Motorized Single Axis Solar Panel Design

Hi,

I'm wanting to put solar panels on the sides of my RV. I want to be able to tilt them up. I hope to motorize the tilting mechanism so that with an east to west RV orientation I could raise the panels on the north side enough to have a good sun angle.

The system would not be used while the RV was in motion.

Design ideas?

 

QUOTE(pianotuna @ Apr 22 2013, 11:05 AM) [snapback]33157[/snapback]

Hi,

I'm wanting to put solar panels on the sides of my RV. I want to be able to tilt them up. I hope to motorize the tilting mechanism so that with an east to west RV orientation I could raise the panels on the north side enough to have a good sun angle.

The system would not be used while the RV was in motion.

Design ideas?




Put panels on a flat surface, like a roof!

 

Hi,

Something like this might work:

http://progressiveautomations.com/truck-to...ystem-a-47.html

 

How wide is your RV, Don? If it's a 2.6M (8'6") wide body, the panels and mechanism could put you in the over width category. That said, Venture Mfg makes a wide variety of linear actuators, including many that are used in both the RV and solar industries.

 

Hi Dutch,

It is 2.5m 8'4" but thanks for pointing out that width may be a concern.

 

QUOTE(pianotuna @ Apr 22 2013, 07:05 AM) [snapback]33157[/snapback]

Hi,

I'm wanting to put solar panels on the sides of my RV. I want to be able to tilt them up. I hope to motorize the tilting mechanism so that with an east to west RV orientation I could raise the panels on the north side enough to have a good sun angle.

The system would not be used while the RV was in motion.

Design ideas?



They make Flexible Solar Panels these days, I wonder if any of them could be rolled up as your awning...

 

Hi,

There was a firm doing awnings that were solar panels back in 2008. They produced some for Road Trek. No mention of this in their current production.

Some one has pointed out that I'm at 2.5 meters (8'4") wide. So doing solar "wings" might put me to "over size".

I could still add a lift panel at the rear of the RV.

 

I think the width is more than just a "concern". It would make you illegal and it would be right out there in view of every cop you passed. I don't think you would be going very far before being stopped and questioned. Lots of cops are RVers and know the regulations. Be careful.

 

Hi Lindsay,

Yes. I'll have to abandon the "wings" I fear.

I can still (I think) do a tail unit. Manual tilt would probably work for that.