Off Grid Solar- HUGE IMPROVEMENTS- Eco Worthy Dual Axis Tracking System
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 มิ.ย. 2023
- We get a HUGE IMPROVEMENT on our solar array with the ECO-WORTHY Dual Axis Tracker System! This will be super helpful at the OFF Grid Cabin especially during the winter months where we get little sun.
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One of the best parts of this video is that the camera angles you used, allowed us to see the fixed mounted panels as well. So we got a real time visible comparison. 👍🏾
It would be cool if it was the same number of panels and the same quantity of panels, with the view of actual wattage in a Time-lapse. But that’s not possible.
I’m saving this video. Thank you.
Glad it helped!
Cute that you etched your initials in the concrete. Love this solar stand. Technology has really taken off . Very impressive
😉 it really has....thanks Stephanie
I'm impressed, what a great addition to the off grid cabin.
That’s an awesome addition to the property 👍 I’d definitely look into a wind turbine next, especially if you guys have loads of wind there.
That is so great how it tracks the sun and rotates itself.👏👏👏❤️😍🐾🐾
It really is!
Put nuts on both sides of flange to hold the bolts in place when setting them in wet concrete
I like that, I will definitely use that trick
Yeah, anybody with half an inclination towards mechanical proficiency would have done that automatically. I also noted the round washers on the square portion of the carriage bolt... Did this set up come with instructions?
Great problem solving mounting and leveling to the concrete! 👍 Looks like a nice stand even without the tracking
Thanks buddy, so far we love the system and it collects great energy all day long......kind of cool really to see it be so effective. Best wishes
Old bed rails are great for home projects but this was a new one for me! (I copied their idea to set & level mine last week.)
I scavenge every bed-frame set I see heading to the dump.
I like the concept of the panel tracking with the sun, thanks for sharing. I appreciate your eagerness to try new idea. really look forward to each video and project!!!
Thanks Howie......I really appreciate your kond words and how you get it, staying open minded and making things work. Best wishes
That level is going to be your best friend! Kudos on the new system - it looks like you’re ready for a space launch!😍
Ha.....it is a very popular tool lately, LOL
Thanks! Ive been curious if its that much better than your other system but 40 percent better is pretty impressive. You guys kick butt on power now, LOL!
It works really well.....mounting the panels and setting up racking was a little more challenging than I showed, but you only have to do it once.
Great Addition for you guys.
Can't wait to see how well it works out over the summer and then winter❤
That's a very impressive solar setup. I think this will help you through those cloudy winter months.
I Think So too.....exciting to have it and glad so many viewers are liking the system too....Good Stuff. Best Wishes my friend
Always fun to make improvements to the homestead!
Looks like a pretty cool system you've got there! 👍
That is so neat and will help you out. Plus the extra solar 👍.
Super addition to your power system. Now add a few more batteries and a wind system and you wont have any issues no matter the time of year. Stay safe my friends.
That's pretty sweet follows the sun's path to maximize charging 👍
May the lord bless and protect you and Jen and your solar panels
😊😊😊
As always a great video, WOOT!
Wow - what a great system!!! Love it!!
It really is!
What a great addition to your solar system!
Thanks my friend. 😊😊😊
man guys that is major upgrade! time for some more batteries now #EcoWorthy , congratulations guys and thanks for another awesome video
Ya we are excited to get more batteries or better batteries when the time comes
Awesome videos! Thanks for sharing this!
Hey, no problem......glad you are enjoying them. 👍
Brilliant video so happy that you got a sponsor who can help you guys get to the next level with your solar rig. I sent you guys a link to the top reviewed domestic wind turbine power rigs. Cheers, Puck.
Awesome buddy.....I'll go look for it. Jen said she looked at it....I will check it out too. Thanks you. I think one will be very helpful before winter comes. Best wishes my friend
Solar system is so cool mr,! I love it😊❤ good work
Thank you my friend
This looks fantastic! I had looked at making a homemade tracking system but ended up going with more panels instead. It will be interesting to see how it does with the wind up there and the harsh winters. Almost looks too close to the ground. Keep us updated! Thanks.
Will do Andy
We actually had a bad storm come through last week and take out a lot of trees, but the solar array survived. Yay. Some of that was in out latest video
@@OffgridwithJayandJen I saw that video after I posted this. Lol. Figured it must have done well if you didn't show it destroyed lol
@@AndrewJohnson149 😊👍
That's great guys well done 🤗🤗🤗
Thank you 🤗
That is really cool.
I bought one of those...I want to buy another but it's a bit pricey at around 500..wait its listed much higher after I watched the video I saw it included the panels. I bought mine without.. so now it makes sense. I have not set up mine yet it was good to watch you do it❤
Lots of Great Deals going on.....use our link and enter our code and save an extra 50 dollars. Link is in the description box
Nice! Price looks good too, thanks for sharing.
No problem 👍
My neighbor was building one last time I was at camp. Should of asked him about finding solar north vs magnetic north for my passive solar cottage. Around 12-13* off from magnetic north in Central U.P. Make sure it is well grounded being on a hill. Seth at land to house had to put jumpers on his panels for ground. Tested by a continuity tester.
Interesting.....is it silly to think with the unit being all metal and connected to a 4 foot concrete block in the ground.....would that ground it? Or is a metal grounding rod necessary?
Wow that thing is amazing!!! I have never seen that kind of system before
It is pretty Sweet.....=)
I like how you adapted and overcame the base mounting! I was hastan about getting this cause I did not have a welder to make a base. I will do just like you did and concrete screws in form! OORAH
This has held up great so far....Think you will be happy with the results. Thanks for watching and commenting. =)
cant help but notice that it looks like a flower following the sun. Love it and can't wait to get solar on my property someday!
That is a cool observation Jen.....Wishing you the best
@@OffgridwithJayandJen thanks Jay and Jen! Wishing the same for you too :)
I am impressed by the price and functionality!
We have enjoyed having it here at the cabin!
great video. was waiting for this one. didnt let me down. thanks for being you. keep on us how it goes. Oh you thinking about wind turbines?. with the wind you get. especialy in the winter.
Yes, think we will be getting one
Hey thats pretty slick!!! 😮
It is pretty cool
With all that wind you're getting up there, I'm surprised you haven't added a VAWT to your property. That thing would generate hundreds of watts just sitting there all day long, day and night. I wish I had the kind of wind you have!
One day we will get a wind turbine just looking for a good deal
Dude awesome, I want one!
Ya man.....cool little tracking system. Lots of extra solar collection now. =)
Way cool. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Wow pretty high tech you guys! Nice!
Very!
Cool new solar system, this will sure boost the amount of power coming in. You might have to keep the snow shoveled around it, it looks low in some areas, snow can accumulate and prevent it from moving. Just a thought.
Very true......will have to see hownit goes. 😊
Hi 👋 the angle iron was genius..to keep it from sinking...for a minute I was thinking...why would you mount a drywall jack in concrete....Mo Batteries... new slogan ? Great Build 😊
Ha....love it
great product. May consider one for myself!!
Hey Randall......the link for their website seemed to have the best deal I found. I really think this is a very well rounded unit and fairly priced in my opinion
more power is always good Cheers
Wow! That is a great solution. Someday when I grow up.
😊
Awesome!!!
Thanks!!
Good job i like how you work
Great Job...It took a little time...weather, etc. Looks great . Nice to see a review on this Maybe fall?
Hey buddy......yes there will for sure be more videos including the function of this system. Thanks for watching my friend. hope you are well
Very interesting solar tracker! I would think that a small 200 to 400 watt wind turbine would be great and give you power even at night when the solar is off as you probably get some good breezes at night up on that hill.
Yes....we have been thinking about one for a year or two.....maybe soon
Man that’s awesome 😊
😊👍
Great video thanks for sharing. I bought the same unit and I’m in the middle of installing it myself.
just wanted to note that your stationary panels have branches shading them. That’s killing your efficiency.
Man you guys sure are getting fancy up on that Hill 😂
Lol.....I know right? I might have to build me a rustic little cabin to level things out a bit. 😉
Sweet ! 👍👍👍😊
That was nice.
Very good! 👍
Thank you! Cheers!
That is beautiful 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
You need to trim trees that are casting shadows on you solar panels. I think research into what shade does to your energy production is in order.
Awesome video guys Rosa olbera from Texas
I did some testing with having the long actuator on the east side (then have to switch the 2 wires for the actuator so east/west goes the correct direction when commanding on the controller) this gives you more tilting angle to the west 53° then to the east 35° (i have woods to the east so it works better for me to get more angle in west sky). With it on the west side, it is almost even angle, west 45°\ east 50°. I have also replaced the short actuator with another the same length as the long actuator, moved the bracket back 1 hole on the north/south mount, drilled new hole and installed rivet thread sert, retracted actuator, tilted all the way south and drilled 2 new holes with rivet thread sert. Now it can tilt all the way south and a good angle to the north. I have also seen people putting the north/ south cross strut on the top of the east/west strut instead of under it.
I like it
Looks like you have a perfect place for a wind generator.
Well I'm a little jealous, that it took you less than an hour to dig that hole. At my camp I got rocky ground, tree roots, and more rocks. Hope it works out. Cheers.
Thanks NYC.....the sand is a blessing, but hard to grow stuff in. But the benefits outweigh the cons.
Wow that is great are you going to get another one for your fix panel to sit on you can buy the rack only i was reading!!!
Would certainly help....but having the m the way they are should take care of us. 👍
You guys should utilize that wind you were talking about and get a wind turbine.. just a thought😊
Ok...I need a system like that!
It does a great job
I wonder how well it will work in the winter and freezing temps. Also if you get a lot of snow looks like the tracker will be pushing into the snow unless you shovel it out a lot or leave it in a fixed position. I have been thinking about one of these for my camp just seems like a lot to go wrong with it in colder weather?
I can see your concern....but honestly don't think the snow or cold Temps will have much effect on it. It is high enough off the ground and solar in general works better I cooler Temps. Also the battery that controls if uses very little energy so it should last and you could charge it is needed. Because it tracks the sun with a sensor it should remain at a steeper angle in the cooler months.....which should shed the snow well. Our current array is about the same height and never have an issue with snow piling up too high.
Love d idea 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
12 hours of daily optimal sun! I buying one :U
Solar trackers make more sense if you need additional power but you don't have enough space to add more panels or if the cost of panels is extremely high.
Today panels are relatively cheap and it looks like you have lots of space.
Adding more panels is probably the more cost effective solution to get more power.
Adding more panels is less complex and there are no moving parts to fail.
Regardless, trackers are interesting.
Great video.
Good points.....there are definitely pros and cons to each situation and option. Being a, simple is better, kind of guy I appreciate that, but at the same time this system really capitalises on making the panels be as efficient as possible in a small amount of space. Thanks for watching. 😊👍
Now your' talking, great upgrade! Get another mount and move the old panels over; soon you will be selling electricity! Cheers.
Woot woot......think I might need to cut my favorite pine down.....it is somehow covering the panels a LOT this year.
With out a doubt tracking more useful, we’ve had a duel axis running 9 plus years, I recently put in a north facing array aswell, unless you have a very large battery bank solar production from first light to last duel axis surpasses static arrays, I can attest from that. 🇦🇺
P/s our system uses duel slew drive combination not linear actuators.
Can handle any wind thrown at it.
Great video! How did you get the clamps to work properly? I cannot get them to bind anything to the rails.
They were a little tricky at first for me.....but you had to make sure they were turned the right way as you started the threads into the clamp that slide in the channel. Hard to explain...but if you mess with it for a but you should see how it works.
Thanks. Figured it out. The pre-assembled nut in the plastic piece was upside-down AND the picture in the instructions, and on the ecoworthy youtube video are wrong. @@OffgridwithJayandJen
I got a really good belly laugh on ya Jay... jumping like a school girl when it started the array.. thats some funny sh** right there!!
Ha....Last thing I need in the headlines is " Local off grid man dies by hand of solar squishing " HA Ha
Nice tracker. Next time go with higher volt "house panels" like 36v or better, using higher voltages at lower amperage you get a much more efficient system, smaller wires, lower cost, more KW at lower wear and tear on components like inverters. Those small "off grid" or "12-18v RV Panels" are really in-efficient and really expensive per watt and just drive amperage up if wired wrong causing excess wear. I just bought 375w panels for $90 each, and they are 36v~10amp. 6-8 of those with a Growatt SPF6000T high volt offgrid inverter and a 48v LIFEPO battery (heated for cold areas). Going bigger costs more, but when you outgrow the small stuff, you waste $$ piecing together expansion, going bigger may cost 30% more, but produces 2-3x more KW. Also oversizing your battery can make sure it lasts you 15-20 years instead of 8-10 due to over cycling. EG4 Has some nice options, but rather than going with their small 5KW, consider the 14KW, costs less/kw, lives longer.
I was hoping that when you made this video that you would do a step-by-step assembly video so that I could see that. I’m thinking about buying one but on Amazon there’s a lot of people that have been putting in reviews that their directions are just horrible and a lot of people have been struggling with that. It’s too bad that you didn’t do a step-by-step. I was looking forward to some thing like that. But thank you for the video that you did make I appreciate it.
I'm considering making that video....just getting a feel for what you guys want to see.
Have you ever looked at the packaging for the amount of water required for the concrete mix?
Yes, the set up hardened and is working great. Thanks for asking.
I'm pretty impressed with this system given the price point! It does look like you kind of need to have the optimal size panels for it though. Still reasonable though!
I Completely Agree....considering the cost of traditional racking or panel systems having this one that also tracks the Sun for similar cost it very nice. I have seen others set this system up with Four larger Panels, Rather than the six they included in our set up....but I would go with what ever allows the Most Wattage Available. Best wishes
Awesome set up guys how much did it cost ?
Very affordable my friend.
....hit the link and check it all out. Very fair
How big of panels will this system hold? Would like to see a update on how u put both solar systems together in solar shed... I told u a lot of people want a wind turbine setup review....lol keep it going..yea
I would have to look at the spec sheet to get measurements but the railing makes it pretty flexible with the mounting....but you would have to balance it as to not cause extra strain on stuff. The link below takes you to the tracking system with the Panels they recommend for it. =)
Would you consider doing a more in-depth review about this? I can appreciate this video, but it would be nice to know how it is all configured. Is it wired for 24v? Do you have to have a separate battery to give it the power it needs to "follow" the sun? If you didn't already have your power barn, how would you wire this up? Thanks for the video!
I might do an update in the spring....give it some time to do some data collection. There is updates to the system being hooked up in more recent videos too
Very nice video! How many volts du you get?
I have it all in series, so I get around 110ish max
Okey, thank you good people! It´s so nice to see you work together!@@OffgridwithJayandJen
Have you given any thought to adding a ground turbine or a regular wind turbine ??
Trying to find a good one
Hello Mr Jay & Jen: Im now thinkin of buying this tracker. But one reservation is regarding the southern tip angle. Im in the UP where winter solstice sun rises only to 18 degrees into sky. Id like to know what angle the southern tilt can descend to. Is it only 45º downward? Or can it go lower? And for whatever angle it can tilt to, is that because of the actuator running out of space, or is it because of a hardward stop between the top bar (labeled B) thats tilting in the N/S axis and the top of the main post right where the word "South" is printed? I mean, do they butt against each other so that even if I installed the actuator a little lower to get a further tilt south, the "B" arm couldnt do it. Any advice on this is appreciated as Im not sure the mfg wants to answer this. Thanks for this video documentation.
I'm not in front of the tracker at the moment.....but I can say that I feel your concern is valid. I can't answer if you could easily modify the angle, but if you send us an email I can try and let you know in the next few days. It will be difficult for me to find this comment, so email us
That\s just finer than frogs hair! Never seen a system that tracks like that on a small scale, only on the power companies HUGE solar arrays
It is pretty cool huh?
@@OffgridwithJayandJen Dang skippy it is!, Thinking that now, since you'll have I think more than double the power going in, it's time for some more batteries too!
Several folks like yourselves have set up these amazing trackers. The question that has not been answered is how big of panels can they take? My panels look to be about twice the size of yours. Is there a weight limit? Thank you.
If you email us ican give you the dimensions of the railing....the clamps that attach to the brackets are adjustable. But send me an email and I can get you some dimensions
thats a real great report ! Are common panels with 1,68 m x 1 m even too fixable ? perhaps instead of 6 only 4 ? This tracker has a safety if a storm is approaching for a horizontal waiting position. ThanXXX and cheers from black forest:-)
The clamps that mount the panels are very adjustable, so many sizes would would work well. It has already seen some good wind and is survived it, fingers crossed for long term
@@OffgridwithJayandJenthanks ✌️ eccoworthy told me, No delivery to germany or Europe..
What tube (size? ) I'm looking to use the same setup (solar mount) but was planning on a 3x4 x 8" thick pad with a 16 " tube coming up 2.5-3ft for it to set on. I have bigger panels 300 watt. Am I using to much concrete? Have you had any issues?
Our sonotube was 12 inches and 48 inches tall.....I think we only used like 6 bags of concrete. 80 pound bags. Holding up great so far, but I did have an actuator fail on me the makes the unit move east and west.
I mean cutting the tree that's shading your pannels would also be a good start on solar gain.
Lol. Ya true. The truth is I would cut it down if I needed to. But the only time of year it shades the panels is summer months....and we get enough hours to fully charge our battery bank as it currently is. This additional solar array will really help us a ton in the winter months when sunshine is limited. Like I said....I really like these pines here for the shade and if they caused us issues year around I would cut them down.
Now I see some airconditining being installed in the cabin. 😂
That would be awesome actually, lol
What happens when it’s windy? Does it hold up, or do you remove the panels when you know a storm is predicted?
Held up to 50-60 MPH winds and survived. No taking them down, just leave the array flat and it held up fine
I see this needs an external battery to operate. Do the solar panels/controller charge this battery or do you need some sort of external charger?
Depends how you want to use it or possibly trickle charge it from your inverter or CC, i have been using the system hooked up to a small 12 volt lawn mower battery... and have only stuck a car charger on it once in the past couple months...I only charged it to be safe.
Did the washer buried in the concrete sink to the bottom with the head of the bolt?
They probably were not really necessary, but my thought was it couldn't hurt, lol. But I feel they could be good insurance if the bolt did decide to slide at all. We were just hit with a pretty bad storm that took out lots of trees and the new array survived through it
Since the tracking system runs on a separate battery from your solar system, what are you doing to keep it charged?
I take it over to the solar shed and charge it once every month or two. I actually just bought a 20 dollar mini Solar panel charger for the battery we will see how it holds up
I didn't see you put any rebar in your concrete to keep it strong and intact. I sure hope you did or you might find your rack and panels laying on the ground after your next big wind!
Maybe.....Guess we will see. I do have a ton of wind up here so it will be put to the Test. 😊
Pretty sweet! But dude... get yourself some power tools! I'm already invested into Makita and Flex, but Harbor Freight's "Hercules" brand is crazy bang for buck. I may pick some of their tools up anyways.
I hear ya man...
....I should do that. I have done a lot with all hand me downs tools though, so I just keep on being cheap. Best wishes
I bought two of these for only $800! Hoping to build a 2400 watt system. However, i have 200 watt panels which are just slightly bigger than the 195's. Im sure theres a way.
The clamps that hold the panels to the railing are adjustable....you should easily be able to use them.
Did you purcahse panels from Eco Worthy or did you install your own?
They came with the whole package. You can buy the tracking system without them....or buy the complete package
@OffgridwithJayandJen I just purchased one of these and received 1 out the 6 panels completely shattered today. Did you wire these in parallel and are you running a 12v system? I am waiting on a few more goodies before going out to my second property this weekend to get stuff done.
Oh man....that sucks about the panel.....I'm Sure it will get taken care of....In the mean time Base and assembly can start. We have our panels are ran in Series....it keeps the amperage down so we can use standard 10 Gauge PV wire with the MC4 connectors
@@OffgridwithJayandJen Thanks for the reply. I went up over the weekend dug a 4' by 14" hole and poured the concrete and got the tracker installed. I did install the cracked the panel just to keep the balance while I wait for the replacement panel to get delivered. The cracked panel does output the same VOC as the others but if it rains the panel will more than likely get damaged. Did you ground the tracker/panels? Also, mine only runs on 2 - 12v 7ah batteries in series (24v) it will not move on 12v.
@TechMechRandom that's weird it need those two batteries, I have mine just hooked up to a lawn mower 12 volt battery. Works fine for a couple months then I hook up a little charger to it for a day and good to go again. Maybe you have a couple wires crossed or something?
Does it move to a flat position overnight ?
I have one of these and it just stops where the sun sets.
Where can I find out how to program this feature ? Thanks 🙏
I had to call eco-worthy and have them help me with that part.....if you call the number on the manual they will set you up with a technician 😊
Can you use bifacial panels on this?
Plus what kind of winds are you getting?
My place has recorded 80mph sustained and 105mph wind gusts.
Can it hold up?
hey Suntz.....I'm sure you could use Bifacial panels. I'm not super familiar with their function.....simply gather energy from both sides, yes? If snow reflection is something you deal with in the winter and small patches of shading on them from the bracing doesn't stop the transfer through the panel then yes I think they might be beneficial.
As far as the wind goes.....I do not think that eco-worthy recommends it be installed in high wind areas.....although we see a lot of wind....we rarely get wind over 50 MPH here. We did have a storm come through with tornado warnings and reports of 50-60 MPH winds in our area a few months back and the array is still standing with no damage....But 80-100 MPH I would use caution or some sort of reinforcement in the way of extra anchors or possibly stronger mounts and bolts.
@OffgridwithJayandJen Hey thank you for the response!
Yeah bifacial collects from both sides, the back is obviously not as efficient as the front, and as you know most panels do not always produce as much as they are rated for.
But I have heard of people using them elevated and placing reflective materials under them and it helping.
Never tried myself but it would be interesting on your tracking system if it would increase efficiency.
I've also heard bifacials are much heavier, so the weight might be factor on it also?
Once again thank you for your response.