The future of energy production lies in solar energy, and with the cost of the technology constantly dropping and the availability continuing to increase, it’s no surprise that the industry will only continue to grow. Installing your own solar panels can help you save money on your utility bills while also reducing your impact on the environment by cutting out fossil fuel usage and carbon dioxide emissions. But how do you install a solar panel on a vertical single-axis solar tracker? Read on to find out!
Step 1: Getting Started
First you must select the type of solar panel tracker you want. Single axis or dual axis? The choice is yours, but there are benefits and tradeoffs with both. Typically, single-axis solar trackers don’t tilt as far (typically 45 degrees) but allow for sunlight throughout all hours of the day, including winter days in high latitudes and summer days in low latitudes when dual-axis trackers don’t always allow for optimal sunlight.
Free It can be helpful to consult your local solar energy authority regarding guidelines, limitations, and other considerations that might make it easier to install your solar tracker. For example, if you live somewhere very cloudy in the summer months or that experiences lots of snowfall, solar tracking may not be a good fit because there will still be power outages during those times. Step 2: Installing Your Solar Panel Mounting Bracket: Before installing your mounting bracket, measure around your tripod pole where you would like your solar panels attached. If installing additional mounting brackets, measure appropriately, so they have enough room between them for unobstructed travel along their axes without colliding with each other or obstructing movement within an axis’s circular path of motion.
Step 2: Choosing your Panels
First you need to determine which panels are right for your home or office. Luckily, there are now numerous panel options available, so finding high-quality and effective solar products is not difficult. When looking for solar panels, make sure that you check for Vertical Single-Axis Solar Trackers (VSATs). VSATs capture more sunlight than traditional tilt panels because they are usually mounted vertically and track toward the sun in one direction, rather than tracking at an angle throughout their lifetime.
Step 3: Finding an electrician
Finding an electrician is the last step in installing your solar panel. This person will have to connect your solar system to the grid, so you can get power from the sun and use it when it’s not sunny outside. You’ll need to find an electrician who has experience with solar panels, as they will be able to hook up the electrical equipment that converts solar energy into usable electricity. The first thing this electrician will do is determine where the best place for your solar system might be. If there are trees blocking sunlight or if the roof isn’t angled in a way that works well for the type of tracker you’re using, then this may be an issue.
Next, he or she will work with local utility companies to set up the connection to land power and make sure all safety precautions are followed.
Step 4: Building Brackets
Vertical Single-Axis Solar Tracker (VSAT) brackets are fabricated by our service partner, Pollards Metal Fabricators. We have selected this company based on their experience with similar designs and the ability for them to complete the project in our tight timeframe. The brackets are made of aluminum extrusions which will be bent and welded into shape at Pollards’ facility. Once completed, these custom brackets will be shipped to you so that you can install them where we want the solar panels mounted.
Vertical Single-Axis Solar Trackers (VSATs) have become more common as they improve energy efficiency while lowering installation costs. While VSATs rely on sun position rather than tracking across a fixed axis like traditional single or dual axis trackers do, they often achieve higher electricity output since they reduce shading effects caused when panels obstruct each other during certain times of day or seasons.
Step 5: Installing the Panels and Wiring
The solar panels have been installed. It’s time to hook up the solar system. You’ll need to plug in land power in order to connect your solar system to the grid and have access to electricity.
To do this, you’ll need an inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) energy from the solar panels into alternating current (AC) energy that is used by our homes and appliances. The inverter will be hooked up to both your solar panels and local electric grid. When you want to use solar power during the day, it disconnects from the electric grid and draws electricity from your panels. When there’s no sun or when you want to use regular grid electricity at night, it connects back to the electric grid for more power.
Step 6: Mounting the Trackers
mounting the trackers is relatively simple, but it needs to be done properly. The frame needs to be sturdy enough to support the weight of the solar panels and tracker motors, so it should be made of 1×2 lumber or stronger. If you’re going with 1×2 lumber, use 2x4s for cross members. Make sure your mounting surface is level and solid so that your panel will not tilt in any direction. Use a spirit level and screws to attach the mounting brackets for your panel. Attach wires from the panels to an inverter if one was purchased separately, otherwise, connect them directly to an electrical outlet where they can get power from the grid. Next, place the plugs from your extension cord or power strips onto the opposite ends of the inverter. Plug in your extension cord/power strip. Your system is now ready to produce electricity! get power from the grid.
