How to adjust tilt angle?

[h_1985]

Hello,

after we specify tilt angle with a certain value, i need to know what is the mechanisms to adjust this angle practically and the required tools specially for rooftop projects .

the pic below from a site, and i didn't know how they they adjust this

2i1mn2o.jpg


but i conclude that if we specified the length of (D) and make a hole using drilling tools & fix a bolt = we adjusted the angle, is that right technique??

thanks in advance

[inetdog]

There is no single way to adjust the tilt. Generally pole top mounts are center pivolted while ground and roof mounts hinge at one edge.
If the mounting is not initially designed to support tilting (common on roof racking systems) then it is very difficult to convert them to adjustable tilt.

In the system in your photo, adjusting length D could change the tilt.

Be careful to account fort the fact that adjustable tilt panels usually require extra space between rows to keep one row of panels from shading the next row.
When all panels are in one plane, non-adjustable, that extra space is not needed.

[solarix]

There is no simple, practical method for adjusting an array's tilt angle. A simple, inexpensive method like adjustable leg lengths takes more at least one person to lift the heavy array while the another guy does the adjustment. Any mechanism good enough to be operated by one person and strong enough to be listed for wind load ratings is too expensive to be worth it. You don't get that big of a productivity gain to pay for a robust adjustment system. And very few homeowners want the hassle of doing the adjustment several times a year. Every homeowner I know that had the bright idea of doing adjustable tilt gave up on it in short order and just leaves it fixed in one position.
PV panels are cheap now. Putting on a few more of them in fixed position is cheaper/better/faster than an adjustable mount.

Sorry just noticed where you are from - maybe in Egypt you can hire someone cheap to readjust an array, but here it is not worth it.

[Naptown]

The one and only pole mount i have done was with DPW top of pole mount.
The owner paid a premium for this. So he could change the tilt
That was 4 years ago and he has never changed the tilt.

In bcroe's instance i can see the advantage. With a lot of snow that would cover the panels setting them more upright will clear them faster.
And the albiedo effect from the snow works to his advantage also.
If you dont get a lot of snow i cant see the advantage if adjustable tilt.

[bcroe]

The one and only pole mount i have done was with DPW top of
pole mount. The owner paid a premium for this. So he could change the tilt
That was 4 years ago and he has never changed the tilt.

In bcroe's instance i can see the advantage. With a lot of snow that would cover the panels
setting them more upright will clear them faster.
And the albiedo effect from the snow works to his advantage also.
If you dont get a lot of snow i cant see the advantage if adjustable tilt.

Agreed, "There is no simple, practical method for adjusting an array's tilt angle. " However
I am seriously bent on doing as little snow pushing for the rest of my life as possible in this
area. So there is a pretty heavy movement afoot at this science project, to do a one man
tilt system anyway.

Yes most systems tilt at the bottom edge. That is just another way of saying "it is possible
to change the angle, but only with extreme dedication. " In practice I would have to find a
way to locate the top edge 10' in the air while managing braces on both sides, and moving
several hundred pounds plus any wind present. This for 12 platforms several times a year,
using I don't know what equipment and how many people. One slip and we have a lot of
broken panels; I would have also to break up the wiring to make it safe to handle.

So the new south facing array will be pivoted near the center of gravity, in smaller sections
to reduce loading issues. How impractical is it, we shall find out. Nothing built yet. But
the area has been very accurately staked out, and a couple guys have agreed to some of
the work. Bruce Roe

[h_1985]

thanks all for replying