Motorized Solar Panel Tilt Kit

Is It Worth Tilting Solar Panels

For the roof pitched at 17 degrees to the south, tilting the panels will generally not pay off. It would probably only gain about 5% annual output, which will generally not be worth the additional cost of the tilt hardware, extra roof attachments and labor.

This is especially applicable if you are on a time of use electric rate and pay more per kWh in the summer. If your solar panels tilt at a 17-degree angle, they will produce more in the summer when the sun is higher in the sky. So, while you lose a little kWh over the year, you will be generating more in the summer when kWh is worth more.

The Difference Between A Motorized And Non

A non-motorized solar panel tilt kit or a manual solar panel tilt kit is cheaper and easier to install than motorized tilt kits. However, You must tilt the solar panels manually, so if the solar panels are on a roof, you must climb up there with tools to put them down properly.

In general, there are two times when the tilt of solar panels needs to be adjusted. First, if bad weather, such as high winds, thunderstorms, or snowy weather, is predicted, the solar panels need to be put down to avoid damage.

And second, when the season changes and the tilt angle needs to be adjusted to maximize efficiency. It means youll change the tilt at least once every four months, more if bad weather is predicted.

Diy Solar Panel Tilt Mount For A Campervan Or Rv

Halfway through our second winter living in our campervan, we decided to create a DIY solar panel tilt mount for our campervan. We were tired of running low on electricity in the winter months because of the shorter days and low angle sun. So we decided to design our own budget-friendly DIY solar panel tilting system.

Angling your solar panels towards the sun is a very effective way to boost your solar power collection without having to buy any new panels. Simply maximize the performance of the panels you already own. So we got to work devising a plan to tilt our solar panel. Our key requirements of the design were roadworthiness, budget-friendly, and tool-free operation. Here is how we made our own DIY solar panel tilt mount and completed the whole project in one morning at a Home Depot parking lot.

Note: This DIY solar panel tilt mount is for use when the van is parked only. We dont drive with the solar panel tilt-up.

This post contains affiliate or referral links which means we may earn a commission if you purchase or download from our links at no additional cost to you! For more information, please read our disclosure policy. Thanks for helping us fund our website and content!

Also Check: How Much Solar Energy Does A Solar Panel Produce

Solar Panel Tilting Brackets

The brackets are the lift frame and securely fasten the solar panel to the surface to which it is attached. Everything is attached to the brackets, the solar panel, actuator, rotation pin, and whatever else the kit might have.

Frames need to be sturdy and capable of folding flat so that you can place down the solar panel.

You can make your brackets by buying them from hardware stores and adjusting them to your needs. However, you can also buy racks specifically for solar panels that dont need much adjusting.

Ultimately, it depends on the manufacturer of your solar panels and whether they make them.

Utility Bill Rate Design

Good electricity rate design allows you to save money when you save energy. This might sound intuitive but not all provinces are same. Superior designs have low fixed monthly fees and tiered electricity rates. Inferior designs have high fixed fees and flat electricity rates.

Ontario scores near the front of the pack when it comes to these factors having time-of-use rates and fixed monthly fees of $26 .

For example, reducing your electricity bill from 1,500 to 750 kWh per month will save you 54% on your electricity bill in British Columbia, 48% in , but only 43% in Ontario!

Note that fixed monthly fees dont disappear even if you switch to solar youll pay them as long as you remain connected to the grid. But this isnt a bad thing $26/mo is a small price to pay for using the grid as your back-up energy source!

The only way to completely remove your fixed costs is to go off the grid, something most homeowners in Ontario dont do because of high battery costs.

Disconnecting from the grid also means that you wont be able to participate in your utilitys net metering program.

Don’t Miss: How Much Does It Cost To Install Solar Panel

How To Tilt Rv Solar Panels

Fixed-length RV solar panel tilt kit

You can increase the efficiency of your RV solar panels by attaching each one to a tilt kit. There are several different systems that can be used.

In some tilt kits, the angle of the tilt is determined by the length of the rod you insert to raise one side of the panel. In order to adjust the angle, you have to use different length rods. This was the way our original tilting kit was designed. We never bothered using different length rods, though the single length we had was designed to be fairly optimal for the desert southwest snowbirding we typically do.

Adjustable angle RV solar tilt kit

In other kits, the metal supports that hold the panel to the roof have evenly-spaced holes along their length and bolts that secure the panel in place. By loosening the bolts on one side of the mount, you can remove the bolts on the other side and tilt the panel up. By securing fixed-length tilt bars to a matching set of holes in the two support beams , you can set the angle of tilt. The closer you attach the rod to the hinge point, the higher up the panel will be tilted.

Either system allows you to tilt the panel up toward the sun to maximize their output. And tightening the screws in the selected holes will hold them securely in place so they wont be affected by wind AND allow you to lower them flat to the roof and secure them for travel.

Its an easy and inexpensive way to get full use out of your solar system.

What Are Peak Sun Hours

Peak sun hours differ from hours of daylight the peak sun hour actually describes the intensity of sunlight in a specific area, defined as an hour of sunlight that reaches an average of 1,000 watts of power per square meter .

Although your panels may get an average of 7 hours of daylight a day, the average peak sun hours are generally around 4 or 5. Solar radiation peaks at solar noon, when the sun reaches the highest point in the sky.

The number of peak sun hours you get per day increases the closer you are to the equator and typically during the summer months.

Recommended Reading: Where Can I Watch Free Solo

What Is The Best Orientation For Solar Panels

For one, you must decide on the orientation and arrangement of your solar panels. For example, the solar panels should be tilted to the south in the winter in the Northern Hemisphere or the north in Southern Hemisphere. Next is the arrangement.

Once tipped, no solar panel should cast shade onto another. Else theres no point in tilting the panels. So tilting isnt suitable for tightly packed arrays.

Next, you can get the same electricity from tilting by adding more solar panels to your array. Adding one extra panel to every three you have should produce the same electricity as tilting your panels.

Ultimately, it comes down to your situation. If you want to maximize the solar panels output and theyre in an excellent arrangement to do so, tilting is a superb option. However, if youre planning your array, you should weigh the cost of a tilting system and install more solar panels.

Panel Mounts & Trackers

Solar panel mounting and tracking systems come in a variety of different options and work to make your solar panel array as effective and efficient as possible. Ideally, in order to ensure your panels are receiving as much sunlight as possible, sunlight must be perpendicular to your panels. There are different methods for solar panel tracking and mounting to achieve this goal. Tracking mounts utilize technology that changes the angle of your panels to coincide with the direction of the sun. Tracking mounts come in two variations, single axis mounts, and dual axis mounts. Dual axis mounts track both North and South and East and West to account for the ever-changing position of the sun during different seasons. Single axis mounts simply track the sun from east to west. There are other kinds of mounting systems apart from tracking mounts. Fixed mount systems are typically less expensive and require less maintenance when compared to tracking mount systems. At Northern Arizona Wind and Sun you will be able to find the appropriate tracking and mounting system for your solar array. We stock a variety of different options from top of pole and side of pole mounts, sun-tracking mounts, ground mounts, and rail mounts. There are thousands of different variations of mounting systems and we do not have them all listed here. If you are looking for something in particular that you cannot find feel free to contact us via email or speak to us on the phone.

You May Like: How To Dissolve A Sole Proprietorship In Texas

What Does Tilting Rv Solar Panels Gain

How about this for the roof of your RV?

When the sun is directly overhead , solar panels mounted flat on your roof can often fully charge your batteries in just a few hours, since theyre facing more directly toward the sun, and thereby maximizing their output.

But if youre camping during the winter season, the sun stays lower on the horizon , even during the middle of the day. This means that the sun doesnt ever hit the panels straight on, so the cells on the solar panels arent absorbing the suns rays as efficiently and, thus, arent producing as much power to charge your batteries.

Tilting your RV solar panels helps to solve this problem.

The Basic Design Elements

However, our large aluminum-framed solar panel is big and heavy, so any tilt mount we designed had to be quite sturdy. The basic design we landed on was using two stainless-steel hinges on one side, and aluminum support bars on the other side to hold the panel up. Then we made one side of the solar panel detachable with a clevis pin and hitch pin. The clevis pin and hitch pin are the critical element that makes it really easy to detach one side of the solar panel without tools.

You May Like: How Much Kwh Does 1 Solar Panel Produce

What Is The Best Tilt Angle For Photovoltaic Panels

The best tilt angle for solar panels varies depending on the location where they are installed. In general, it is recommended to position PV modules at a higher angle when installing them in locations with high latitudes. When installing photovoltaic modules in low latitudes, it is recommended to position them at a lower angle.

If you would like to know if we can install solar and put thousands of dollars in your pocket for doing it, use the form below to submit your electric bill for a no cost, no obligation evaluation.

How Much Does A Solar Tracker Cost

Solar trackers can greatly increase the cost of a photovoltaic solar installation. A standard 4 kilowatt, ground-mounted solar system will cost about $13,000. Tracking equipment can cost anywhere from $500 per panel to over $1,000 per panel.

If you included a single axis tracking system on the same array, it would drive the cost up to about $20,000. Thats a premium of 57% over the cost of the fixed array for just 35% more solar output.

A dual axis tracking system would cost even more, coming out to around $26,000. Thats double the cost of the entire fixed ground mounted system!

How much can you save by going solar?

Also Check: Where To Buy Zamp Solar Panels

Best Angle For Solar Panels

Theres a simple rule of thumb when it comes to finding the optimum angle for solar panels. In the northern hemisphere, you will get the best annual energy output if your solar panels are facing due south at a tilt angle just under your latitude. But what does that mean?

Lets say your home is in Los Angeles, where the latitude is 34 degrees. In that case, your solar power system will give you the most kilowatt-hours if you face the panels south and tilt them at about 32 or 33 degrees horizontally.

Similarly, if you live in Milwaukee, where the latitude is 43 degrees, youll get maximum solar panel tilt efficiency if you place them at 41 or 42 degrees.

Now, most roofs do not provide this ideal solar panel tilt. While it might face south, theres a big probability that its pitch is lower or higher. On the other hand, your roof might not face south at all. It could also just be flat. So the question arises: Do you need hardware to tilt your solar panels for optimal production? Keep reading to learn more.

Note: Solar panels in the southern hemisphere should face North.

Solar Panels: Flat Or Angled

Tilt legs provide a support structure that allows you to tilt your solar panels to an angle that will optimize their output.

Adding tilt legs to your solar racking will require more racking equipment and more labor to install. Wind uplift loads are also a factor when the solar panels are tilted, they are like a sail on your roof, prepared to catch the wind. Hence, you need more roof attachments to ensure the solar panels stay put in gusty winds. All of this translates to higher upfront installation costs.

Another consideration is that if the solar panels are tilted, the rows must be spread apart to avoid the solar panels in the front row shading those in the row behind it.

Last but not least, there is the aesthetic factor. While the primary purpose of solar is to save money, your system still shouldnt be an eyesore. Your neighbors would probably appreciate it if your solar panels were parallel with the roof surface.

Also Check: What Makes A Good Solar Panel

How Do You Calculate The Optimal Tilt For Your Solar Panels

Calculating the angle of the panels can seem daunting, but theres an easy method to do it. You need to subtract fifteen from your latitude in the summer and add fifteen to your latitude in the winter.

However, theres a more accurate method. However, it requires some calculations. First, you multiply your latitude by 0.9, subtract by 23.5 in the summer and add 29 in the winter.

It gives you a far more efficient angle for your solar panels than the first method. However, if youre in a vehicle and leaving the day next, energy efficiency shouldnt be too much of an issue.

Increase Solar Panel Power Output

Installing an adjustable solar panel mount is crucial to getting the most power out of your solar panels. They allow you to adjust the angle of the panels so that they are always facing the sun. This can result in a significant increase in the amount of electricity your PV cells produce, which will save you money on your energy bills.

Read Also: Can I Install Solar Panels In My Backyard

Things To Consider Before You Install Solar Power:

• What kind of solar panel electric system do you want?
• Approximately, how much sun exposure does the property get?
• Who is your current utility provider ?
• Approximately, what is your average monthly electric bill?
• What is the approximate square footage of the area the system will serve?
• How many stories is the building this system will serve?

Solar Panel Angle By Zip Code

Your life would be much easier if you could just find out what angle is the optimal solar panel angle in your city or county. The table below features a solar panel angle by zip code for at least one city from every state.

There is an angle for both the summer and winter months that will deliver optimal results in your solar panel system.

If you live in one of these zip codes or somewhere near them, you can use the readings to set up your racking system. These have been calculated using the solar panel angle calculator for solar noon.

Solar noon is the exact half of the day where the sun is at its brightest.

What if you do not want to or cannot change the angle every few months at the start of summer or winter? In that case, you should keep it at an angle for the season you need it to be most productive or for the season that lasts long.

For most southern states and California, that would mean the optimal angle for summer. On the other hand, for the NorthEast and MidWest regions that see shorter summers, the better choice would be the low winter angle.

If you do get the opportunity to change their angles throughout the year, you will get maximum output for the whole year. It comes down to your solar panel system how big and manageable it is.

If you are going big, you should invest in a tracker, which will basically eliminate your responsibility for manually adjusting tilt angles.

See Related: How to Test a Solar Panel

Also Check: Does A Solo 401k Need An Ein