Solar tracking drive system

This video describes how I built my tracking drive system and details the automatic tracking of the sun. My system is a 10kW solar system in installed myself.

[@prtcgv5105]

Have a lovely "sunny day"... (LMAOL) great setup Craig! Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@wimm1392]

Mr Bradley what an awesome job. It's people like you that make the world go around. Thanks for sharing your information. Regards form Brisbane.

[@purespiritcloud]

Awesome System. Thank you for sharing. It is great inspiration for my system.

[@mrblue2715]

Just what i was looking for this Sunday morning. thank you

[@CajunGreenMan]

Nickel-iron batteries have an effective lifetime of almost infinite. So often a better option for applications like this because of the low embodied energy compared to replacing other batteries periodically. Keep up the great work!

[@jockcherokee5180]

This is an inspiring video. Thanks for your time & effort in creating this. Stay safe and well.

[@aeronerd22]

this is really nicely made!

[@jonyq04]

Beast!!!!! Love it man!!!

[@MrRaptor2x]

Interesting, thanks for sharing. May god bless you Craig!

[@techtinkerin]

Lol, looks like the international space station crashed!! 😄😎👍❤️

[@Terryblount]

Amazing that this kind of DYI tracking controller is available for $30 (a year later) and they have the plug in available for wind speed settings. Tracking will protect your panels from hail damages at least 12 hours a day.

[@mrblue2715]

where is it available for 30$?

[@nelsondisalvatore9812]

You have the entire setup in amazon for 500 dollars now.

[@nussberger]

Great job!!!

[@ELHAUKEZ]

Put in some drying pearls to prevent the moisture from condensing on the jar ;-)

[@waynefilkins8394]

Something interesting that NASA does is they put 4 small panels, 1 on each side (left, right, top, bottom) and they place them just right so that if one of them gets light, it turns a motor until it no longer gets light. So it keeps them all out of light, and when they are all out of the sun it means the main panels are facing the sun. With this method you don't need any batteries or sensors. Just 4 tiny panels, big enough to power the DC motors, and 2 DC motors, one for each axis. it may work with linear actuators like you have as well, but idk how big of panels are needed to move those without batteries.

[@nemisis010]

Holy crap that is a great system, nice one.

[@craigb700]

nemisis010 thank you!

[@davegeorge7094]

#EVERYONE#Install a AC run capacitor parallel with pump motors, 5-60 Mfd, power factor correction will save 1-15 amps, same for ice boxes to. Try increments of 2Mfd instill lowest line current. My washer motor needed 180Mfd but hardly worth it because two 2 hours a month uses. We are charged for VAs not watts! Craig Thanks for your posting.

[@FordFlatheadRat]

Hello Mr. Bradley, I've been researching solar trackers for weeks now and built a small dual axis solar tracker myself. I realize the single axis is a better idea but I feel the tilt is also important too. I see you have the Home CSP track and park controller but I'm interested to know more about your frame. Does it tilt for winter and summer angles? Do you have any plans and or component list that you can share. Love to know more, please.

[@clarissaw7987]

thank you for sharing and posting your system. Are you grid connected? what type of bearing did you fabricate for the main shaft...? Do the trees shade your sensor(s) ?... i plan to convert my gas trackers to sensor driven when they stop working.

[@craigb700]

Yes Clarissa, sometimes the trees do shade the sensors, usually early in the morning in the summer. The way mine work, if they do get shaded, I just go out and reset them by turning off the power to the sensors and back on, then they move to the east and are ok for the rest of the day. Otherwise, it may be another half hour before they find east from the parked position. The main bearing is just a 3.5 in pipe around a 3 inch pipe with grease zerks to grease the fitting. works pretty well!

[@BradleyPrescott]

Fantastic.

[@bryschopper]

Craig, great work! I have been wanting to build something similar. I'm located in Florida with about 4.9 hours of solar sunlight and I use roughly 1000 KWH per month. My question is what would you suggest as far as size system to zero out with the additional power of the solar tracking. My calculations came up with an 8KW system, what are your thoughts? Thanks!

[@craigb700]

bryschopper That sounds about right. I use a lot of power but with this system I generate about 1600 kWh in good months. 8kW should work fine for you!

[@bryschopper]

Thanks, I really enjoy your videos.

[@craigb700]

I plan to make a posting on the manual control, probably tomorrow. Depending on if I can get the pool pump fixed!

[@davegeorge7094]

#EVERYONE#Install a AC run capacitor parallel with pump motors, 5-60 Mfd, power factor correction will save 1-15 amps, same for ice boxes to. Try increments of 2Mfd instill lowest line current. My washer motor needed 180Mfd but hardly worth it because two 2 hours a month uses. We are charged for VAs not watts! Craig Thanks for your posting.

[@skjoldhjvrkstedsforening4930]

that would be awesome

[@craigb700]

Jerry Moody what is your question about the wiring?

[@jorgem3550]

Sr, really nice Job. I'm from Brazil and I got a really good to build. I wanted to know what is the website yo said at 6:14. Thanks a lot man.

[@craigb700]

@@jorgem3550 homecsp.com/store

[@lhakpasherpa1547]

Nice video

[@ThatOne5]

Hey sir, put on some waterproof silicone sealant around the pipe and on the inner side of it also use some teflon tape on the container thread

[@adakole]

Thank for the video. Please what is the update interval of a solar tracker? Does it operate live or at a certain time interval?

[@craigb700]

It is a 3 minute update on the tracking. It tracks very well.

[@h2odrifter]

Nice job sure would like a set of plans

[@stevenlopez8433]

How about an updated on the system please? Even a few notes would be helpful Thanks

[@stevedewater4204]

Craig you did a wonderful job. What would be the spacing you recommend between each tracker?

[@craigb700]

Steve Dewater I would recommend that you space them out more than the 20 feet that I did. Also these are oriented East to west. I should have lined them north and south but we are looking north in the video. That's all the room I had. 50 fees is better, north south alignment is best

[@bestmovie2915]

Good

[@nikanaughty]

Clever people!

[@seminolerick6845]

Nice job. Any probs with condensation ? I was shocked at all the moisture on the clear container b4 you unscrewed it...assume its drained, but still ? Rick

[@craigb700]

Prepper Rick_W I just open them and clean them from time to time. I also use silica pacs

[@craigb700]

Prepper Rick_W actually it tracks just fine.

[@usuariouser224]

Great. Works automaticaly?

[@adventurious1234]

nice....

[@SD_Alias]

Wow! Thats a Solarparc. Is this just for one House?

[@sharonpeet7031]

That board that's inside that jar I'm notices a lot of condensation. IS THAT GOOD

[@dreamkiss4u]

where cam you buy the track and park module board from?

[@rapunzeleh546]

what do you do in high winds?

[@waynefilkins8394]

by the way, is it worth the cost to set it up, or would it be cheaper to have just bought more panels and not have a tracker system?

[@ebuyuto]

In the process to do an exact project as shown. Want to know what motors that can handle the weight & torque of the panels & adjustable mounting racks....

[@craigb700]

As long as you use the similar configuration and a Venture solar tracker, you should be fine. I don't have the specs o. Them specifically right now, but if it will handle about 1000 pounds static load, it should be fine.

[@JeffSpeers]

How much additional cost would you estimate for your tracking setup as opposed to it being static?

[@craigb700]

Jeff Speers probably about $1000 for me. But that cost was included in my original plan.

[@stevenlopez8433]

Is the site for the motors and the controller still available? Thank you for the video?

[@ezequielperez5724]

Where can I buy the device on the internet? Some link please.. Thanks

[@BugCrush3r]

Led based position controllers are notorious for losing the sun's position under cloudy days. How are yours reacting under those conditions?

[@craigb700]

they may be off a little bit but the sky is so diffuse, it probably doesn't bother it very much.

[@cruzincondo3395]

Not bad for around $15k....How long before it pays for itself?

[@craigb700]

If you are talking about payoff, it'll take about 8 years, but it covers the loan payment EVERY month on what I save. The total price was a little over $28000

[@0623kaboom]

you could also make a solar heated tracker and drop the power motor completely .... a pair of balck resevoir cyclinders onleft and right will heat in the sun and as the liquid inside expands can move a piston to rotate the panel on the opposite side ... a 2 to 4inch resevoir 3/4 length of your panel side shold be plenty of pressure

[@mrweevilcom]

Where can I find an example of those?

[@kayakplayer]

@@mrweevilcom I wonder if 0623Kaboom is thinking of Automatic Vent Openers that are designed to work between a range of temperatures (mine works between 55 - 75°F) to open the ventilation windows on solar greenhouses preventing temperatures from climbing higher. How they work is with a cylinder filled with a wax that expands as it heats up driving a piston. The piston controls the arm of the device, going from folded to unfolded as temperatures rise. The units I own have a range that you can adjust. The arm produces 15lbs. to 65lbs. of force depending upon the units I see available. But ambient temperature fluctuations seem like they would be a problem to work through. Perhaps if you live somewhere with little fluctuation in temperatures? I don't know how you get around that issue here in Wisconsin where temperatures range from lows of -20 up to 100°F. The units I'm familiar with are perfectly suited or venting greenhouses and maintenance free, working when you need them to, in a specific range of temperatures that keep your plants happy.

[@josephjohn907]

Lovely. How many watts of Solar panel do you have and how many Kwh are they producing per day. Thanks

[@craigb700]

I have 10 kW of panels with 9 kw maximum output. I get between 60 to 85 average from winter to late spring. The trees you see behind the panels cuts down the production in the summer.

[@josephjohn907]

Craig Bradley. Massive production I must confess are you running a business with it?

[@craigb700]

@@josephjohn907 nope, just my home

[@josephjohn907]

Craig Bradley. Ok. Thanks for your response.

[@gromosawsmiay3000]

Hi Craig, how this system comeback to start position on early morning ? is this tracking system able to find rising sun on the east and turn around solar panels ?

[@craigb700]

Seeks the sun in the morning. Turns the panels East.

[@gromosawsmiay3000]

@@craigb700 that is great solution, because cross sensor is exactly in the shadow in the morning (four photo sensors are in the shadow) , and second sensor on the back of panel is needed

[@habeeburrehman1696]

Hey Bradley Please define how to make traking circuit vedio

[@craigb700]

What do you mean?

[@user-mx3gy2xc3n]

Is this circuit board available for sale? Where to order? Thank you in advance

[@craigb700]

homecsp.com/store/index.php?id_product=63&controller=product This is the one you want.

[@tramthuan3414]

Rất tốt! Bạn có thể giúp mình sơ đồ nguyên lý được không? Cảm ơn bạn rất nhiều .

[@marinoslopezmas853]

Where can I buy the sensor if you can help me with that data.

[@howarddickson636]

I wonder what has happened to Mark over at CSP? I have been trying to buy stuff from his shop and the site looks as if it’s broken. No response from Mark at all.

[@offgridmangogrower]

Csp stopped selling tracker controllers…what other options are there?

[@Z-add]

Sadly home csp has stopped retail sales. Is their an alternative.

[@brettnaugher2176]

In the Mexican providence south of the Neuces River in Texas everything gets stolen especially if it's outside,,,while I am charging my battery in the city park my home is being burglarized,,, it's a government hit for the most part.

[@davidcromapix9083]

Can You share the circuit diagram of thi modeule ? thanks

[@kamelsabet1582]

I didn't understand what is the purpose of the led bulbs, and how they act... Thanks

[@craigb700]

The LEDs actually develop a voltage when the sun light hits them.what you try to do with them is to balance the voltage on all sides, inner two and outer two to have the sun light up in the center.

[@sandradodd1929]

pretty sure those are light sensors

[@craigb700]

Notlighy sensors as you would think, they're LEDs

[@josephwimsatt6227]

Led's work as light sensors as well as emitters.

[@wattsop4183]

L.E.D.s are like solar cells because they are made up of P type and N type silicon. I'm sure there is a way to use them like a miniature solar cell to light up and when equally lit they will be dead center on the sun.

[@omanomani4618]

Can't find home csp. What happened to mark?

[@irish-medi-weed-grower5240]

put some dry rice in the jar to stop condensation

[@stevepailet8258]

could you post a link to where to get the controllers? somehow I did not see one or you did not post one Thanks

[@craigb700]

Steve Pailet homecsp.com/store/

[@stevepailet8258]

thanks that sure helps seems to me if one spends all that $ to buy panels does not cost a lot more to let them work an extra few hours a day and get up to 40% more power than a fixed mount..

[@joechevy2035]

Me want dis!

[@adamklump9949]

Dose all of that power your house

[@craigb700]

No, but it does lower my bill by more than half on good sunny months. My bill averages about $250 to 500 per month. My lowest bill has been about $12.

[@derek3524]

What was the cost for this entire system?

[@craigb700]

Derek W Everything was a little over $28,300. But, with a 25% grand from the state and a 30% tax rebate, do the math. Check the programs in your state. Where are you from?

[@craigb700]

Everything was a little over $28,300 but with a 25% rebate through a state program and the 30% tax cut, do the math! Well worth the effort!

[@besniklikollari3918]

Hallo,And What about "Track Back".....

[@craigb700]

I don't understand what is your question?

[@ahmadhilman6903]

Can i know the website again sir?

[@craigb700]

Ahmad Hilman homecsp.com/store

[@alperalbayrak6033]

Would you share the circuit diagram please?

[@craigb700]

I don't have the circuit diagram for the boards. That comes from another company. I just bought them and hooked them up.

[@craigb700]

The wiring diagram is here on his page: homecsp.com/store/index.php?id_category=5&controller=category

[@mind-blowing7240]

can you give circuit design....of. it...

[@craigb700]

I don't have the circuit design but if you visit the homescp.com website you can see a block design there I believe.

[@christiankulmann3325]

My Solartracker : kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmHPnox8rLSkabc

[@craigb700]

homecsp.com/store/ look for the track n park. Have fun!

[@Alrukitaf]

Great setup But they are LDR's, not LED's

[@larryrobards286]

C

[@josephwimsatt6227]

You are painful to listen to. Please prepare better and stop the word wiskers. I like what you are doing, but wow, please change the pitch of your voice every once in a while.

[@jameswalker590]

This is a free video. If you don't like it, you can easily skip it. Comments like this might keep good, helpful videos from being created/uploaded, which is a shame. You are free to create your own video if you'd like.

[@oldwizzy]

All this can be made much, much easier. The easiest way is how an Optical Telescope basically works according to the 'Equatorial' principle. The equatorial mount has a north-south "polar axis" that is tilted to be parallel to earth's polar axis, allowing the telescope to swing in an east-west arc, with a second axis perpendicular to it so that the telescope can swing in a north-south arc. By swiveling the polar axis of the mount or mechanically moving in the opposite direction of the Earth's rotation, the telescope can accurately track the movement of the night sky. See the link for this >> en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equatorial_mount#German_equatorial_mount