I made some very simple adjustable arms to easily set the angle of our solar panels for best solar power production at any time of the year.
I had previously had some arms simply screwed into place for maximum summer solar power production. This means that I set the angle of the solar panels facing up to the sky more - almost flat to the sky - for summer.
But now, in the winter, I need the solar panels to be more vertical to catch the maximum solar energy with the sun lower in the sky.
I took some 2x4 lumber that I had made myself on my own chainsaw lumber mill. This is a stationary lumber mill with a track. I love this thing.
The lumber was waiting for just such a project. In the past I would have had to save up to be able to buy lumber for a project. Now I just make my own. This is quite awesome.
I cut the boards to a length of 36 inches each. This gives me a good adjustment or summer time, yet allows me to adjust for winter as well by pulling the arms in more.
I drilled a hole in each arm for the hinge point. A simple nut and bolt make the hinge. This gives me a very strong hinge which will not break off during bad weather or wind.
Next I drilled some holes for the pin mounts. This gives me several points to put the pins through, thereby setting the angle of the solar panels.
I had to cut and mount some scrap 2x4 pieces on the 4x4 posts of the solar panel racks which will hold the pin in place for the adjustable arms. This also makes everything line up nice and straight.
I got one solar panel rack finished and set it for the proper winter angle of the sun. Then I stepped back to have a look at my work. I like it.
So I made up the arms for the second solar panel rack as well and set the angle.
Now I have maximum solar powering coming in during peak winter sunlight hours.
And now I can easily adjust the solar panels for all seasons with ease. I simply pull out the pin, adjust the angle and push the pin back into the new hole.
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