Forum Discussion
ktmrfs
Aug 08, 2018Explorer II
unless it is very efficient, continual tracking may take more energy and work than it saves.
However, my idea of tracking is to find the optimal angle at near noon, set the panels for that, and let it go during the day. A quick and easy way to set for optimal angle is to take a empty TP tube, place it on the panel perpendicular and move the panel till there is no shadow.
Now this works fine for portable panels. roof mount another story.
And depending on season and location, even this may be overkill. closer to the equater you are the less angle from horizontal is needed and less loss vs. horizontal. Move above 50 degrees latitude, in the fall the drop from optimal angle to a horizontal panel is pretty noticeable. can be on the order of 30% loss or more.
However, my idea of tracking is to find the optimal angle at near noon, set the panels for that, and let it go during the day. A quick and easy way to set for optimal angle is to take a empty TP tube, place it on the panel perpendicular and move the panel till there is no shadow.
Now this works fine for portable panels. roof mount another story.
And depending on season and location, even this may be overkill. closer to the equater you are the less angle from horizontal is needed and less loss vs. horizontal. Move above 50 degrees latitude, in the fall the drop from optimal angle to a horizontal panel is pretty noticeable. can be on the order of 30% loss or more.
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