How to Build a Solar Stand / Sun Tracker (DIY)

[@CityPrepping]

Here are the links to the parts and diagrams for the build: cityprepping.tv/3Dn09Gq ... Download the Solar Generator Guide: cityprepping.tv/3wyZNJp ... here's the video from the other YT channel for comparison: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5iuZKWorLicnLc Solar equipment shown in video: Solar Angle Guide: amzn.to/3feYY3Z Renogy 100-watt Solar Panels: cityprepping.tv/3wTi3OT Ecoflow 400-watt Solar Panels: cityprepping.tv/3FJIR9x Bluetti AC200 Max Solar Generator: cityprepping.tv/3DKxNrg

[@bradsgold345]

Good video for those that have a garage to build this and space outside to use it. I live in a due east facing apartment my deck is 5’x12’. On a good(sunny) day this time of year I get 4 1/2 hours of sun. Any chance you could address what a City Prepper can due?

[@vicnighthorse]

The wind, snow and theft here on a reservation in WY lead me to fabricate mine with steel frames on steel legs in concrete. Ones like yours could be "Gone in 60 Seconds"😮I even use tamper resistant nuts and bolts but take the panels in every night as the already rampant theft is going up here.

[@Paintplayer1]

Tell me about it. I'm up here in WA and was just burglarized for $1500 worth of lawn equipment. An expensive lesson to learn my security protocols were insufficient to keep someone out of my backyard...

[@r.b.l.5841]

Glad you have solved the problem, feel bad that someone would take your stuff after all your effort. Stay safe!

[@mikefeddersen2476]

Vic, makes you want to design a system that mounts on a rail with a garage of it's own. Yes, it sounds like overkill and is probably cost prohibitive.

[@mikefeddersen2476]

Vic, maybe share your property with someone that loves to shoot as an adult hobby?

[@r.b.l.5841]

Put them up on top of the building, tiltable for winter (snow will slide off better) and no one can steal them off you roof I hope. (or get a mean dog and don't feed him too often?)

[@neworleansaints3743]

Thanks for the video! I have some pro tips for ya (respectfully). Please wear a mask when dealing with dust from pressure treated wood! It also helps to cut off the ends from lumber where it might be split and cracked, possibly knots also, and start with the clean edge. For the center pieces, get your measurements from the corner/end where it’s screwed together. It will be bowed or distorted in the center. And your center pieces should be the same length assuming both ends are the same measurement (suppose to be). If the center pieces don’t fit it’s because the wood is bowed in or out and should be wrestled into the right position. Hope this info helps someone! Thanks again for the video!

[@CityPrepping]

Excellent points … thank you!

[@Jasonoid]

Thanks for the shout out! This DIY solar stand has been super helpful to keep my battery systems full throughout the day!

[@brendag2891]

Thank you for showing everything, and including how you did the wheel screw, but then had to take out a bracing screw, plus using small scraps of wood in the corners. Plus how you cut them a tad longer at first, then trimmed the interior boards to fit. Having no prior framing experience, this was extremely helpful, Kris. (I live in Minnesota, so have very limited solar in winter)

[@CityPrepping]

you're welcome!

[@aprilk141]

I'm up north too, have you looked into the three different types of solar panels? Amorphous, monocrystaline, and polycrystaline?

[@brendag2891]

@@aprilk141 I have Harbor Freight monocrystaline, 100 watts, that I have on my deck all year, even in the snow. They keep a little Lawn and Garden battery topped off indoors, which I usually only power a little light bulb off of. I use the light daily, and never seem to run out of power. However, I have portable panels, as well, but not much experience using them, as they are not waterproof, which limits use (from Jackery).

[@aprilk141]

@@brendag2891 thanks a lot! I use a portable setup sporadically. Inlet like to get a permanent setup but my crappy apartment deck gets very little light. I was hoping my primal reply was helpful but it sounds like you've already done your research

[@jaimebrownell3117]

Very nice instructional video. Easy and simple DIY project. It's not overly complicated and requires a minimum number of tools and hardware. Nice job.

[@clarkkent4991]

I like what you did there!!! I think going with pressure treated is almost a must for longevity. Especially in a SHTF situation. Buy once build it right while things are available. One thing that I would suggest is to run dowel rods through and between two of the vertical boards that you put the adjustment holes through. Then on the boards used as the moving supports you can bore out a hook 🪝 shape on the end. That hooked end can rest on top of the dowels. Now I admit what you did is perfect for simplicity. It’s just a personal choice for me. I just wouldn’t want to unscrew the nut 🔩 to free up the adjustment leg when I want to move it to another position . At the least I would sub out that nut on the end for a wing-nut. That way you will not need a tool to make that adjustment when removing. As long as you don’t forget to bring your fingers when you want to make an adjustment. Lol. Thanks again. My idea may be total overkill. I get it.

[@CityPrepping]

yes! was looking for galvanized wingnuts but they didn't have them at the store. will have to look online for them. great point.

[@clarkkent4991]

@@CityPrepping Good luck! Not sure if you shop at Walmart. Often times I can find hardware at Walmart when Lowes or HD or Harbor Freight doesn’t have it.

[@jhill739]

Thank you Kris. Just received my last 3 100 watt solar panels for my 800 watt system and have been scratching my head about how I'm going to mount then. I thought about a permanent frame mounted in the ground, but really wanted something mobile. You just answered my question with what you built! Movable for around the yard or put on a trailer to move to another location. You did great!

[@sixgunmiller6198]

You have a very patient wife my friend. Mine loves my projects when completed but i have to do the noisy stuff when she's at work ..lol

[@Emmitt1800-cf8nh]

Thank you for this video. I'm building something very similar based on this design! On a funny note, when I was watching this a third time, I finally noticed the phantom shoe at 6:17

[@smalltownhomesteadAC]

Oh my I have been looking for a movable cheap frame for ages on KZbin. I have 800 Watt's I need to mount, this is perfect timing. Thanks so very much for this video Kris!!

[@jhill739]

I have 800 watts to mount also. Been scratching my head about how to do it. Kris answered our question. GREAT!

[@craighansen7594]

You really need to secure the panels to the frame and the frame to the ground. A windy day could flip the panels off the stand or even tip the stand over. A quick way to anchor the stand to the ground would be corkscrew shaped dog tie out stakes.

[@cindyb8856]

Thanks for this! I've been on the hunt for instructions. The only thing I would add is a handle on the bottom back of the frame to make it easier for me to move.

[@ladweeb1798]

Thank you very much for this video! I bought some 200 watt solar panels a few months ago and getting tired of moving them around. 😁

[@colbullsigh6823]

Wow! Not only are you a great reviewer and philosopher, but now we see that you are an excellent designer and carpenter! Thanks for such an informative video!

[@cherylcook1942]

Not his design. This has been kicking around the webs for a couple of years.

[@nicolewilliams2468]

Thank you very much for putting this kind of content out there! This is super-helpful & dummy-proof, & I appreciate the different options you mention here, too.

[@jmo2104]

Hey Kris, I've been reading a book that I thought you might be interested in. I didn't realize how much information and insight it had to share mixed in with the other wonderful history. It's called braiding sweetgrass and it's by robin wall kemmerer. The gems of knowledge hidden within are incredibly useful if we are going back to needing to survive.

[@ke8mattj]

That Jeep @ 2:18 is going to be the best survival prep anyone can buy.

[@mariomarez2223]

Thank you for sharing this. I actually was leaning some solar panels this summer against gardening beds as a test for power outage. I’m going to have build one and see how it goes.

[@CityPrepping]

that's what started this project. i was helping a friend put solar panels in his backyard and he used his garden beds and it was just difficult. so it got me thinking and this was the result :)

[@SergeantShots]

Thank you for sharing and putting the additional time in to make the drop box files . Way to go ! On my way to the hardware store now 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Thomash613a]

Consider larger tires..easier to roll into the garage at night to secure to prevent neighbors from "Borrowing"...I used a old pull alone, yard wagon. Removed the sides and screwed the frame for the panels to the flat bed of the wagon. The swivel front end allows easy movement...and the balloon tires allow easy rolling in the yard..

[@freedomfighter1861]

Yeah i would use caster swivel wheels!

[@knightlingbugg8470]

When you drill the arm holes for different angles, you need to either 1) actually measure them for uniform displacement or 2) place the boards in EXACTLY the same orientation as you drilled them. Without this, random holes will make for an uneven support and maybe even some twisting of the frame if the holes differ by a lot.

[@kimberlyhendricks1274]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I needed this! I've been struggling with what to do about a solar panel stand. My Ecoflow panels are heavy and even though the cases are meant to be used as stands, they don't work too well.

[@robertagu5533]

Very well done. ALOT of things like this here is EXACTLY the sorta things people need DIYs of along with MAYBE things like DIY improvised shelters or perhaps basics EVERYONE really ought to try an learn in case they should ever need it one day like basic water collection an purifying using whats available if needed, or how to dress and process meat if you should ever have to hunt an kill ones own if it came to it.. basics of Hunting, how to judge, collect and basic firecraft, maybe the building an applications of rudimentary tools like axes, knives, bows an arrows, etc. Just some ideas. To things that'd be very helpful an are really kinda basic but SO MANY of the Modern Era, vast majority, have little or no idea how to remotely do even under best of times. An some struggle even with an experienced teacher hovering over shoulders

[@jmo2104]

Wow, it's like you read my mind. Perfect timing on this vid

[@yesicanu]

Just built two today with your plans as a reference point. Thank You!!

[@Mike_219]

That's funny because I just asked Jasonoid if he had a video on how to build his solar stand in his livestream last night! How very timely. Thanks for this video, too, Kris!

[@Jon-ek3rx]

Thanks so much for this!! I purchased 2 Pecron solar generators because of your review. I like the idea of making the panels mobile on wheels. Guess I have a new project for this weekend! Thanks again!

[@amberk2124]

It's nice that you have made this so simplified for everyone. stay Safe God Bless. Thank You

[@r.b.l.5841]

Great follow up to your vid on getting started with solar! anyone can do it! Don't have to spend a lot either!

[@mtlart]

If you substitute the smaller wheels with swivel casters and add a collapsible "V" handle in the back it would make adjusting and moving around Sooooo much easier.

[@Reman1975]

Not bad. Personally, I'd have put the middle pieces that have the multiple "Angle adjustment" holes in them in the bottom frame though. It would make it a bit more fiddly to close up the frame, but it also would mean that the solar panels couldn't have the end of the supports prod them while setting it up or re angling them. I'd probably also have gone with a light weight alloy angle frame (My backs not as young as it used to be), but then again, that would most likely mean having to stake it down, or risk having to chase it around the garden in anything above a light breeze (And my legs aren't much better than my back). :D

[@darkmns]

Hi. To my opinion, the holes for adjusting the angle should be on the bottom part. Because if you drop the panels, the part that is mobile can pierce the panels. Sorry for my bad English...

[@sandmanxo]

Thank you for this video. I've been building a fixed angle mount for my 4 250 watt panels but wanted something more adjustable. Something similar to this should work out well.

[@LeviathantheMighty]

A Commodore shirt! An added bonus!

[@Fightforright007]

Where the lag bolts go in, the blocks should be laid the other direction so that the lag bolts won’t split the wood. Screwing into the end of a board is more likely to split rather than going through the side. It was done correctly on one side, then reversed on the other. Cheaper 2X4s will split.

[@tommyk6349]

Also make sure to get the ECOFLOW solar tracker. The little guide can really help align the panels for optimal direction and angle.

[@aulii11]

Nice! The KISS principle at it's finest - even I can build that!

[@chrisumali9841]

Thanks for the demo and info, this is awesome. Have a great day

[@joeyhardin1288]

Great work, very concise. God Bless and stay safe.

[@carolleimbach6407]

Oh goodie another honey do! Thank you for the detailed explanation on this.

[@CityPrepping]

You are so welcome!

[@Diebulfrog79]

good one, CP. remember, wiring.

[@standfortruth4568]

*good stand i want something i can be totally off grid with* *and this looks in this category*

[@herrschafts-wissen]

Looks great, Chris! Thanks for sharing! When you combined both elementsat 11:30 min it looked a bit like some kind of home defense bulwark. 😉 So it could serve multiple functions.

[@r.b.l.5841]

I think the wheels set 90-degrees to what you have - ie the parallel to the long direction of the racks - would make it easier to roll them into and out of the garage wouldn't it?

[@ricardofranco4114]

When i get more solar pannels im definitely doing this. So far i just screwed my harbor freight solar pannel to a foldable white table those tables that you have at parties n stuff. It was all beat up with holes. But it works for 2 solar pannles. 😂

[@dg9905]

Great info as usual! Thanks again!!!👍👍👍

[@budwilliams6590]

Instead of 4 wheels consider a tricycle configuration. Like a boat trailer.

[@parkview113]

a moveable wheeled scaffold tower base works well too... with battens along top and bottom of panels if they are Ecoflow 400w type to keep the panels braced- keep braced panels taking up little room in garage and caary them out to waiting tower base as needed.... bungee cords through panel corner holes onto tower in case of wind, lock wheels and there you have it .... i nvever leave out in wind or rain .... Ecoflow solar tracker st near $4000 on order - motorised

[@Bob-cx4ze]

With a few photocells, one driven wheel and a linear actuator, you could make this autonomously aiming.

[@cameroncooper9091]

Your “how to contact” is great stuff

[@w5mav]

Man of many talents. TNX

[@ferebeefamily]

Thank you for the information Kris.

[@TonyFromChicago_]

I did a similar project, I used the small trailer from Harbor Freight.

[@ypweyes2665]

would it be easier to move around if your wheels were mounted on the short sides vs the long sides? You are pushing 6 ft across instead of 2ft

[@diann546]

I would think you would need some length to compensate for when the panels are aimed for the noon sun. Otherwise it would be tippy. Perhaps an adjustable slide hinge? I also like the other idea of pvc instead of wood or metal, due to weight. If we run the risk of it being stolen, then that means someone will be guarding it. Therefore materials do not not matter, as long as it works. This has given me a lot to think about.

[@raidantarctica7551]

Thanks for the Tutorial 😲🎉

[@ranytravis4953]

I seen in an old mother Earth magazine,they used to be here people oriented and give whole plans for free but now it's mostly ads and sell plans,anyways ta guy used old refrigerator freon compressor tanks with freon in them,he connected them together with tubing a put on on each side of solar panel array which was balanced turnable and when the sun moved it would be heating the opposite tank more and freon would move to other tank adding more weight and thusly moving the solar panel array with the sun. At night you would only have to go out once and move panels back to catch morning sun unless you put a battery .motor and switch to turn on motor and move anel back.saves on continually goin out and moving by hand.

[@CityPrepping]

wow, that sounds amazing! if you can find the information on it, please email me. thanks!

[@TomNook.]

Loving these practical videos!

[@MrLandphill]

Thanks for all the great information

[@michaelandersen7095]

Great video. Where have you published the drawings?

[@CityPrepping]

working on them today. the video was accidentally released early :)

[@jerriscollins-ruth9019]

Thank you Kris. Great video

[@CityPrepping]

Glad you liked it!

[@mitubogoogle]

excellent video

[@heisgr8er669]

Great video!

[@CityPrepping]

Thanks!

[@pilinke11]

Do you know if we need a type of permit to build this ground mount on our property? NC 4 x100w panels

[@angiedixon8017]

Thank you!

[@alexispalmerc130]

This is awesome! Thank you sir!

[@junkvista61]

Thanks for the video, I am thinking of build a rack similar to yours. I wondering at 7:22 why you do not use 4x4 wood but instead of 2 pieces of 2x4 bolt together? same thing with the re-enforced corners of frame. As the tilt of the array, do you have formula to calculate it? if so please share.

[@paulepobloske5374]

I have 4 panels of 400w: 80 by 40 inches. Would that structure be strong enough? Also, any tips on how to earth ground the panels ? Thank you. I am a beginner.

[@Bjornsvennson666]

How do you keep the panels on the frame? I would think that a gust of wind would blow them over since they aren’t clamped or screwed on.

[@lorriewatson7423]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@CityPrepping]

You are so welcome!

[@Faithfulfamily]

I'm going to be setting something very similar to this for three Renogy 100 watt panels with a 400 watt charge controller charging 2 12 volt 100 amp hour deep cycle batteries. Not sure if I'll set them in parallel or use one while the other charges and swap out? Then I have a 2000 watt modified sine inverter. The plan is to use this set up strictly for backing up our freezers and possibly refrigerator. Don't have the funds to go out and buy a solar generator. I'll just add more batteries as I can afford to pick them up. I'll be doing a video in this system once it's set up on our channel if anybody wants to see it later.

[@victorjoseph8948]

nice project

[@oopsieeee]

This is super-helpful

[@mileshanley8052]

Thanks for this. I was curious as to the measurements of the panels you built this for. I wanted to know if I need to modify the measurements to fit the panels I purchased.

[@pilinke11]

I'm planning to follow same instructions but a little bigger for my 250w panels (4 total)

[@jorgergonzalezvisualartist8925]

What about using pvc instead of wood? Lighter and faster to cut and glue. Thoughts?

[@CityPrepping]

That is an option but they are flimsy

[@jorgergonzalezvisualartist8925]

@@CityPrepping I see what you mean. Unless of course you go to a 2” pipe which would make it more rigid, but then the cost of the fittings and pipe my make too expensive. Thanks for the feedback, and thank you for the balanced content.

[@TheTurbo5121977]

Nice.... thank you I'm going to use this:)

[@CityPrepping]

Great!

[@brucejohnston8758]

What size clamp and how many? I didn’t see where you used them.

[@sjTHEfirst]

How do you protect solar panels from EMP, or is there no need for the panels themselves?

[@chirogirl67550]

Good job….Thank you!

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

Thank you

[@chasmarischen4459]

Thanks.

[@CrMizer]

I would like more details about the solar panels & batteries you are using.

[@CityPrepping]

that info is in the description section of the video. here it is again: Solar Angle Guide: amzn.to/3feYY3Z Renogy 100-watt Solar Panels: cityprepping.tv/3wTi3OT Ecoflow 400-watt Solar Panels: cityprepping.tv/3FJIR9x Bluetti AC200 Max Solar Generator: cityprepping.tv/3DKxNrg

[@CrMizer]

@@CityPrepping thank you.

[@jerkychew899]

It looks like the panels are just resting on the frame. I'm in a fairly windy area and was thinking of some eyebolts and ground stakes to keep something like this tethered to the ground, but if the panels are only held in place by gravity I don't think that would work for me - Does anybody have any advice on how to secure panels to the frame?

[@diann546]

Wouldn’t you measure your own panels to make it to fit them?

[@nestnirvana]

Do you still use these stands?

[@susanciviletto6748]

Thanks I like it

[@carolbeaulieu4949]

Where are the plans

[@nathanboyer80]

no hole has ever, is ever, or will ever be pre drilled. the hole is drilled, or it is not. same holds true for cut wood

[@larrycox6614]

Where's Jason's link for comparison?

[@CityPrepping]

in the description section

[@larrycox6614]

@@CityPrepping immediately saw the difference, but only in material, not design. Tux

[@blakenelson8385]

Ham radio please

[@thewheelchairprepper8070]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@teslacybertruck750]

Once he cut those triangles, I said to myself "nope, this goes beyond my knowledge" 😢

[@trutube7417]

DIY solar with Will Prowse

[@CityPrepping]

he's the best on the subject matter!

[@trutube7417]

@@CityPrepping you are correct sir

[@Fester_]

Please Americans, stop saying ' Go ahead ' let's go ahead, why don't you go ahead. Please don't let this boil your blood. It just isn't needed so often or at all. I will go ahead and watch the rest of the great video - why don't you do the same or go ahead and do the same.

[@kc1qbt794]

Pressure treated 2x4s I’m gunna have to get a loan from my bank 🎃

[@scottmurphy4946]

One kidney should cover most of it

[@raidantarctica7551]

🤣

[@raidantarctica7551]

@@scottmurphy4946 🤣

[@brendag2891]

Lol so true

[@ranytravis4953]

Really...wood is sooooo expensive now.probably cost just as much as aluminum which lasts forever.

[@brucey5585]

😢if you need to move your panels every hour then you have too much time.

[@thecentralscrutinizerr]

I can build this for half the price. Just take the 2x4s and rip them down into 2x2s with a table saw. It's half the price and half the weight.

[@boblupart862]

I tried to build this and failed miserably. Ill stick to sharpening pencils I guess.

[@merlinwizard1000]

73rd, 29 October 2022

[@joeyhardin1288]

I got scammed