Solar panel stand

[AbyssUnderground]

For camping I need a stand for the panels thats easy to fold away and set up again. I intend to take all three 18w panels next time I go so I need a stand to hold them when they're in use. I came up with this idea with a little help from my Grandad who suggested the tent peg feet feature (thanks Grandad!).

Its a simple 'A' frame design which will be made easy to take apart, fold up and fit in the boot of the car. The cost will be minimal since its only a few pieces of wood, string and bolts. All-in-all, it will be up for the job!

Comments or improvements anyone?

More info on my setup on my website below

[AbyssUnderground]

Oops, sig didnt appear. The website is http://www.repowered.co.uk

[gotwind2]

Hi.

This is a re-post but this might suit your requirements. Just a sack truck with a couple of welded mounts, you can also easily track the sun by pivoting it.

[AbyssUnderground]

gotwind2,

My idea is based on this design but I didnt want anything commercial since that means a rediculous amount of money for something so simple. Metal isnt really necessary for my application, wood will do fine. Wood is easily available to me since my Dad has access to a fair amount for free.

[Jon Miller]

Hi AbyssUnderground,  Looks like a good design to me, the only comment i can make on it is that maybe some wieght on the bottom of the A frame to hold it down incase of wind or if som one nocks them?  Just an idea. Good luck with it!

[AbyssUnderground]

Hi there,

I was hoping I wouldnt need weight on the bottom with the addition of the tent peg feet. One or two pegs on each foot should keep it stood up even in moderatly heavy winds.

[Bruce S]

I like it, simple & easy to maintain. Just a thought from old boy-scout days.... that string , you might want to use some of the day-glow orange just so people see it at night.

 Could use holes in the feet so you could slide extra tent pegs into them in case the wind picks up. This would be a good use to those old paint easels?

Maybe some old wheelbarrow tires on it to make rolling into place easier?

Bruce S

 

[AbyssUnderground]

Im trying to make it as small and light as possible so wheels wont be necessary. The panels are not too heavy and will not be permatently attatched. It should still be light enough to move with them on when it comes to moving them during the day to follow the sun.

Ill keep you up to date on whats happening with this project but it might not be done until early next year due to lack of money with x-mas coming up and all.

[wooferhound]

Don't use string, sounds temporary

I would use Chain, and some Pegs or Bolts through the wood

You could then easily adjust the Angle to the Sun by changing which chainlink was hooked to the pegs.

You might need some diagonal support to your structure too . . .

[AbyssUnderground]

Thanks for the chain idea. It sounds easier than string.

I hope I wont need diagonal supports but I can decide if I do when I get round to building it.

[ZooT]

Thanks for the chain idea. It sounds easier than string.

How about a simple strip of wood with holes drilled in it at regular intervals?

[AbyssUnderground]

Im trying to reduce weight and size as much as possible. My car will already be full of camping gear and the RE gear wont help much!