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Note the 80 watt panel can travel from flat to 90 degrees upright and at 10 am on a sunny winters day inclined facing the sun it can produce 14.4v x 2.53a which is 36w .... if i move it 30 degrees either side of the optimum horizontal the amps only drop to 2.41 (when flat it produced 13.6v x 0.98a =13.5w) and both figures were taken with the panel directly conected to a battery.
To put this into perspective i have 285w flat on the motorhome via regulators and the best they could do was 13.2 x 2.14 = 28w
Whats blatently obvious is the need to incorporate the tilting mount if you want nearly 3 times the performance of flat mounted panels in the low sun months, and the cost savings over more watts via more panels and weight savings far outweigh the inconvenience of having to park to maximise the output on the horizontal plane and you can still use them flat if thats not possible. The only other concern might be the panels "visible" to passers by when tilted.
The uprights are slides with a wing nut to adjust.
Perhaps someone with drawing skills could produce a better image?
Needs a bit of work!
______________________________________________________________ "On all the oceans white caps flow,
You see no crosses row on row
But those who sleep beneath the sea,
Rest in peace for your country is free".
I'm going this route with 2x80w (or poss 100w) tilting panels and an MPPT controller.
I propose to fit them on the roof on the habitation door side (which will be UK "off-side" where they will be accessible for tilting from one of the Heki's.
This will mean I'll always be trying to park with the awning side of the mh facing due south. Am I being optimistic in thinking that (except wilding) I'll be able to orientate that way often enough to warrant doing it ?
The system that spacerunner saw on a narrowboat may have been the ones that were developed by my son's company. The tilt and turn system would, I think, be too heavy for a motorhome, but the tilt brackets that they sell would be ok.
To see some pictures ---http://www.controlsuk.co.uk/shop/page/4?shop_param=
Any manual tilt and turn system would require constant adjustment to keep it pointed directly at the sun.
How many of us have enough unobstructed space on our roof to allow a panel to rotate through 180 degrees during the day?
I'm loath to add any extra weight to my roof as my motorhome rolls enough around islands as it is.
Any extra framework under the panel adds to the overall height, increasing exposure to branches and the like.
Realistically, the framework and mountings need to be able to withstand 100mph winds, you are travelling at 60mph and meet a 40mph gust getting under the flatened panel.
How do you prevent the extra foot of free cable from flapping about under the panel when you are travelling?
You are away from your motorhome during the day with the panel raised, and a sudden squall whips up a strong wind, how secure do you need make your fittings to cover this?
If your power requirements are that tight, would it not be a better option to add another, fixed' panel, or get a free-standing panel on the ground and you can move that around to face the sun during the day.
I must admit I agree with Bill H, I have already have 2 x 80 watt solar panels on the roof of the motorhome.
At Aldrige Hill New Forest site I have seen freestanding panels which maximise the panel efficiency, all these adjustable/ tracking systems are not only over complicated and heavy, but present problems in there self.
Any manual tilt and turn system would require constant adjus
Any manual tilt and turn system would require constant adjus
Ideally yes, in practice no. Having two panels at the optimum angle for say the middle 4 hours of the day in winter is far, far more efficient than having twice the number of horizontal panels. It doesn't need to turn, tilt is enough.
How do you know they are "heavy" the extra weight is just two window hinges, a lot lighter and cheaper than adding additional panels.
You only have to play around with a panel, regulator and ammeter to see what a difference this makes when the sun is low. It really is a no-brainer if you're fitting panels to provide power whilst overwintering & wilding around the med.
Beat me to it Spacerunner. There is one currently moored up nearby, it also had padlocks fitted to it. If I am down that way tomorrow I'll take a photo.
peedee
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For an account of our journeys click >here< (Last updated 1st March 2012)
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