in strong gusts. With your height one might want to consider safety cables to prevent the array from slamming into the pole in the event something gave way with the actuator.