Any good ground mount designs with easy tilt capability?

rollandelliott
rollandelliott Solar Expert Posts: 834 ✭✭
in Advanced Solar Electric Technical Forum #1
I'm looking to install 30 pv panels that are about 3x5' in size each probably in portrait orientation.

I saw this DIY mount:
http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/PV/TimberMount/TimberMount.htm

but to tilt it, it looks like one has to disassemble the back and replace the back poles with shorter/longer poles. not very convienient.

Are there any other designs anyone can recommend?

I plan on using 1.5x1.5" T slotted aluminum to build the whole thing.
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Comments

  • rplarry
    rplarry Solar Expert Posts: 203 ✭✭
    #2
    Re: Any good ground mount designs with easy tilt capability?

    I didn't look at the link, but I have built several solar trackers and the idea is the same. If you want to easily change the inclination of your panels, just incorporate a linear actuator into the design. Then with just the flip of a switch you can raise and lower your panels to any angle you want. Here is a link to some good actuators: http://www.primefocusantenna.com/http-//www-primefocusantenna-com/dish-movers-sensors/cat-12-html/cat_12.html
    You can also find them on e-bay. I used to use the cheaper ones made in China, but they were not very reliable. For your use however they may be fine.
    Hope this helps,
    Larry
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  • Vic
    Vic Solar Expert Posts: 3,208 ✭✭✭✭
    #3
    Re: Any good ground mount designs with easy tilt capability?

    A member here, Ralph Day, built a LARGE ground mount array, and has posted many pix on this site:

    http://www.greenpowertalk.org/showthread.php?t=11702

    The mounts were custom designed for his application, and IIRC, the azimuth tilt is at/near the balance point, which allows one hand change of the tilt.

    Ralph is here fairly often, so he will prob chime in.

    Good Luck, Vic
    Off Grid - Two systems -- 4 SW+ 5548 Inverters, Surrette 4KS25 1280 AH X2@48V, 11.1 KW STC PV, 4X MidNite Classic 150 w/ WBjrs, Beta KID on S-530s, MX-60s, MN Bkrs/Boxes.  25 KVA Polyphase Kubota diesel,  Honda Eu6500isa,  Eu3000is-es, Eu2000,  Eu1000 gensets.  Thanks Wind-Sun for this great Forum.
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  • rollandelliott
    rollandelliott Solar Expert Posts: 834 ✭✭
    #4
    Re: Any good ground mount designs with easy tilt capability?

    I'm not looking to go high tech with actuators, Probably will just do telescoping poles on hinges.

    ralph's ground mount made out of steel ibeams is too much for me to do myself, though tilting the panels at their fulcrum is a great idea, thanks
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