Hinge system for solar panels?

[BobBski]

I'm considering pulling a small utility trailer (4'w X 6'L X 2'H) behind my Transit Connect.  My initial plan was to use my existing hitch hauler as it would carry everything I need.  BUT....if I pull the lightweight trailer I can permanently install a 300 watt solar system on its flat roof.  While parked/disconnected, is there a manual hinge/arm system that would allow elevation from either side?

 

[johnny b]

Standard Z brackets and some angle aluminum stock (HD, Lowes, etc) will give ability to tilt either end.
Make sure your cables from the panels to the controller are large enough gauge for the distance (assuming only the panels are trailer mounted--the rest is in the tow vehicle?)

 

[WheelEstate USA]

One method is to use door hinges with removable pins and some angle for arms and bolts with wingnuts to hold them up. Pretty easy system and cheap.
Note that are some hinges with a small set screw that keeps the pin from vibrating out but are a bit more costly.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

While parked/disconnected, is there a manual hinge/arm system that would allow elevation from either side?

http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/6711-dual-solar-panels-in-series-tilt-able/

-- Spiff

 

[BobBski]

Thanks all for the ideas. Figure on having the batteries in the trailer. My intent will be to only raise the panels keeping the weatherproof roof in place. The trailer itself will be one of the Lowe's cage type using marine grade plywood to enclose.

Here's a video I found for reference.

 

[highdesertranger]

I never seen the Lowes trailers but my guess is they are the Chinese manufactured trailers like Harbor Freight sells. may I suggest you spend a little more money and get an American made trailer, in the end you will be much happier. also that OSB will not last long at all(waste of money) use suitable plywood. highdesertranger

 

[VJG1977]

I never seen the Lowes trailers but my guess is they are the Chinese manufactured trailers like Harbor Freight sells.  may I suggest you spend a little more money and get an American made trailer,  in the end you will be much happier.  also that OSB will not last long at all(waste of money) use suitable plywood.   highdesertranger

They are made by Carry-On Trailer, Inc. 101 Joe Harvey St Lavonia, GA 30553.  At least the ones I looked at.  They are also sold at Tractor Supply.

 

[highdesertranger]

good deal, I looked them up and they are made here. highdesertranger

 

[GrantRobertson]

They are made by Carry-On Trailer, Inc. 101 Joe Harvey St Lavonia, GA 30553.  At least the ones I looked at.  They are also sold at Tractor Supply.

I worked at Tractor Supply back in the late 70s. At least back then, they would only sell stuff that would stand up to the kinds of real world (ab)use that real farmers put things thtough.

I worked at Lowe's this past spring. Never buy their Blue Hawk brand products. Utter crap.

 

[GrantRobertson]

I've been stewing on a multidirectional tilting system as well.

One thing to take into consideration is: If you have two panels, side-by-side, and the sun is to the side, then (depending on how close the two panels are) lifting the panel closest to the sun is almost guaranteed to cause it to block the sun from getting to at least part of the one behind. Blocking even a small part of most panels will kill their output almost entirely. Thus, tilting the front panel will cause you to loose more output than you gain. Therefore, barring a more elaborate system, it only makes sense to tilt the panel farthest from the sun.

Another conundrum is how to properly secure such easily moved panels to prevent theft. One could put padlocks through each removable pin, but that is a lot of padlocks up there rattling around. I just now realised: One could entirely replace the hinge pins with one side of a long-shackle padlock. This would also prevent them from vibrating out. I'll draw a sketch and post it if my description isn't clear enough.

 

[BobBski]

I'm planning on moving both panels, in tandem to better track sun movement...i.e. East in the morning, flat midday, west starting late afternoon. Probably just hinge both sides and swap side to be elevated as necessary.

 

[Almost There]

I'm planning on moving both panels, in tandem to better track sun movement...i.e. East in the morning, flat midday, west starting late afternoon.  Probably just hinge both sides and swap side to be elevated as necessary.

That would mean that you have to orient the vehicle to be always in a north/south position no matter the orientation of the campsite.

Campsites are rarely designed to suit the camper that way!!

 

[GrantRobertson]

I'm planning on moving both panels, in tandem to better track sun movement...i.e. East in the morning, flat midday, west starting late afternoon. Probably just hinge both sides and swap side to be elevated as necessary.

So both panels will be in one, big frame? OK. You might then have to worry about the wind catching them. I guess it depends on how heavy the trailer will be, and how high its center of gravity will be.

 

[VJG1977]

I was planning something like this but extend the side rails up about 4 feet for clearance.  Then add a couple of waterproof storage boxes.  You could track the sun during the day by swinging the trailer to follow the sun every couple of hours.  I have a 5x8 trailer from Tractor Supply and I am very happy with it.  It replaced one just like it that I got from Lowe's.  One night someone with bolt cutters decided they needed it more than I did.  I would have gotten the replacement from Lowe's but TS had a sale.  I've pulled 1000 lb load with no trouble, that's behind my  Nissan minivan.

 

[highdesertranger]

here's my thoughts, if your panels are mounted on a vehicle just mount them flat. it's to much of a hassle to keep moving them. however if they are remote/portable it's easy to point them at the sun. another point if you plan on tracking the sun you must be in camp doing it, that's not how I want to spend my day, everyday. I have tried manual tracking but gave up because my whole day revolved around moving the panels. highdesertranger

 

[akrvbob]

My first system had a tilting panel but I found I never fussed with it, so I've never had one since. I'd rather buy another panel, get the same amount of power, and never give it another thought--but I'm pretty lazy!
Bob

 

[GrantRobertson]

My first system had a tilting panel but I found I never fussed with it, so I've never had one since. I'd rather buy another panel, get the same amount of power, and never give it another thought--but I'm pretty lazy!
Bob

Yeah, every time I get too elaborate in my solar tilt system "inventionating" I just remind myself of what you have said so many times, "Just buy an extra panel and forget about it." I gotta keep asking myself, "Will this be more difficult to build and use than simply installing an extra panel?" if not, then I just turn my brain to other things. There is always something else for me to "inventionate" on when it comes to vandwelling.

 

[SternWake]

I put Stainless steel clevis pins though my panel's frame and these act as hinge points and it can tilt 90 degrees toward either side of my Van.

I can't remember the last time I tilted my panel.  When I did, it was to clean under it, or to add a tv or Wifi antenna to it, not to harvest more solar wattage from it.

I did this when 130 watts cost 740$.  I wouldn't have bothered with the tilt mechanisms at today's panel prices.