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To track or not | 9 comments (9 topical, 0 editorial)
Re: To track or not (none / 0) (#3)
by Bach On on Mon Jun 23rd, 2003 at 09:39:50 AM MST
(User Info) change AT: bach_on AT hotmail.com

Allen,

Congratulations on your purchase. That sounds like a very nice addition to your system.

Trackers will add to the cost and complexity of your setup. As has been pointed out, they aren't install it and forget it.

I'd suggest first setting the new panels up without trackers. See what kind of average you get over a few months. Use that time to explore tracker options in more detail. I've even seen some used units for sale on eBay. New ones aren't cheap - if they are made to last.

Plan B might be to have your panels seasonally adjustable. You'd go out and change the angle three or four times a year to match the Sun's arc in the sky. It could probably even be partially automated with those electric actuators like they use on the older large satellite dishes. You can buy those on eBay too.

Another idea is to split your system up. Have some of the panels angled to favor morning Sun and the others optimally angled for afternoon Sun. They'd all probably still get some Sun throughut the day, but it might increase the daily average. You know - experiment.

Trackers will increase the power you get, but it will take more time to write off the additional cost. Does your state offer an alternative energy tax credit. That would help.

I'm envious of your system. Solar panels are probably the best way to go for alternative energy. I just wish the initial cost wasn't so high.

Bach On

- - I'm not superman, but I am very dense! -



Re: To track or not (none / 0) (#4)
by N9WOS on Mon Jun 23rd, 2003 at 09:58:59 AM MST
(User Info)

Bach beat me to it, but I'll go ahead  and post the reply I already had typed up.
..............................................
The main problem with tracker is their cost, and upkeep.
For the price of the tracker, you could probably  buy enough
solar panels to achieve the same power gain.

The tracker will require lubrication and inspection to keep it working properly.

And a tracker is best suited for a pole mount application.
If you have your panels mounted on a roof or something,
It would be better to just forget the tracker idea.

The tracker is most viable if you can get the parts for the tracker for nothing/very little.
(ie) Scrounge for them/Do It Yourself.
And have a large number of panels to Move with the tracker.

Only problem is the tracker will usually pull electrical power.
That will offset the gain in panel output.
That can be avoided if you use a non electrical/mechanical for of a tracker.
(ie) gas filled cylinders or other variations.

[ Parent ]



Re: To track or not (none / 0) (#5)
by Gordy on Mon Jun 23rd, 2003 at 12:08:30 PM MST
(User Info)

You might want to check out this web site.   www.redrok.com . He has a lot of info and ideas for the DIYers. He also sells sun tracker modules that conect to your power and motors. One module is $35 for single axis trackers and $65 for two axis trackers.
    Even if your not interested in trackers it's still a neat site to visit.
                            Happy hunting,
                            Gordy

  PS. sorry I can't get that link to work, Idon't like to look a gift horse in the mouth but did you ADMIN guy's have to destroy every thing about the old board that worked????

[ Parent ]



To track or not | 9 comments (9 topical, 0 editorial)

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