It’s done.

 

Well almost, just a lick of paint to finish the “project”

You are probably aware that we have solar panels this is the original construction of the array.

This never gave any problems but Paul decided that he could improve it, so this is what we have now.

Not a top box but…….

A larger array than we had,  the   lid of the top box swivels to get directional  to the sun. You can see the shadow gauge on the right hand side this enables the panels to be aligned to the correct angle to the sun any time of the year, this is done with the use of two aluminium extendable broom handles. Instead of being hard wired , the panels will be able to travel 360 degrees as he has installed slip rings to carry the current.

And you can put stuff in the box. Which will make our existing box redundant.

I must admit that the construction of this did cause a few head aches mainly because it was done on the tow path.

bottom half

lid.

The roundel in the middle carries the weight of the panels this is done by a fixed metal swivel and three caster wheels, on reflection this should have been a larger diameter.

I cant tell you how many times this was lifted on and off the roof to get the shaping correct I had arms like Popeye  by the end of it. So we now have 3x85 watt panels. A new controller was purchased to carry the extra load.  Paul has had a few sleepless nights over this as things weren't going according to plan during the build although all looked okay during the design stage, however with a few small mods and a bit of tweaking I am sure eventually he will get it right,  don't think there are any more “projects” on the horizon he needs to give his brain a rest.

So if any one is looking for a 50watt monocrystaline panel and a 20amp regulator get in touch.