Motorised remote controlled tilting solar panel using 12v linear actuator for my motorhome
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- Опубликовано: 17 окт 2024
- Test bed before fitting panel to motorhome. Framework is screwed to the pallet to provide a solid base.
Equipment used:
175w Renogy Monocrystalline 12 volt solar panel:
uk.renogy.com/...
12v linear actuator plus end brackets:
www.ebay.co.uk...
Remote control for linear actuator:
www.ebay.co.uk...
Aluminium square box section 30mmm x 30mm x 2mm:
www.ebay.co.uk...
Victron SmartSolar MPPT 75/15 with Bluetooth:
www.ebay.co.uk...
Sikaflex 522 adhesive:
www.ebay.co.uk...
Also some aluminium hinges, 12v cable, waterproof junction box, single cable inlet gland, 6mm MC4 cable, 16mm2 flexible battery cable, crimp terminals and some rivets.
How far apart are the brackets from each other? And how many inches is the actuator? The panel dimensions and weight? Let me know. Thanks, and Nice Job!!
Hi, the actuator I fitted is 370mm with a 250mm stroke length as available here (select the drop down for the different sizes):
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124219350197?var=425071581454
Panel is a 175w Renogy, dimensions 1262 x 699 x 35 mm and weighs 9KG
Thanks for the comment!
Would you be able to supply the measurements of the placement of the actuator? I’m building a double solar lift and purchased two actuators one for each end and need to know the ball park measurements of where you place the actuator mounting brackets , as per from the hinge side please
Hi, sorry for the delay getting back to you. To be honest there was little in the way of calculations behind where I fixed the actuator to the panel, I just bought what I thought would be about the right size and with a long enough stroke to raise the panel to a decent angle (it does go almost vertical).
The panel width is 699mm and the actuator has a body length of 370mm and a stroke length of 250mm (see link in description above) and rated at 1500N which is ridiculously powerful, 200N would be sufficient.
The lower bracket isn't attached to the panel, it sits in a roof rail secured by a T bolt and locknut.
Good luck :)
Hi , first of all great gob , well done 👍🏻 I am wanting to to do the same setup up on top of my camper trailer ( ice shack ) with 2 - 200 watt panels connected together , plan on using 2 of those actuators one on each end that you used but one question , with a stroke of 250mm did that give you a angle at 41° degrees ?
Hi, I have no idea of the angle sorry, it is pretty much vertical at max range, I only have a singe actuator on this one but if space allowed would definitely have one on each end of every panel.
Thanks for that advice as im about to set the actuator up👍cheers from australia
😀👍Thank You, Just what I've been looking for.
My questions is: you have one linear actuator with 2 brackets installed, one close to the motor and the other one close to middle of the solar panel with a slight angle. This bracket, which is the distance to the end of the lower corner?
Is the angled bracket on the end of the actuator on the panel fixed still to the frame ?
Hi.
In the video the bracket on the right is riveted to the side of the panel. The bracket on the left is screwed to the pallet, and when installed is fixed in the roof rail on the motorhome.
I don't know much about physics. But it is so surprising how that little angle could lift that panel. It seems that the actuator broke the bracket or something
rather it lifted the panel. I thought much more angle needed.
The actuator is surprisingly powerful. It is rated at 1500N which is equivalent to 153 kilograms so it could easily raise an adult. The panel only weighs 9.5KG. As long as the actuator is angled slightly upwards, once the actuator extends it has nowhere else to go but push the panel up. The little bracket is 3mm thick stainless steel. In the video it moves a bit as it starts to raise the panel but that is because I had only loosely bolted it to the panel for the test. It's rock solid now. Thanks for the comment :)
@@WoollyWanderers I thought it would be impossible to lift that panel with that little angle if the power came from a man. Now I can understand a bit.
As you answered the actuator's power is much bigger than I thought. Thank you very much for your fast reply.
Now mount that to the peak of your east-west facing house roof for solar tracking.
Use the remote control modules with pushbutton pendants or set up solar tracking panels.
I like the idea but a bit difficult on a motorhome where you don't know what orientation you are going to be parked at each day. I tilt it when facing roughly south, if not I leave it flat.
@@WoollyWanderers what I was suggesting was a way to use previously unusable roof space on a house. Most panels are mounted on southern facing roofs.
@@heroesandzeros7802 This isn't a house, it's a motorhome and I point it in a different direction every day.
Hi, is the force of the actuator enough to hold the panel down securely whilst travelling? Thank you
In all but extreme conditions yes. However in heavy winds from behind the panel is lifted a few mm and slams back down again. This could be enough to either damage the actuator or bend the panel. I fitted a sash window catch to fix the panel down in such conditions.
Hello - are these actuators weatherproof ? I have a static 4 panel array on a metal pole and thinking to add an actuator to move the array left to right once a day but im a bit concern as in strong winds the actuator might not withstand the power of the wind ? Currently we move the array manually and have multiple metal pins around the pole to keep the array from moving back and forth
if the safety pins will be removed - will the actuator be strong enough not only to move the array left to right but also to keep it in the same place until I next press the remote ?
Many thx
The one I have is claimed to be weather proof, it has been on the motorhome roof for 3 months now and still works. To be fair it was cheap and if necessary I can replace it with a different one, but it has been fine so far. In terms of wind, I set the panel flat on the roof in windy conditions, this is primarily due to concerns about the panel itself flexing as the actuator is on one end of the panel and the other end of the panel isn't supported. Wound back down flat onto the roof the actuator locks in place and is sufficient to keep the panel secure on the roof in motorway conditions, wind and over bumpy roads. Yes you can press the A or B button on the remote to stop the actuator travel in either direction - you can see this on the video on the downward motion and hear as I click the remote to stop and start the actuator.
@@WoollyWanderers Thank you
Lovely setup. Did you design and build that yourself? If so congrats on a job well done. Greetings from sunny Jamaica.
Hi, thanks for your comment Lawrence. Yes, but I watched a fair number of RUclips videos prior to the build. It's now installed on the motorhome and I'm in Spain for the winter. I have 2x245 panels flat on the roof on one controller, and this 175w panel on another controller. With the sun low in the sky this time of year, the 175w panel tilted toward the sun is pulling as much as the 490w of flat panels. I'm really happy with the installation. Plus it's a talking point with other campers. Take care and Merry Christmas!
Nice i love it just had one question what size length motorized lift you use in this video?
Hi. I bought the one with a retracted length of 370mm and a stroke length of 250mm. Of course the width of the panel is important, the 175w Renogy panel I used is 668mmm wide. I wanted to be able to lift the panel to at least 60 degrees, as I spend winters here in Spain where the sun is low in the sky. As it happens it lifts to about 70 degrees. Thanks for watching :)
Hi, thanks for the video. I tried doing this with my motorhome roof panel but it kept pushing against the panel but not lifting. How is this attached to the side of the panel? Thanks in advance!
Hi Paul. It is attached to the side of the panel using the bracket provided which is held in with a bolt and a split pin to enable it to turn. The fixings were supplied with the actuator. The actuator has to be at a slight angle so it will push the panel up. See the very beginning of the video. If it is completely horizontal it will just push outwards. Cheers, Shaun
@@WoollyWanderers thanks Shaun, I’ll try the same set up. All the best
Hello @woollywanderers when you attached the bracket to the side of solar panel, did you use a bolt and fasten it tight or did you use the bolt and split pin on the bracket and the shaft. I know the kit comes with two brackets and 2 pins. Curious if you used a third. Thanks.
Very nice setup! Now, if you add a single-axis solar tracker kit...
do you have a link to get an idea?
@@greyMDA I'd also like to know
thanks for the answer, but how far are the brackets from each other?
Which brackets? There is only one actuator with a bracket at each end. The length of the actuator is 370mm when retracted so if you mean those brackets, they are 370mm apart.
Hello, incredible work! thanks for sharing, kindly can I ask about the sizes of the aluminium hinges you've used? link will be appreciated. Thanks in advance
Honestly mate, I can't remember. Really sorry! I bought ten from an eBay seller. They are at least 4mm thick. I riveted them to the 30x30x3mm box section frame. It's really solid
What gain do you get over a static system?
Up to 40% increase in performance during winter months with the sun low in the sky. Early and late in the day the single 175w tilting panel outperforms the two x 245 watt flat panels
Sir it is only 1 actuator?
Hi, yes just one actuator on one side of the panel. I would have much preferrred one on either side which would have given it much more stability and rigidity but unfortunately there was not sufficient space due to a roof light over the bathroom.
Good job!!
How is the bracket attached to the side of the panel , my atuator came with the two brackets but i notice that one of your brackets has two extra holes on the side facing out , i have 2 pins with splits to hold on . But im at a loss as what you’ve attached the arm to the side of the panel??🤔
Hi, I drilled a couple more holes in the bracket so that it could be bolted (with locknuts) to the side of the panel in the right place without the bracket protruding up and casting shade over the edge of the panel.
My panel is 730 wide which is 62mm wider than yours so did you start at the corner of your panel with the first bracket or further in . My actuator is the same as yours with ac10 inch stroke any advice on placement would be helpful🤔👍
@@UbuteyAustralia as you can see the actuator pivots from a point near to the corner of the panel. As long as it is mounted at an angle so that it can lift the panel rather than pushing outwards it will be fine. With a larger panel I would recommend two actuators in parallel, one on each end, which will give the panel much better support. I would have done this myself but there is no space thanks to a bathroom roof light. The panel flexes a bit on raising and lowering, and in even moderate wind I set the panel down flat. I would be much happier that it was being properly supported if I had the space for an actuator on each end. Good luck with the project :)
Excellent
How much Stroke length??
Hi, if I remember correctly the one I bought was 1500N with a stroke of 250mm but obviously the length and stroke are dependent on the width of the panel you want to lift and the angle you want to lift it to. Thanks for asking :)
Hi may I ask about the remote its already setup to be use or its need program?
Hi, the remote control comes paired to the actuator, it's on the same eBay listing: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124219350197
Brilliant idea and simple realisation, going to do it for my motorhome! I guess you drilled the roof for hinges?
No, I bonded a section of aluminium square section to the roof, the hinges were riveted to this. It's pretty much as displayed in the video, the leading panel is bonded down using Sikaflex 522.
great thank you @@WoollyWanderers
Great tutorial 👌🏻
Might be a good idea to place your motor on the panel side as it will get waterlogged trust me :)
Thanks, I don't have the option as there is limited clearance. It's been up there two years without issue though, and is IP66 rated - albeit Chinese IP66 :)
@@WoollyWanderers how is it holding up weather wise? Could you send a link? We are building a Storm Chase Vehicle for an upcoming Film project and In our design we have things that need actuators.
Hi, link below to the product I bought. As I mentioned above, it has been on the roof of the motorhome for two years now without issue. It hasn't been tested in a British winter though, I go away to sunnier climes over the winter. The specs do claim that it is IP66 rated. To be honest it was cheap enough that if it packs in I'll just buy another. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124219350197
You are genius!
I used your design to build a motorized remote controlled tilting solar panels on the roof of my van. Thank you!!!
What size/stroke/newton actuator is it? Thanks
Hi, if I remember correctly the one I bought was 1500N with a stroke of 250mm but obviously the length and stroke are dependent on the width of the panel you want to lift and the angle you want to lift it to. Thanks for asking :)
@WoollyWanderers thanks, I'm planning 3x100w panels bolted together side by side lifting vertically using two motors and one controller (so they sync) thus will provide more stability in a bit if wind. The Controller is 10a so should cope with two on same outlet with Amps to spare. Just trying to work it all out
@@JohnDerrick-cc4yd I would be happier if there was space for an actuator at each end of the panel John because as it is the panel flexes a bit and I tend to retract it in anything but light winds. With two motors it would be rock solid. Good luck with the project :)
Sir is it good for outdoor use for rain or shine use
Hi, yes the system has been on the roof of the motorhome for more than 18 months now in all conditions, driven through France, Spain and Morocco and works really well.
How many watt hours is it using to go up and down or per day?
The motor consumes max 5A at 12v so 60 watts maximum
It takes 45 seconds to extend and 45 seconds to retract
1 minute 30 per day or 1.5 Wh / 0.125Ah
A minuscule cost considering the 30% improvement in performance of the 175w panel when tilted and pointed south over the course of a day.
I have buy a 20 inch actuator for on my sprinter van. I hope its strong to lift 2x 400 wp panels
When I bought the actuator I measured the length and the stroke required but I had no idea what force would be needed. The one I bought was rated at 1500N and the listing said "Load Capacity 330 lbs" which sounded enough. The eBay listing is here: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124219350197
And the angel of the bracket?
Neat
what size linear motor did you use?
Hi, thanks for asking. The one I bought is 1500N and 250mm stroke length. The size of the panel will dictate stroke length.
Bonjour Monsieur , C'est pas mâle , mais pour plus de duré dans le temps , le vérin serais mieux dans l'autre sens pour la pluie dans la tige du vérin et une petite protection du moteur
Cordialement Mick
Salut Mick. Je suis d'accord, malheureusement je n'ai pas cette option car le dégagement pour le moteur est limité. Je devrais utiliser une section de caisson en aluminium plus large pour le cadre. Cependant, il existe depuis deux ans sans problème et est classé IP66 - bien que IP66 chinois :)
What was the stroke length for the actuator?
Hi. I bought the one with a retracted length of 370mm and a stroke length of 250mm. Of course the width of the panel is important, the 175w Renogy panel I used is 668mmm wide. I wanted to be able to lift the panel to at least 60 degrees, as I spend winters here in Spain where the sun is low in the sky. As it happens it lifts to about 70 degrees. Thanks for watching :)
And what is the size of the solar panel?
Thank you!
needs to go to 90 degrees for winter sun.....
60 degrees or so for me in the north of England, or about 70 in Spain. the sun doesn't sit on the horizon all day even in winter. www.leadingedgepower.com/support/help-with-solar-panels/solar-panels-and-sun-angles.html
Buy a couple more panels and skip this complex setup IMO.
More panels is not an option, I have 665w of panels up there already and no more available roof space
Cool Thanks! I just sent this to my friend Andy at Off-Grid Garage in Australia. ruclips.net/video/9l-1HrYzk6M/видео.html for a new east-west installation he's installing. For home rather than mobile installations. Would it be worth raising the hinges a few inches so when fully retracted the panel is angled rather than flat to catch a lower sun angle from that direction?
In a home installation yes, but in a mobile environment I want the panel fully level while travelling and I'm not always able to park facing roughly south so slightly tilted might leave me at a disadvantage. Subbed to your friend's channel, thanks :)
I would do that with for solar panels most definitely with one actuator