I will put out a video in a couple of months. It was really nice to see my RV running the air conditioner and my little building running the air conditioner while the power meter stayed the same.
Have you found out the costs of alternative and absolutely accurate solar tracking? The position of the sun is known for every day and moment. This information could be used. That way, you don't have to rely on the photocensor, but even at the cloudiest moment, your device follows the sun and is always ready when the clouds disappear.
powered solar tracking is a waste of power ... use hydraulics and 4 pistons and the sun does all the work at no power cost ... each piston is BLACK for the main push rod so it heats and expands moving the piston on the opposite side ... pushing the panel into the direct sun .. same for top and bottom ... and it works ALL YEAR with 0v ... thus using electricity tot rack the sun is dumber than golfing on a hill in a lighteneing storm and yelling all gods are crazy while holing up an all metal club ...
I would like to know how they do with snow. Does snow get stuck on them like the panel arrays do? And what this system be superior to panel arrays in the Pacific Northwest, where light is a luxury? Things I am wondering, but not sure if there are answers yet.
Like ya work mate, I built a dual axis solar array some 7 years ago, still operating, it’s only running 6 X LG 335watt panels which is 2010 watts made up of 2 strings (series parallel) I have seen them pumping out 2450 watts on a sunny cool day, it was my second attempt at building one the first didn’t have a very reliable tracking unit, but he latest has a duel axis slew drive (weighs 260kg) stands approximately 5 meters in clean air no shading, I managed to acquire a controller for it from USA,(Lauritzen inc) the controller is programmed with an algorithm that makes a move either axis (duel) every 10 minutes of the day from sunrise to sunset, it is capable of a lot more panels but as I was limited working on my own 6 panels worked fine, this has powered our whole house, runnng a 3kva Victron inverter/charger, 8 X 220 ah AGM batteries in a 48volt configuration as 2 X 48volt = 440ah, I can say without a doubt even in cloudy overcast days our batteries are changed by end of day, the secret to off grid is storage, you need to have a large enough battery bank to keep you running through those cloudy day in the worst case scenarios.. Keep up the good work mate all the best from down under 🇦🇺🤙
That is so cool. I have thought about building a heavy duty dual axis solar array myself. The one installed claims to be hurricane force resistant but I could see it folding over in certain circumstances.
We built a solar track back in the 1970's using plans from Mother Earth News Magazine that utilized two freon tanks with interconnected tubing. One full, one empty. As the sun hit one tank it boiled off the liquid to the empty tank in the shade. Tracked E to W with no electricity, computers or anything. Just sunlight. Not so good on cloudy or cold days though.
From all the reviews of the foam system - I would have gone with concrete. Not for the updraft, but for horizontal stresses. Moreover, I would have filled the pipe with concrete and also welded rebar spikes to further anchor into the concrete.
Fast2k has been holding up power lines on utility posts for almost 30 years. It is very proven. Other foams fail, but these exact solar panels went through 80mph winds. Trees down every where, but my solar is still there.
Conventional, my thinking too. But the quickness, so convenient, specially for solo build. Pipe will rust from inside eventually, but we'll be decomposing by then😂
I'm planning on following Tony's lead on the pipe support for speed and ease using a 220mm pipe with 5mm wall in a 300mm auger hole. To spread the load a little and prevent the bottom of the pipe filling with water I intend to weld a 250mm square plate to the base which Tony didn't feel was necessary to his build. I'll zinc prime and paint the pipe so it should be there for a couple of hundred years. I was considering adding spikes to the sides of the pipe but the available space is going to be so limited on the 220mm pipe size I'll just pour in concrete. The only problem with a pipe is the lateral loading. I'll have 16m2 of panels but hopefully going to 4 foot depth will give it the required a 700lbs solar sail the required lateral support. The mounting pipe of my arrays will be 2 foot out of the ground to provide the clearance so I could always add ground ties to the above ground pipe section if leaning does ever become a problem. The only other potential issue is subsidence but with a pipe you can always add a welded section to a pipe until it finds stable footings.
Our two arrived today! Very well box-in-a-box so very well protected. This is my second time watching and I keep coming up with more questions. I hope you can answer a couple. However, this video is PERFECT for learning how to assemble especially when you point out where the instructions are vague and you are clear. Thanks so much for taking the time to do this for all of us following in your footsteps!!!
I've been waiting to see an articulating system that follows the sun. I think this is a fantastic providing it works as described. I first hear of this back in the late 80's early 90's coming out of Japan. They would put sun ray gathering glass and fiber optics that traverse down to offices without windows to provide sunlight to their employees. They allow use this for growing plants indoors.
I met a bloke in the mountains near Omeo (Australia) who had gas struts (ie- hold the car boot open) that when exposed to sunlight they heated up and expanded, creating movement. By arranging the shadow + sunlight on his array moved entirely passively & automatically. It was fascinating.
Interesting video, only thing that took me by surprise is the way you put the bolts in to join the stake and mast together, putting the nuts on top leaves the threads more exposed to water and will rust, also if the nut came loose due to vibrations or whatever the bolts would drop out, by putting the nuts underneath the threads are somewhat more protected and if the nuts came loose the bolt stays in place. Other than that a good job.
Thank You! I have been looking at these instructions for a while now... By sharing your own adventure... I think can get this wiring finished now! Thanks Again!
I did a Similar Post install for My Sisters Starlink Antenna. I cut a slot in the Pole for the 3/4 conduit to come up inside the Post below ground and through the Foundation wall. The Whole cable/Conduit run is below ground and inside the post right up inside the Antenna Base. That fast 2k even works with water in the Hole Tony. I used a 10" Sonatube and had to duct tape off the Bottom to hold back the ground Water (former Leach Field) but it still got in. At 1st I did not think it was gonna Foam out but after a bit it took off, Used a bit more than needed and had a Big Mushroom at the top HAHAHAHA. I wonder if I could Fabricate a Portable Ground mount for that Tracker ? I plan on using 400 Watts of those same Panels If I were to cut down the Vertical section to shorten it, Hmmmm. Thanks Mike M.
Thanks for doing this review. I was over at the Eco-Worthy web site earlier this week and saw that they had this product. I was wondering how easy or difficult it was to install and how well it worked. Looks like the documentation could use some work. I'm seriously thinking of getting one of these to maximize the limited solar I get on my property. I would prefer to put the panels on my roof, but it is shaded by a large tree. So ground mount with tracking seems like the best option.
@@TonysTractorAdventureover how long, weeks, months or years? I would offer this as a professional solution if it's solid, looks floppy to me. I guess I've worked on too many commercial projects 😊
That is very cool and it's useful for folks with really limited space. For anyone with the room, you could add 100% more solar panels for less than the cost of installing the tracker, plus you have less maintenance on things that can break.
Jason, I disagree. I could add big rows of solar panels but then I would loose the area. I can plant food around these panels. If they hold up, I plan on using a lot of these in key places. I may be wrong and the trackers may not be worth it.
@@TonysTractorAdventure - It's really not a matter of conjecture; the math and science behind it are well-documented. I like what you did, but in terms of ROI you simply would have been way further ahead putting up more stationary panels. The "problem", if you can call it that, is how inexpensive the panels themselves have become, relative to all of the other costs. The same thing is true of wind turbines...the answer is putting up more panels, if you have the room. Also, agrovoltaics is a fantastic option for folks also wanting to grow some food around their panels.
I still disagree that it is a fact. The gain by adding one $400 dollar stand is still cheaper than buying enough panels to make up 40% gained and I get to still use the ground under it. I even thought about raising the next set. If these hold up and work well, unless panels come down in price this is still more cost effective. The current system is a test system. The permanent system will use 300w plus panels. Those are not cheap.
Hey Mr. T.. I've got a good friend with the same name. So.. I'm on a friends property in my RV. I've got a solar system. I just dug a hole yesterday and am building a 2nd array.. I used a bag of the Fast2k. When I was digging with the post hole digger, one of the handles broke. So I drove to town, found a new handle and a bag of that new tech expanding foam. When I got back and was ready to pour, there was about 2" inches of water in the bottom (I've always referred to this place as the Swamp.) so I shookup the bag.. and poured it in.. 30 seconds later... the foam kept expanding.. 6"x24".. Only cut off a double sized amount the size of a softball. So I hoping the tracker can handle 6 290w panels. There's quite a bit of shading so an extra advantage is more than welcomed. I'll put that "up to 40%" to work. Lots of tall trees around here.. 2300' in S. Oregon. The suns is getting low in the sky but both arrays 6 290's flat on the ground in 3s2p and 4 400's in series tilted at about 40 degrees.. is at 2.9KWh so far.. Ps. Using your link.. MY tracker is paid in full and should be here in a week or so.
Holy huge job there! Well done. I saw this system but think I'll just make a cart out of 2x4s and some casters. My rear deck roof leaks so I'll probably just add a solar roof to that when I fix it. FYI: There are several discount panel sites where you can get 4-500W panels for just a bit more than the Harbor Freight panels. Looks like you have the ability to pick up a pallet, so big cost savings over full retail.
Appreciate your video! Was thinking of getting a few for around the property instead of on the roof, and having seen similar on Amazon, your video takes alot of the "what if" out of it. Thank you!!!
Interested to see full output of the solar setup and how long the tracker can keep that output going. Thanks for the in-depth video on the installation, it is appreciated.
In the video I show a sizable increase in output from the solar panels. No matter what panels you have or how many years they have been in service? They will always perform better aiming directly at the sun. I will do a review on this tracker at roughly 6 months and then approximately a year.
I guess people are not watching the whole video. As I said in the video, This is a inexpensive test system. The array will handle four to six 400w panels. It will also make my 400w panels 40% more effective. You could spend all day in your yard moving your panels around. Heck, I may be wrong, but time will tell. To this point, the testing 100w panels show a true 30%-40% increase. After this test, I get to use all of these 100w panels on other projects around the farm.
Projects like this would be made so much easier if companies provided better pictures in the instructions and color coded the mounting surfaces. Half inch stickers of various colors would be all that is necessary. Match blue to blue, red to red, etc and bolt down. If any stickers are visible once assembled, you screwed up and it is obvious where the problem is. My BSA troop has used a similar system with out canopies for years without fail. Set it up once, spray paint each type/point of connection a different color, and in the future anyone can assemble it quickly.
I use 4 of the Thunderbolt panels at my off grid property to to charge my power stations. You won't be disappointed with them. They generally produce 85% to 95% of the rated 100 watts which is really good IMO. I have had them even go over the 100 watts in perfect conditions, but that has been a rare occurrence.
I totally agree with you too this point. The panels work really well stationary but they continually produce very high rates while facing the sun all of the time.
Hi, interesting, would be interesting to see if larger panels are supported with this system. My new panels are 500+ W each. Still using the 250’s because I have them, but can see a time when they get replaced and passed on. Take care M.
I was looking for a video like this, Had to play this using the fastest speed possible 1.75 because it was hour long. It didn't feel to fast playing it it that way
Thanks for the detailed video! How many feet apart between the two arrays? Also, during days of moderate winds make note of how much wobble of see-saw type of affect you might see with this system. If you have time video your observations and post. In the past I have seen this type of system experience somewhat extreme wobble or see-saw movement during moderate winds.
Awesome video love it. It took me a few days for me to be able to watch it had no power because of a bad ice storm. I love solar power I ran 3 100w panels on 2 different sugar shacks I had. We are looking to put solar on our house or even something like what u have awesome stuff as always 😀
Got to say though wind power is pretty spectacular and you can build a dynamo from scratch with some copper wire and magnets, like honestly it produces too much power to the point that you need to built in a variable limiter which is a bit too hard, or have a load which can dump the excess power.
I have enough panels for 2 arrays here. Maybe I'll try one and see how well it works. Thanx for making the video. PS. I will learn from your mistakes you made in this video. haha.. Right now I've got 4 large 400w Trina panels leaned up against the side of this RV. They work.. so I'll see if I can't make them work better.
Highly suggest you trim off the eccess railing where the panels are mounted because at the end you could see some of it casting shadow on the other panel next to it, which is going ot impact its performance a lot...
It's not a big deal because they're trees across the road. That causes me to lose the evening light. I'm keeping the longer rails because I will eventually upgrade to much larger panels.
@@TonysTractorAdventure If you upgrade to larger panels you may have even more shading. If you are not using micro-inverters you will have even more of a energy production impact.
So for the Eco-Worthy dual axis tracker: Around 45:14 you mentioned that the actuator + and - was NOT left/right and that a detailed fix would be explained later in the video. I didn't hear the detailed fix later on so did you determine that the + and - should have been right/left instead? Also where did you determine the best place for the sun sensor to go and are the wires supposed to point south? I think this was another one that was to be discussed later in the video. By the way, great installation video for the tracker - best on the net in my opinion
Even if the tracking system becomes unavailable to repair, with a couple mods this could be converted to a fixed....very nice setup, worth the tracking as long as its maintainable.
I'd look at turning the actuators upside down. This would reduce the amount of rainwater getting into it through the seal on the actuator rod. Not a bad system though!
May I suggest next time you do this, getting some air dry powder coat spray. It will be far tougher and last longer. Great video! I am planning to build out a grid tie 20Kw solar array this year once I recover from this surgery and can work again. Eventually I'll get up to 300kw of storage as well. Bitcoin mining takes a lot of power. haha
We had a simple solar tracker at ranch to pump water from well to tanks that used a 2 1/2 tube with gas inside that moved the panel and a car Schick apsorpor as dampener that had two wires and lasted in salt air with high winds on North shore of Maui.
It's great when you have lots of open field that gets Sun but when you're in the woods like me you have to seriously over panel and just hope to catch as much of the sky Albedo as possible.
PLS! More commentary about some of the things that you are doing with this project? Some are easily understandable. What were you spraying on the assembly?
Love the way you mounted your trackers. Could you point me in the right direction where I can get the steel plate and pipe from. If you make them on the side, I would love to buy them from you. Thanks in advance…
I bought all of the metal at a local steel shop. It was really nothing special about it other than it was just heavy duty. The round metal pipes were heavy duty well casing.
Never heard "cotter pin" pronounced your way. 🤔 Actually had to Google it. 😂 Appreciate you relaying all the troubles with the directions. Good to know!
Nice, I usually have nothing nice to say about most DIY solar systems. You did it right. Look at the beefy supports. Looks balanced, does it have a vertical mode for snow load? I might have missed some details in the video. Well done and I hope it has a long life for you.
I knew there was something missing.. Mine tilted about 12" when I first got power and stopped. It didn't go through it's calibration. Guess I'll contact their tech support.
Drill a seemingly infinite number of holes in steel by setting the drill to slow and using a coolant. Push hard. Coconut oil works well and smells good.
Nice to see it in that size, i remember Videos years ago where ppl made it diy in smaller size. Good Work, maybe i will also get one, got 3 years ago my first Solarset from EcoWorthy. :D
Excellent 👌 I'm really interested in trying to do something with solar. Up here I'm going to have to clear some woods first - pine and hemlock mostly 🙂
I don't fault your thinking if it's what you think is right. I can't tell you this, in the mornings. My solar panels produce 70% more energy than one's facing due south. I have done several tests. It averages 43%. You can add 40% more panels but those panels require mounts as well. Mounts are expensive
@@TonysTractorAdventure I don't think the mounts are as expensive as the solar tracker structure plus the electronics plus the motors... Nowadays you can buy 450-500W panels for 170-200$ each or even less and the structure... they are dirt cheap (including the foundation maybe?), you could even diy it. One unified estructure for all the panels should not cost too much. For the price of the tracker you could install around 3 450W panels and I see them easily producing that 40% extra that you are already getting (probably more). It would also be a much more reliable setup long term, producing more throughout the years. Don't get me wrong, I liked the video and the setup, very interesting. Also, really liked the aesthetics. Good job and nice video.
I would love to know where you are getting new 450w solar panels for $200? This system add $500 to the cost for each stand. I will upgrade solar panels at some point. This was only a test.
The pipe should have some type of extensions to keep it from being pulled up. Possibly a plate welded to the bottom of the pipe with a diameter twice that of the pipe. My design uses a rotatable hub mechanism at the top of the post which has the vertical axis bolted to the hub. The hub is a front wheel drive hub for any car. I have one from a Buick century.
I am afraid you don't understand how strong Fast2K is. Both my panels have been through 80 mph winds. Fast2K is the anchor. It bonds like nothing else I've seen.
This is fantastic. Have you thought about Bi Facial panels? Some range 500-715 W but size and weight come into play. 330lbs rated on this Eco Worthy Rig? How's it fair during storms. Did you add tie down anchors? Thanks and great stuff!!
Glad you enjoyed the video. It set itself flat in high winds. We are researching a lot of ideas. Our current set up is our training system. It will run our travel trailer. We plan on building some bigger systems in the future.
I wonder what a ten year total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis would show comparing a tracker system vs having two arrays (east and west) of equivalent power.. Considering likely maintenance required to keep the tracker going over the years - it seems likely to at least need lube and probably need some replacement bearings / bushings and motors and maybe a new controller or two. For someone that’s space constrained the tracker probably still makes sense, but if you have room for 2x arrays I think they might be cheaper and definitely less trouble.
I have the room, but limited input by the system Bluetti AC300...2xPV Inputs...1200w/13a/120v per input. So, I like what I got...at least for powering barn and work areas for my initial plan, but need max input in the morning and the evening. I got 6 panels....3 panels for each input. I can bias each panel array...one SE and one SW...or invest in something like this tracker. You make some good points though...working today...but what about 5 years from now.
this EW tracker can manage 70° from east to west for following the sun in winter times, when the sun stands low from middle/end november till middle of february ? it looks that direction south only 45 ° degrees are pssible. at black forest I need defintely the 70° position. Ar summer the top angle at 10 am till4 am is 30 ° ( black forest, close to Basel/switzerland position )
Great video. Are you planning to mount 400W panels on these? Or at least on one of these trackers to test, or at least for a video's sake? Would love to see that video and how much constant power you can get out of them during a full day following the sun. And would they hold 2 more panels for a total of 8 or is that too to heavy for them?
Brother I’m a welder the type you call and I show up and replace whatever like it was when new my main customers are rock quarries and sand and gravel pits that being said in this video you were grinding mill scale with a flap wheel mill scale is almost as hard as glass so what I’m saying take that flap wheel and chuck it back in tool box and get a 36 grit hard wheel to clean weld area the flap wheel heats the scale up and smears it before it removes it but it’s clogging your flap wheel up Try what I’m saying your welds will be much cleaner less porosity much prettier but much stronger at the same time this is my opinion I don’t need 50 welding wizards to tell me I’m wrong and chances are you’ve never fabricated anything other than glue something together on a piece of farm equipment with bubble gum you get my point Anyway I’ve been looking for a affordable sun tracking system and I’ve found one on your channel and it looks decently built thank you be safe
So I'm not sure if this has been commented before, but I would advise to mount the arrays north/south of each other. That way they will not shade each other, since the sun tracks east-west. It might even be worth sinking another post and moving one of the arrays to give you more power when the sun is low in the sky. Also I think you mounted the posts with the "North", "West", "South" and "East" labels in the wrong positions relative to the actual directions. It's possible this is the reason you had problems with the actuator wiring.
The strength of the Y2K has served you well Tony. It's pretty much proved its strength with all the structures you've built. You done a great job with this build buddy. Can you buy this product in the big box stores? I've never seen it anywhere, and and from your videos I trust it more than concrete. Thanks my friend.
I don't get all nerded out on it but my electric bill has been the bare minimum for the last year. This unit was built to learn but it is still what are you doing up runs my travel trailer 7 days a week.
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Part Two: ruclips.net/video/6wv6hJ9S1K8/видео.html
I would like to have some information on a system like that
I will put out a video in a couple of months. It was really nice to see my RV running the air conditioner and my little building running the air conditioner while the power meter stayed the same.
Have you found out the costs of alternative and absolutely accurate solar tracking? The position of the sun is known for every day and moment. This information could be used. That way, you don't have to rely on the photocensor, but even at the cloudiest moment, your device follows the sun and is always ready when the clouds disappear.
powered solar tracking is a waste of power ... use hydraulics and 4 pistons and the sun does all the work at no power cost ... each piston is BLACK for the main push rod so it heats and expands moving the piston on the opposite side ... pushing the panel into the direct sun .. same for top and bottom ... and it works ALL YEAR with 0v ...
thus using electricity tot rack the sun is dumber than golfing on a hill in a lighteneing storm and yelling all gods are crazy while holing up an all metal club ...
I would like to know how they do with snow. Does snow get stuck on them like the panel arrays do? And what this system be superior to panel arrays in the Pacific Northwest, where light is a luxury? Things I am wondering, but not sure if there are answers yet.
Tony, I think you're the first person I've seen on RUclips that knows how to use a wrench correctly. Thank you.
I appreciate you
I'm glad you showed all your mistakes. I never learned more than from my own mistakes. Lot easier learning from yours. Thanks
Thank you so much. 👍
Lol why we watch you tube before we start...
Like ya work mate, I built a dual axis solar array some 7 years ago, still operating, it’s only running 6 X LG 335watt panels which is 2010 watts made up of 2 strings (series parallel) I have seen them pumping out 2450 watts on a sunny cool day, it was my second attempt at building one the first didn’t have a very reliable tracking unit, but he latest has a duel axis slew drive (weighs 260kg) stands approximately 5 meters in clean air no shading, I managed to acquire a controller for it from USA,(Lauritzen inc) the controller is programmed with an algorithm that makes a move either axis (duel) every 10 minutes of the day from sunrise to sunset, it is capable of a lot more panels but as I was limited working on my own 6 panels worked fine, this has powered our whole house, runnng a 3kva Victron inverter/charger, 8 X 220 ah AGM batteries in a 48volt configuration as 2 X 48volt = 440ah, I can say without a doubt even in cloudy overcast days our batteries are changed by end of day, the secret to off grid is storage, you need to have a large enough battery bank to keep you running through those cloudy day in the worst case scenarios..
Keep up the good work mate all the best from down under 🇦🇺🤙
That is so cool. I have thought about building a heavy duty dual axis solar array myself. The one installed claims to be hurricane force resistant but I could see it folding over in certain circumstances.
Got any details?
It’s nice that you added the information about the foam.
We built a solar track back in the 1970's using plans from Mother Earth News Magazine that utilized two freon tanks with interconnected tubing. One full, one empty. As the sun hit one tank it boiled off the liquid to the empty tank in the shade. Tracked E to W with no electricity, computers or anything. Just sunlight. Not so good on cloudy or cold days though.
That sounds awesome and very smart.
@@TonysTractorAdventureindeed!
From all the reviews of the foam system - I would have gone with concrete. Not for the updraft, but for horizontal stresses. Moreover, I would have filled the pipe with concrete and also welded rebar spikes to further anchor into the concrete.
Fast2k has been holding up power lines on utility posts for almost 30 years. It is very proven. Other foams fail, but these exact solar panels went through 80mph winds. Trees down every where, but my solar is still there.
Conventional, my thinking too. But the quickness, so convenient, specially for solo build. Pipe will rust from inside eventually, but we'll be decomposing by then😂
Yeah, nothing like a massive over-kill.
It is well casing pipe. We will all be gone before it fails.
I'm planning on following Tony's lead on the pipe support for speed and ease using a 220mm pipe with 5mm wall in a 300mm auger hole. To spread the load a little and prevent the bottom of the pipe filling with water I intend to weld a 250mm square plate to the base which Tony didn't feel was necessary to his build. I'll zinc prime and paint the pipe so it should be there for a couple of hundred years. I was considering adding spikes to the sides of the pipe but the available space is going to be so limited on the 220mm pipe size I'll just pour in concrete.
The only problem with a pipe is the lateral loading. I'll have 16m2 of panels but hopefully going to 4 foot depth will give it the required a 700lbs solar sail the required lateral support. The mounting pipe of my arrays will be 2 foot out of the ground to provide the clearance so I could always add ground ties to the above ground pipe section if leaning does ever become a problem. The only other potential issue is subsidence but with a pipe you can always add a welded section to a pipe until it finds stable footings.
2:41 i weep for that drill bit! 🤣
They may more
I really like this longer format. Thanks for sharing your experiences and knowledge so freely.
Thank you. Long form videos are really hard to do because they take so much time. Still I think it makes a better video
Our two arrived today! Very well box-in-a-box so very well protected. This is my second time watching and I keep coming up with more questions. I hope you can answer a couple. However, this video is PERFECT for learning how to assemble especially when you point out where the instructions are vague and you are clear. Thanks so much for taking the time to do this for all of us following in your footsteps!!!
It will be interesting to see how long the pins in the array last without bushings or bearings.
They switched out to very high quality hardware from the first version. I will keep a close eye on this. Nothing to report for the first month.
9:24 the dog side eye like: so I can't dig holes but you can???
Gizmo runs the show!😁
I've been waiting to see an articulating system that follows the sun. I think this is a fantastic providing it works as described.
I first hear of this back in the late 80's early 90's coming out of Japan. They would put sun ray gathering glass and fiber optics that traverse down to offices without windows to provide sunlight to their employees. They allow use this for growing plants indoors.
To this point they have worked great.
I met a bloke in the mountains near Omeo (Australia) who had gas struts (ie- hold the car boot open) that when exposed to sunlight they heated up and expanded, creating movement.
By arranging the shadow + sunlight on his array moved entirely passively & automatically. It was fascinating.
@@P.N.365that's cool
Interesting video, only thing that took me by surprise is the way you put the bolts in to join the stake and mast together, putting the nuts on top leaves the threads more exposed to water and will rust, also if the nut came loose due to vibrations or whatever the bolts would drop out, by putting the nuts underneath the threads are somewhat more protected and if the nuts came loose the bolt stays in place. Other than that a good job.
I mean this as humble as I can. You are overthinking it. It will be obsolete before it is a problem.
That's why I said crappy Installer.
But it's a crappy design and construction to begin with......
That's awesome! Never seen anything like that system! How amazing Tony!
Thank you Loren. We did a good bit of research to come up with this model. It has worked very well to this point.
I would love one of these to run my Aquaponics system this summer. Looks awesome, nice job.
Thank you
Wow, wish I could afford one of those tracking systems. Thank you, great video.
Thanks for watching!
Thank You!
I have been looking at these instructions for a while now...
By sharing your own adventure...
I think can get this wiring finished now!
Thanks Again!
Glad it was helpful!
I did a Similar Post install for My Sisters Starlink Antenna. I cut a slot in the Pole for the 3/4 conduit to come up inside the Post below ground and through the Foundation wall. The Whole cable/Conduit run is below ground and inside the post right up inside the Antenna Base.
That fast 2k even works with water in the Hole Tony. I used a 10" Sonatube and had to duct tape off the Bottom to hold back the ground Water (former Leach Field) but it still got in. At 1st I did not think it was gonna Foam out but after a bit it took off, Used a bit more than needed and had a Big Mushroom at the top HAHAHAHA.
I wonder if I could Fabricate a Portable Ground mount for that Tracker ? I plan on using 400 Watts of those same Panels
If I were to cut down the Vertical section to shorten it, Hmmmm.
Thanks Mike M.
To this point, it has worked great.
Thanks for doing this review. I was over at the Eco-Worthy web site earlier this week and saw that they had this product. I was wondering how easy or difficult it was to install and how well it worked. Looks like the documentation could use some work. I'm seriously thinking of getting one of these to maximize the limited solar I get on my property. I would prefer to put the panels on my roof, but it is shaded by a large tree. So ground mount with tracking seems like the best option.
Ours is holding up well.
@@TonysTractorAdventureover how long, weeks, months or years? I would offer this as a professional solution if it's solid, looks floppy to me. I guess I've worked on too many commercial projects 😊
This kind of video should be shared to the millions of people around the world.
I did my part.
Oh man, what a great video to watch! So satisfying.
Glad you enjoyed it!
That is very cool and it's useful for folks with really limited space. For anyone with the room, you could add 100% more solar panels for less than the cost of installing the tracker, plus you have less maintenance on things that can break.
Jason, I disagree. I could add big rows of solar panels but then I would loose the area. I can plant food around these panels. If they hold up, I plan on using a lot of these in key places. I may be wrong and the trackers may not be worth it.
@@TonysTractorAdventure - It's really not a matter of conjecture; the math and science behind it are well-documented. I like what you did, but in terms of ROI you simply would have been way further ahead putting up more stationary panels. The "problem", if you can call it that, is how inexpensive the panels themselves have become, relative to all of the other costs. The same thing is true of wind turbines...the answer is putting up more panels, if you have the room. Also, agrovoltaics is a fantastic option for folks also wanting to grow some food around their panels.
I still disagree that it is a fact. The gain by adding one $400 dollar stand is still cheaper than buying enough panels to make up 40% gained and I get to still use the ground under it. I even thought about raising the next set. If these hold up and work well, unless panels come down in price this is still more cost effective. The current system is a test system. The permanent system will use 300w plus panels. Those are not cheap.
@@TonysTractorAdventure - If it works for you, that's all that matters. I've done the math and will not be bothering with any solar trackers.
@@jasonbroom7147 I agree Jason, just throw panels on every square meter of roof you have and be done with it, less cost and less maintenance.
Hey Mr. T.. I've got a good friend with the same name. So.. I'm on a friends property in my RV. I've got a solar system. I just dug a hole yesterday and am building a 2nd array.. I used a bag of the Fast2k. When I was digging with the post hole digger, one of the handles broke. So I drove to town, found a new handle and a bag of that new tech expanding foam. When I got back and was ready to pour, there was about 2" inches of water in the bottom (I've always referred to this place as the Swamp.) so I shookup the bag.. and poured it in.. 30 seconds later... the foam kept expanding.. 6"x24".. Only cut off a double sized amount the size of a softball. So I hoping the tracker can handle 6 290w panels. There's quite a bit of shading so an extra advantage is more than welcomed. I'll put that "up to 40%" to work. Lots of tall trees around here.. 2300' in S. Oregon. The suns is getting low in the sky but both arrays 6 290's flat on the ground in 3s2p and 4 400's in series tilted at about 40 degrees.. is at 2.9KWh so far.. Ps. Using your link.. MY tracker is paid in full and should be here in a week or so.
I am excited for you. I hope it all works well for you. We are still going strong here. I put my mount post down 4ft to help with lateral loading.
I just received my solar tracker and looking forward to getting it installed . Thanks for a great How to video
love the real process with mistakes and corrections
Thank you.
Holy huge job there! Well done. I saw this system but think I'll just make a cart out of 2x4s and some casters. My rear deck roof leaks so I'll probably just add a solar roof to that when I fix it.
FYI: There are several discount panel sites where you can get 4-500W panels for just a bit more than the Harbor Freight panels. Looks like you have the ability to pick up a pallet, so big cost savings over full retail.
Please post some links for these sights.
Appreciate your video!
Was thinking of getting a few for around the property instead of on the roof, and having seen similar on Amazon, your video takes alot of the "what if" out of it. Thank you!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Interested to see full output of the solar setup and how long the tracker can keep that output going. Thanks for the in-depth video on the installation, it is appreciated.
In the video I show a sizable increase in output from the solar panels. No matter what panels you have or how many years they have been in service? They will always perform better aiming directly at the sun. I will do a review on this tracker at roughly 6 months and then approximately a year.
Super slick vid. Never saw an install of sun tracking solar panels. Very interesting.
Glad you liked it!
That's a heck of a lot of work for 600w. I throw my two 400w folding panels in the yard and get that.
I guess people are not watching the whole video. As I said in the video, This is a inexpensive test system. The array will handle four to six 400w panels. It will also make my 400w panels 40% more effective. You could spend all day in your yard moving your panels around. Heck, I may be wrong, but time will tell. To this point, the testing 100w panels show a true 30%-40% increase. After this test, I get to use all of these 100w panels on other projects around the farm.
@@TonysTractorAdventure Sorry, it was a long video. I did watch most of it, but skipped a few parts. You must have said that in a part I skipped.
Projects like this would be made so much easier if companies provided better pictures in the instructions and color coded the mounting surfaces. Half inch stickers of various colors would be all that is necessary. Match blue to blue, red to red, etc and bolt down. If any stickers are visible once assembled, you screwed up and it is obvious where the problem is. My BSA troop has used a similar system with out canopies for years without fail. Set it up once, spray paint each type/point of connection a different color, and in the future anyone can assemble it quickly.
The good news, is the second one went together in a day. I agree with you. Tony
Thanks for taking the time to do a video!
We love sharing the journey.
Hi Mr. You done a great job with this building. Very powerfull tools too, I like it so much. Regards from Brazil.
Thank you. 👍
Love how he is hard at work and the dog is laying back like "I'll keep watch" 😂
Gizmo dog is a diva. 😁
GREAT VIDEO - IT HELPS TO SEE AND EXPLAIN THE MISTAKES.
Thank you so much.
I use 4 of the Thunderbolt panels at my off grid property to to charge my power stations. You won't be disappointed with them. They generally produce 85% to 95% of the rated 100 watts which is really good IMO. I have had them even go over the 100 watts in perfect conditions, but that has been a rare occurrence.
I totally agree with you too this point. The panels work really well stationary but they continually produce very high rates while facing the sun all of the time.
Hi, interesting, would be interesting to see if larger panels are supported with this system.
My new panels are 500+ W each.
Still using the 250’s because I have them, but can see a time when they get replaced and passed on.
Take care M.
I have seen people use 400W panels with this mount.
Amazing video Tony. You have some skills!
Thank you. I had fun with it.
Good presentation that should be useful to many people.
Thank you.
I really enjoyed this one, since more solar at my out-in-the-woods place is on the punch list.
Thanks,
Glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you for sharing the video, you might want to think about speeding up certain parts to move things along a little faster
Thank you for your input.
First video I have seen with the tracking mounts. Looks great if it keeps tracking during the day means less panels you have to purchase.
I agree. with 400w panels, the math really makes sense. I will see how it holds up.
Good job i like how you work
Have been looking for a system like this for some time.. Just bought one today, on sale and I do say not a bad price..
I was looking for a video like this, Had to play this using the fastest speed possible 1.75 because it was hour long. It didn't feel to fast playing it it that way
Thank you for watching
Thanks for the detailed video! How many feet apart between the two arrays? Also, during days of moderate winds make note of how much wobble of see-saw type of affect you might see with this system. If you have time video your observations and post. In the past I have seen this type of system experience somewhat extreme wobble or see-saw movement during moderate winds.
They are 20ft apart but I wish it was 30ft. Working in the space I just have.
I have the panels set where they have a slight angle so instead of wobbling up and down they tend to sit very still in the wind.
You should have a slip/expansion joint on the vertical conduit due to earth movement during seasonal changes.
Awesome video love it. It took me a few days for me to be able to watch it had no power because of a bad ice storm. I love solar power I ran 3 100w panels on 2 different sugar shacks I had. We are looking to put solar on our house or even something like what u have awesome stuff as always 😀
I think solar is reasonable and mature enough now to be useful.
I 100% agree
Enjoyed the video. I brought the same one last month, but not install yet..
We have had good results.
As a electrician your job was good 😊👍
Thank you. 👍
Great video, been waiting for this, I'd done mini series if I'm being honest. You'll have to give us updated on this. ❤❤❤❤
I will definitely give you updates.
Got to say though wind power is pretty spectacular and you can build a dynamo from scratch with some copper wire and magnets, like honestly it produces too much power to the point that you need to built in a variable limiter which is a bit too hard, or have a load which can dump the excess power.
thanks quite informative and pretty nifty. thanks for the video.
Thank you
great video!
Thank you
That is awesome, thank you for sharing that with us.
Our pleasure!
Nice job, very motivating!
Thank you!
You the man,... I'm subscribing.
Thank you. More solar stuff coming with our new cabin build.
thanks for the detailed /. helps a lot.
I have enough panels for 2 arrays here. Maybe I'll try one and see how well it works. Thanx for making the video. PS. I will learn from your mistakes you made in this video. haha.. Right now I've got 4 large 400w Trina panels leaned up against the side of this RV. They work.. so I'll see if I can't make them work better.
Thank you. I will do a complete review on the panel system soon.
Great topic ,, thanks 👍
Highly suggest you trim off the eccess railing where the panels are mounted because at the end you could see some of it casting shadow on the other panel next to it, which is going ot impact its performance a lot...
It's not a big deal because they're trees across the road. That causes me to lose the evening light. I'm keeping the longer rails because I will eventually upgrade to much larger panels.
@@TonysTractorAdventure If you upgrade to larger panels you may have even more shading. If you are not using micro-inverters you will have even more of a energy production impact.
@gregwoll05. Only a few mins in the afternoon. Not an issue for me. I am definitely not pulling it up.
So for the Eco-Worthy dual axis tracker: Around 45:14 you mentioned that the actuator + and - was NOT left/right and that a detailed fix would be explained later in the video. I didn't hear the detailed fix later on so did you determine that the + and - should have been right/left instead? Also where did you determine the best place for the sun sensor to go and are the wires supposed to point south? I think this was another one that was to be discussed later in the video. By the way, great installation video for the tracker - best on the net in my opinion
it's really awesome, thank you for video
You are welcome!
Oh, and great video. I sent the link to a friend who wants to use solar power.
Awesome thank you!
Even if the tracking system becomes unavailable to repair, with a couple mods this could be converted to a fixed....very nice setup, worth the tracking as long as its maintainable.
One year with no issues yet.
@@TonysTractorAdventure Nice appreciate the video.
I'd look at turning the actuators upside down. This would reduce the amount of rainwater getting into it through the seal on the actuator rod. Not a bad system though!
I put it together as shown. The motors would be hit if it was turned upside down.
May I suggest next time you do this, getting some air dry powder coat spray. It will be far tougher and last longer. Great video! I am planning to build out a grid tie 20Kw solar array this year once I recover from this surgery and can work again. Eventually I'll get up to 300kw of storage as well. Bitcoin mining takes a lot of power. haha
We had a simple solar tracker at ranch to pump water from well to tanks that used a 2 1/2 tube with gas inside that moved the panel and a car Schick apsorpor as dampener that had two wires and lasted in salt air with high winds on North shore of Maui.
We have had some crazy winds and hail. We are looking good so far.
It's great when you have lots of open field that gets Sun but when you're in the woods like me you have to seriously over panel and just hope to catch as much of the sky Albedo as possible.
PLS! More commentary about some of the things that you are doing with this project? Some are easily understandable. What were you spraying on the assembly?
Love the way you mounted your trackers. Could you point me in the right direction where I can get the steel plate and pipe from. If you make them on the side, I would love to buy them from you. Thanks in advance…
I bought all of the metal at a local steel shop. It was really nothing special about it other than it was just heavy duty. The round metal pipes were heavy duty well casing.
Thanks for the reply and awesome video…
Thank you very much.
Never heard "cotter pin" pronounced your way. 🤔
Actually had to Google it. 😂
Appreciate you relaying all the troubles with the directions. Good to know!
Is that the best you got? Weak!
nice work , Orings work as well for nonseal tight connectors
Good to know!
Good job, by the way!!
Nice, I usually have nothing nice to say about most DIY solar systems. You did it right. Look at the beefy supports. Looks balanced, does it have a vertical mode for snow load? I might have missed some details in the video. Well done and I hope it has a long life for you.
Thank you. It can be programmed in many ways. We don't get enough snow to worry about it.
Great job
Thank you
I knew there was something missing.. Mine tilted about 12" when I first got power and stopped. It didn't go through it's calibration. Guess I'll contact their tech support.
Dilip from south india, Good Explanation.
I noticed at 1:08:56 that system 1 is slightly shading the bottom panel on system 1. However, thanks to you for sharing your diy with us.
Good video. You can lightly torch the the pipe get a better bend.
That's a great piece of information. Where were you at a few days before I put this in? Lol!
Drill a seemingly infinite number of holes in steel by setting the drill to slow and using a coolant. Push hard. Coconut oil works well and smells good.
Thanks for sharing. I know better, but I don't always act on it.
Nice to see it in that size, i remember Videos years ago where ppl made it diy in smaller size. Good Work, maybe i will also get one, got 3 years ago my first Solarset from EcoWorthy. :D
I watched a lot of video and they seemed to have beefed up the weak points. We are learning a lot from this system.
Excellent 👌 I'm really interested in trying to do something with solar. Up here I'm going to have to clear some woods first - pine and hemlock mostly 🙂
Due to you being further north, I think a solar tracker is a very wise choice.
I believe now it is cheaper to install 40% more solar panels without moving parts. It will be a more reliable and wind-resistant solution, I think.
I don't fault your thinking if it's what you think is right. I can't tell you this, in the mornings. My solar panels produce 70% more energy than one's facing due south. I have done several tests. It averages 43%. You can add 40% more panels but those panels require mounts as well. Mounts are expensive
@@TonysTractorAdventure I don't think the mounts are as expensive as the solar tracker structure plus the electronics plus the motors... Nowadays you can buy 450-500W panels for 170-200$ each or even less and the structure... they are dirt cheap (including the foundation maybe?), you could even diy it. One unified estructure for all the panels should not cost too much. For the price of the tracker you could install around 3 450W panels and I see them easily producing that 40% extra that you are already getting (probably more). It would also be a much more reliable setup long term, producing more throughout the years.
Don't get me wrong, I liked the video and the setup, very interesting. Also, really liked the aesthetics. Good job and nice video.
I would love to know where you are getting new 450w solar panels for $200? This system add $500 to the cost for each stand. I will upgrade solar panels at some point. This was only a test.
lol... You put the solar tracking box down pretty hard and then gently place the pipe... makes me laugh. Nice system.
Your attention to details makes me laugh.
Awesome video thank you
Thank you
The pipe should have some type of extensions to keep it from being pulled up. Possibly a plate welded to the bottom of the pipe with a diameter twice that of the pipe.
My design uses a rotatable hub mechanism at the top of the post which has the vertical axis bolted to the hub. The hub is a front wheel drive hub for any car. I have one from a Buick century.
I am afraid you don't understand how strong Fast2K is. Both my panels have been through 80 mph winds. Fast2K is the anchor. It bonds like nothing else I've seen.
This is fantastic. Have you thought about Bi Facial panels? Some range 500-715 W but size and weight come into play. 330lbs rated on this Eco Worthy Rig? How's it fair during storms. Did you add tie down anchors? Thanks and great stuff!!
Glad you enjoyed the video. It set itself flat in high winds. We are researching a lot of ideas. Our current set up is our training system. It will run our travel trailer. We plan on building some bigger systems in the future.
I wonder what a ten year total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis would show comparing a tracker system vs having two arrays (east and west) of equivalent power.. Considering likely maintenance required to keep the tracker going over the years - it seems likely to at least need lube and probably need some replacement bearings / bushings and motors and maybe a new controller or two. For someone that’s space constrained the tracker probably still makes sense, but if you have room for 2x arrays I think they might be cheaper and definitely less trouble.
I have the room, but limited input by the system Bluetti AC300...2xPV Inputs...1200w/13a/120v per input. So, I like what I got...at least for powering barn and work areas for my initial plan, but need max input in the morning and the evening. I got 6 panels....3 panels for each input. I can bias each panel array...one SE and one SW...or invest in something like this tracker. You make some good points though...working today...but what about 5 years from now.
thank you for your time well dune
My pleasure!
I wanna see what some 400w panels do on top of that tracker. I've been watching for someone to do it, but haven't seen it yet.
We are learning with this system.
this EW tracker can manage 70° from east to west for following the sun in winter times, when the sun stands low from middle/end november till middle of february ? it looks that direction south only 45 ° degrees are pssible. at black forest I need defintely the 70° position. Ar summer the top angle at 10 am till4 am is 30 ° ( black forest, close to Basel/switzerland position )
Great video. Are you planning to mount 400W panels on these? Or at least on one of these trackers to test, or at least for a video's sake? Would love to see that video and how much constant power you can get out of them during a full day following the sun. And would they hold 2 more panels for a total of 8 or is that too to heavy for them?
At some point we will. We are learning how to build a system using low cost components. Then I will have enough experience to ask the right questions.
I see. Makes sense. Thanks for letting me know. I'll look forward to when you try the more powerful ones down the line.
Nice job!
Thank you
You should have welded on small plates on the post to stop the twisting of the pipe. But all in all great job.
To this point there has been no twisting.
Brother I’m a welder the type you call and I show up and replace whatever like it was when new my main customers are rock quarries and sand and gravel pits that being said in this video you were grinding mill scale with a flap wheel mill scale is almost as hard as glass so what I’m saying take that flap wheel and chuck it back in tool box and get a 36 grit hard wheel to clean weld area the flap wheel heats the scale up and smears it before it removes it but it’s clogging your flap wheel up
Try what I’m saying your welds will be much cleaner less porosity much prettier but much stronger at the same time this is my opinion I don’t need 50 welding wizards to tell me I’m wrong and chances are you’ve never fabricated anything other than glue something together on a piece of farm equipment with bubble gum you get my point
Anyway I’ve been looking for a affordable sun tracking system and I’ve found one on your channel and it looks decently built thank you be safe
I need you to come and do a video with me! We will call it. "Teach Tony to weld".
So I'm not sure if this has been commented before, but I would advise to mount the arrays north/south of each other. That way they will not shade each other, since the sun tracks east-west. It might even be worth sinking another post and moving one of the arrays to give you more power when the sun is low in the sky. Also I think you mounted the posts with the "North", "West", "South" and "East" labels in the wrong positions relative to the actual directions. It's possible this is the reason you had problems with the actuator wiring.
I only lose about 10 minutes of sun in the evening. The neighbor's tree blocks.
This is a really awesome build. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you
The strength of the Y2K has served you well Tony. It's pretty much proved its strength with all the structures you've built. You done a great job with this build buddy. Can you buy this product in the big box stores? I've never seen it anywhere, and and from your videos I trust it more than concrete. Thanks my friend.
It is sold at Lowe's, Menard's and Amazon.
@@TonysTractorAdventure thanks Lowes is my go to store. OSB sheathing 7/16" is $9.95 a sheet. I just ordered 100 sheets a couple of days ago.
Bless your heart and wallet! I understand.
I'm curious to hear about your results after tracking for the past year.
I don't get all nerded out on it but my electric bill has been the bare minimum for the last year. This unit was built to learn but it is still what are you doing up runs my travel trailer 7 days a week.
@@TonysTractorAdventure I can relate. I found your follow-up video that helped. Can you guestimate ROI?