Sun Tracker App

Sharon_is_SAM

Anyone using an app to help you position your TaB/solar panels for best solar gain?  Just saw a YouTube video where they used the Lumos App.

CrabTab

The App looks interesting @Sharon_is_SAM. Our only problem would be that we don't usually have a cell connection when we have our briefcase set up. 

The general rule I learned for angle of the panel was subtract 15 degrees from your latitude in the summer and add 15 degrees in the winter. As far as daily tracking, we've just 'eyeballed' it. Although I bet we could come up with something cool using a stick in the ground like a sundial.

Tabaz

I love the Sun Surveyor app.  Shows exactly where to position the T@B to avoid the sun in the summer or maximize the roof solar panels.

ScottG

Haven't tried an app but it seems like a good idea. I usually just lay on my back next to the panel and scan the sky for a blinding bright spot. However, that approach is damaging my retinas and making my clothes dirty...  ;-)

DougH

@Tabaz   I had been using an Android app called "Sun Position" to make sure I don't park facing South in a position where a tree will block the panels. The app has several handy screens like the typical AR compass calibrated screen using your camera along with widgets.  But your recommended "Sun Surveyor" looks even better. Thanks for the recommendation.



(For cheapskates: "Sun Position" does offer more stuff for free on the demo / non paid version though and has widgets... they are both $7.99 to upgrade to full version.)

Sharon_is_SAM

@CrabTab - forgot about cell service.  So, maybe this would help:

Here is a good article that mentions the 15% rule.  https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/best-solar-panel-angle

Verna

@Sharon_is_SAM, a different name brand of that tool (Wixey) is a marvelous invention for my table saw and scroll saws, and would indeed work wonders for the 15% rule. 

Sharon_is_SAM

@Verna - sure beats eye balling it.  And if someone likes gadgets- this one is compact and cheap!  

Verna

@Sharon_is_SAM, just keep a supply of CR2032 batteries if you don’t turn off the “gadget”, as they do eat batteries. I finally resorted to reversing the battery when done with the task at hand to conserve battery life. 

Sharon_is_SAM

Maybe a low tech protractor is a better choice😁

CrabTab

@Sharon_is_SAM this is the tool I use to set the panel angle (no batteries required).

I mentioned eyeballing in relation to pointing the panel towards the current position of the sun during its daily trajectory.  That is where I think a sundial arrangement with a stick would be helpful. Place the panel perpendicular to the cast shadow from the stick. What do you think?



To make a simple version attach a weighted string to a protractor. Something similar to this.

CrabTab

@Verna- The magnetic protractor I mentioned in my previous post was bought decades ago to check blade angles on my saws...

Sharon_is_SAM

I’m going to need a tutorial!  Geometry was a LONG time ago😂

CrabTab

Imagine the panel edge is the red straw along the protractor from the photo above. Subtract the measurement next to the string from 90 degrees. That is the panel angle.

....and yes, we are both retired teachers!

Verna

@CrabTab, two of mine are over 20 years old, one a couple of months old.....

Geometry was my weakest subject, other math classes were great.  But don’t ask me now......that was literally many decades ago!

Sharon_is_SAM

@CrabTab - about 35 degrees?

CrabTab

@Sharon_is_SAM, yes approx. 35 degrees (33 for any overachiever out there). 

BTW- We just watched a YouTube video where I think you saw the Lumps App.😊

Sharon_is_SAM

Yes, no doubt the same video from Elsa Rhea😁

4ncar

I use a painfully low tech approach. I will try to post a pic later, but in the meanwhile:

i use use a small piece of white paper, and hold a “round” object, like the lid from a can of spray paint, on top of the white paper(contrast against the black solar panel), placed on top of the solar panel. A shadow will be cast of the “lid”. Move the panel side to side, or up o& down to “zero” the shadow right on top of the lid. Poof! Perfect alignment. 

Obviously, easier to move a suitcase panel then the tab itself, but one could improvise.

DougH

And don't forget to connect one of these up to get 20-50% more out of your portable panel(s). Just build a cheap aluminum frame with a couple pins so the thing can rotate on an axis. Strong enough to rotate two if you link them and they're reasonably balanced.

Keeps panels pointing within one degree of the sun for $120.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mOQTnGd

(or a cheap telescope drive motor that can be set to the sun's speed will work)

Sharon_is_SAM

This is more my speed.  https://youtu.be/7XzWYq2Yo9Y