Any simple portable solar panel stand/bracket ideas?

JiminDenver wrote:
First, Toms set up gets my vote for the niftiest set up.

The OP could always add to the HF unit to make it handle the extra size. It's a simple design that he could just pick up the scraps, cut them and bolt his own together, for short term wood would be fine.

Since everyone is throwing pictures around hehehe





The reason I like the slats and clamps besides that it is cheap and easy is speed. When I saw the HF stand my first thought was that I'd have to remove and put back 4 bolt/ nut sets just to adjust it. When I need to adjust for tilt, I tilt the panel forward a bit. push or pull the slats to where I need them and set the panel back down to its new position. It can go from near vertical (early morning) to near flat ( noon) in seconds. When the winds hit, I can tilt the top, kick the slats flush with the frame and lay it flat in seconds.

I could clean it up with metal legs and quick tightening bolts/ knobs like used on a folding lawn mower handles. A little nicer looking with the same results.

And in a pinch, you have emergency kindling for getting your campfire going. Just cut two new wood slats when you get back home to replace the ones you started the fire with. This has to be the simplest way to do it.

Ed

Please post pictures when you get it all figured out.

I think I will run over to HF and pick up two of the bracket sets. I can bolt two together for extra length or height or use some of the angle in place of the strap which looks a little thin in the pics. I can use wingnuts and drill a few extra holes for adjustability too. At $8 a set its cheaper than the aluminum angle would be at the hardware or metal supply yard. If they don't have them I will do the wood and C clamp method, I already have both around the house!

My problem with mounting them on the roof is we try to camp in shaded spots when possible which would defeat the purpose of solar. By staying portal I can set it out and move it a couple times a day as needed. Thanks everyone for the great ideas.

First, Toms set up gets my vote for the niftiest set up.

The OP could always add to the HF unit to make it handle the extra size. It's a simple design that he could just pick up the scraps, cut them and bolt his own together, for short term wood would be fine.

Since everyone is throwing pictures around hehehe





The reason I like the slats and clamps besides that it is cheap and easy is speed. When I saw the HF stand my first thought was that I'd have to remove and put back 4 bolt/ nut sets just to adjust it. When I need to adjust for tilt, I tilt the panel forward a bit. push or pull the slats to where I need them and set the panel back down to its new position. It can go from near vertical (early morning) to near flat ( noon) in seconds. When the winds hit, I can tilt the top, kick the slats flush with the frame and lay it flat in seconds.

I could clean it up with metal legs and quick tightening bolts/ knobs like used on a folding lawn mower handles. A little nicer looking with the same results.

I opted for a semi-portable setup. I mounted my panels on the side of my coach. They can be tilted while still mounted or removed and set out in the sun and connect them using an extension cable. I just set them on the ground and prop them up with a small rod. I have been doing this for over three years and have had no problems.

JiminDenver wrote:
You may have to add to that HF holder, it is intended for a 15w panel.

Yeah, Jim, the longest leg length is 20 1/2" and, I dunno' if that would allow enough length to support the module without a tip-over hazard. For a portable tilt mechanism, the design is OK.

If the OP was thinking of using a module as portable and, later, installing it, it may be better to just a build a good one out of aluminum, initially. I think many of the big box stores sell enough different aluminum profiles to get the job done. I buy most metal at Discount Steel, they have a yard close to me. I buy some aluminum by the pound from their fabrication shop, off-cuts from building their customer projects.

Here's my four-way tilter for project ideas:

My suggestion is to mount it. You will be happy with it, and it will make up for the loss caused by the CO meter, propane meter and the 0.7 amps that the refrigerator uses. This all adds up to about 35 amp hours per day, about what one of my 120 watt solar panels make in one day.

So yes you will still need to run the generator a bit, but not as much. If you are only going for 3 nights, you probably will not need it at all, unless you are using the furnace or inverter.

Fred.

I don't have the shop or tools to fab something like that rj, but it sure looks like it'll do the trick.

Nice but a little more than I need for a 5 day hunting trip.

Just another shot of the polar mount that will track any arc, and any time of the year.