Linear Actuators tilt collector array to perfect angle

[@OP-fd4lh]

I think there are so many possibilities with linear actuators working with solar panels. Great work.

[@jimbettesr]

Couldn't agree more.

[@byronshepherd8415]

Hi James :) Great work! I've found actuators are less likely to fail if mounted "upside down", with the motor up, that way moisture doesn't seep its way down past the seals and spoil the motor over time.

[@jimbettesr]

I'm getting ready to install my next 3 panel module. I'm going to take your suggestion and mount them upside down. Thanks!

[@byronshepherd8415]

@jimbettesr no sweat. Good luck🤞

[@jimbettesr]

I'm going to turn them. Thanks!

[@jimbettesr]

BTW Just pulled the pins and reversed them just before the rain storm .They work just great.

[@byronshepherd8415]

@jimbettesr good to hear. And good timing 👍

[@trog.lodyte]

Cool project, my only concern would be high wind events and it being susceptible to damage acting as a huge sail. I live at a more northerly latitude (49th parallel) so the winter/summer solar angle difference is large, a system like this would be ideal, thanks for sharing

[@jimbettesr]

That is a concern. I have been here 26+ years and cant recall a wind over 50mph however who knows what the future holds?

[@nef003]

Great video. I also bought similar bi facial panels from a local FB sale. Mines are 535W each. Bought 10 of them. Already placed mine on a very cheaply made ground mount since I don't know how the sun tracks in my place here is GA. I'm about 1 hour from Athens; I'm in Powder Springs Ga myself. I went with an off grid setup. Eg4 6000xp and 48volt configuration. Which wires did you end up using ? What gauge and how much did you pay for it ? I have yet to wire mines since I have another row of 5 panels to do.

[@jimbettesr]

I used 10ga solar wire on Amazon. 50ft for $55. Off grid is so much more complicated than Grid-Tie. Since I am not familiar with it I cannot give any advice. If you get near Athens and would like to stop by call ahead. 706-206-4084.

[@markberning9142]

In your design, you have to watch if one actuator fails or does not move at the same speed/distance this will cause a twisting of the panels. I am not sure if you were going to automatically control the angle do this manually.

[@jimbettesr]

One of the first actuators I used did fail (buckled) causing the second one to retract. I then went with the stronger design. No problems for far.

[@Voluntarists]

why not allow it to tilt directionally too by changing just one actuator? seems not well thought out as it could be

[@jimbettesr]

Hmm.. seems to me you have tilt the lower purlin, hinges, etc. I'm trying to 'think that through" but not coming up with anything.

[@Voluntarists]

@@jimbettesr center pivot only at the bottom of the panel and if one actuator is extended and the other is retracted you can turn it left and right, in addition to the current up and down, to also track east to west throughout the day and across the seasons.

[@jimbettesr]

Sorry. I don't think that design is feasible.

[@Voluntarists]

@@jimbettesr yes it is. you are just too dumb and ignorant to comprehend it i guess.

[@goldcountryruss7035]

All this is great if you don't have any of those pesky building inspectors asking for "wet stamped" engineering plans and calculations or proof of a proper building permit. Also, your actuators would probably last much longer if you turned them over so rainwater cannot run down the shaft and damage the motor & drive components.

[@jimbettesr]

I got a similar suggestion from another commentor and will follow it.

[@jimbettesr]

Also, since I'm 'pay-back' conscience, I'm staying rouge. I did survey what is involved in going legit and could see thousands of dollars being spent with no increase in kw's.