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Home built roof mount auto tracker
http://solar-guppy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=615		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  MrAMSOIL [ Sat Feb 23, 2008 5:29 pm GMT ErdGMT ]
Post subject:  Home built roof mount auto tracker
I've got 4 rows of 9 panels each, roof mounted with unirack. Since my roof pitch is only about 14 degrees I'd like to design auto tracker for elevation. the mechanics aren't too hard, however the sensor system is not my forte. Does anybody know if any are available to buy?
I figured on stainless hinges from the bottom rails to the roof angle clips. I'm still trying to figure out the actuator mechanism, probably a worm drive along the top rail with arms attached to the top of each panel.
The tough part is that I want each row (30') to move as one.
Any input anybody? :?:
Author:  WizBandit [ Wed Oct 22, 2008 8:41 am GMT EndGMT ]
Post subject:  Re: Home built roof mount auto tracker
My home built Uni-Strut roof mounts use 4 panels and I'm converting to a 6 panel setup. I'm mounting aluminum Pro-Solar track rails on the uni-strut frames now. They tilt up for seasonal sun angle but three things have happened, I'm wearing the roof shingles down, I'm getting older (50+) and 6 panel arrays are difficult to tilt up by hand. I was actually working on automating the array tilt yesterday and I think I have a working model on the bench. It will use two 600lb Sat-Dish actuators to lift the array using manual switches at first then maybe automatic sensors later.

http://www.trn.net/S8000439.JPG (down flat)

http://www.trn.net/S8000438.JPG (part way up)

http://www.trn.net/S8000436.JPG (up 45 degrees)
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