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.
Пікірлер: 126
@prtcgv51056 жыл бұрын
Have a lovely "sunny day"... (LMAOL) great setup Craig! Thanks for sharing your experience.
@wimm13926 жыл бұрын
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.
@purespiritcloud6 жыл бұрын
Awesome System. Thank you for sharing. It is great inspiration for my system.
@mrblue27155 жыл бұрын
Just what i was looking for this Sunday morning. thank you
@CajunGreenMan4 жыл бұрын
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!
@jockcherokee51802 жыл бұрын
This is an inspiring video. Thanks for your time & effort in creating this. Stay safe and well.
@aeronerd224 жыл бұрын
this is really nicely made!
@jonyq046 жыл бұрын
Beast!!!!! Love it man!!!
@MrRaptor2x Жыл бұрын
Interesting, thanks for sharing. May god bless you Craig!
@techtinkerin Жыл бұрын
Lol, looks like the international space station crashed!! 😄😎👍❤️
@Terryblount6 жыл бұрын
Amazing that this kind of DYI tracking controller is available for $30 (a year later) and they have the plug in available for wind speed settings. Tracking will protect your panels from hail damages at least 12 hours a day.
@mrblue27155 жыл бұрын
where is it available for 30$?
@nelsondisalvatore98126 ай бұрын
You have the entire setup in amazon for 500 dollars now.
@nussberger6 жыл бұрын
Great job!!!
@ELHAUKEZ6 жыл бұрын
Put in some drying pearls to prevent the moisture from condensing on the jar ;-)
@waynefilkins83942 жыл бұрын
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.
@nemisis0106 жыл бұрын
Holy crap that is a great system, nice one.
@craigb7006 жыл бұрын
nemisis010 thank you!
@davegeorge70946 жыл бұрын
#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 Жыл бұрын
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.
@clarissaw79877 жыл бұрын
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.
@craigb7007 жыл бұрын
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!
@BradleyPrescott4 жыл бұрын
Fantastic.
@bryschopper7 жыл бұрын
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!
@craigb7007 жыл бұрын
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!
@bryschopper7 жыл бұрын
Thanks, I really enjoy your videos.
@craigb7007 жыл бұрын
I plan to make a posting on the manual control, probably tomorrow. Depending on if I can get the pool pump fixed!
@davegeorge70946 жыл бұрын
#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.
@skjoldhjvrkstedsforening49306 жыл бұрын
that would be awesome
@craigb7006 жыл бұрын
Jerry Moody what is your question about the wiring?
@jorgem35505 жыл бұрын
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.
@craigb7005 жыл бұрын
@@jorgem3550 homecsp.com/store
@lhakpasherpa15474 жыл бұрын
Nice video
@ThatOne52 жыл бұрын
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
@adakole6 жыл бұрын
Thank for the video. Please what is the update interval of a solar tracker? Does it operate live or at a certain time interval?
@craigb7006 жыл бұрын
It is a 3 minute update on the tracking. It tracks very well.
@h2odrifter6 жыл бұрын
Nice job sure would like a set of plans
@stevenlopez84333 ай бұрын
How about an updated on the system please? Even a few notes would be helpful Thanks
@stevedewater42046 жыл бұрын
Craig you did a wonderful job. What would be the spacing you recommend between each tracker?
@craigb7006 жыл бұрын
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
@bestmovie29154 жыл бұрын
Good
@nikanaughty6 жыл бұрын
Clever people!
@seminolerick68456 жыл бұрын
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
@craigb7006 жыл бұрын
Prepper Rick_W I just open them and clean them from time to time. I also use silica pacs
@craigb7006 жыл бұрын
Prepper Rick_W actually it tracks just fine.
@usuariouser2245 жыл бұрын
Great. Works automaticaly?
@adventurious12346 жыл бұрын
nice....
@SD_Alias4 жыл бұрын
Wow! Thats a Solarparc. Is this just for one House?
@sharonpeet70316 жыл бұрын
That board that's inside that jar I'm notices a lot of condensation. IS THAT GOOD
@dreamkiss4u3 жыл бұрын
where cam you buy the track and park module board from?
@rapunzeleh5465 жыл бұрын
what do you do in high winds?
@waynefilkins83942 жыл бұрын
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?
@ebuyuto6 жыл бұрын
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....
@craigb7006 жыл бұрын
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.
@JeffSpeers6 жыл бұрын
How much additional cost would you estimate for your tracking setup as opposed to it being static?
@craigb7006 жыл бұрын
Jeff Speers probably about $1000 for me. But that cost was included in my original plan.
@stevenlopez84333 ай бұрын
Is the site for the motors and the controller still available? Thank you for the video?
@ezequielperez57246 жыл бұрын
Where can I buy the device on the internet? Some link please.. Thanks
@BugCrush3r4 жыл бұрын
Led based position controllers are notorious for losing the sun's position under cloudy days. How are yours reacting under those conditions?
@craigb7004 жыл бұрын
they may be off a little bit but the sky is so diffuse, it probably doesn't bother it very much.
@cruzincondo33956 жыл бұрын
Not bad for around $15k....How long before it pays for itself?
@craigb7006 жыл бұрын
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
@0623kaboom6 жыл бұрын
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
@mrweevilcom5 жыл бұрын
Where can I find an example of those?
@kayakplayer5 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@josephjohn9076 жыл бұрын
Lovely. How many watts of Solar panel do you have and how many Kwh are they producing per day. Thanks
@craigb7006 жыл бұрын
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.
@josephjohn9076 жыл бұрын
Craig Bradley. Massive production I must confess are you running a business with it?
@craigb7006 жыл бұрын
@@josephjohn907 nope, just my home
@josephjohn9076 жыл бұрын
Craig Bradley. Ok. Thanks for your response.
@gromosawsmiay30003 жыл бұрын
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 ?
@craigb7003 жыл бұрын
Seeks the sun in the morning. Turns the panels East.
@gromosawsmiay30003 жыл бұрын
@@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
@habeeburrehman16965 жыл бұрын
Hey Bradley Please define how to make traking circuit vedio
@craigb7005 жыл бұрын
What do you mean?
@user-mx3gy2xc3n4 жыл бұрын
Is this circuit board available for sale? Where to order? Thank you in advance
@craigb7004 жыл бұрын
homecsp.com/store/index.php?id_product=63&controller=product This is the one you want.
@tramthuan34143 жыл бұрын
Rất tốt! Bạn có thể giúp mình sơ đồ nguyên lý được không? Cảm ơn bạn rất nhiều .
@marinoslopezmas8533 жыл бұрын
Where can I buy the sensor if you can help me with that data.
@howarddickson6363 жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
Csp stopped selling tracker controllers…what other options are there?
@Z-add2 жыл бұрын
Sadly home csp has stopped retail sales. Is their an alternative.
@brettnaugher2176 Жыл бұрын
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.
@davidcromapix90833 жыл бұрын
Can You share the circuit diagram of thi modeule ? thanks
@kamelsabet15826 жыл бұрын
I didn't understand what is the purpose of the led bulbs, and how they act... Thanks
@craigb7006 жыл бұрын
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.
@sandradodd19296 жыл бұрын
pretty sure those are light sensors
@craigb7006 жыл бұрын
Notlighy sensors as you would think, they're LEDs
@josephwimsatt62276 жыл бұрын
Led's work as light sensors as well as emitters.
@wattsop41836 жыл бұрын
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.
@omanomani46183 жыл бұрын
Can't find home csp. What happened to mark?
@irish-medi-weed-grower52404 жыл бұрын
put some dry rice in the jar to stop condensation
@stevepailet82586 жыл бұрын
could you post a link to where to get the controllers? somehow I did not see one or you did not post one Thanks
@craigb7006 жыл бұрын
Steve Pailet homecsp.com/store/
@stevepailet82586 жыл бұрын
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..
@joechevy20354 жыл бұрын
Me want dis!
@adamklump99496 жыл бұрын
Dose all of that power your house
@craigb7006 жыл бұрын
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.
@derek35247 жыл бұрын
What was the cost for this entire system?
@craigb7007 жыл бұрын
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?
@craigb7007 жыл бұрын
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!
@besniklikollari39184 жыл бұрын
Hallo,And What about "Track Back".....
@craigb7004 жыл бұрын
I don't understand what is your question?
@ahmadhilman69036 жыл бұрын
Can i know the website again sir?
@craigb7006 жыл бұрын
Ahmad Hilman homecsp.com/store
@alperalbayrak60334 жыл бұрын
Would you share the circuit diagram please?
@craigb7004 жыл бұрын
I don't have the circuit diagram for the boards. That comes from another company. I just bought them and hooked them up.
@craigb7004 жыл бұрын
The wiring diagram is here on his page: homecsp.com/store/index.php?id_category=5&controller=category
@mind-blowing72406 жыл бұрын
can you give circuit design....of. it...
@craigb7006 жыл бұрын
I don't have the circuit design but if you visit the homescp.com website you can see a block design there I believe.
@christiankulmann33253 жыл бұрын
My Solartracker : kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmHPnox8rLSkabc
@craigb7006 жыл бұрын
homecsp.com/store/ look for the track n park. Have fun!
@Alrukitaf6 жыл бұрын
Great setup But they are LDR's, not LED's
@larryrobards2864 жыл бұрын
C
@josephwimsatt62276 жыл бұрын
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.
@jameswalker5903 жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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