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solar tracker set up for sale on Ali Express

6 Posts
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(@misterb)
Estimable Member Member
Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 139

   
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(@chickenbig)
Reputable Member Member
Joined: 4 years ago
Posts: 292
 

According to the shadow of the bike I don't think the tracker is pointing towards the sun ...

 


   
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(@misterb)
Estimable Member Member
Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 139
Topic starter  

@chickenbig i doubt thats where the tracker is sited, it looks like the image has been manipulated as the shadow on the post caused by the panels is different to the shadow cast by the bike !



   
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Transparent
(@transparent)
Famed Member Moderator
Joined: 4 years ago
Posts: 3134
 

The listing states a diameter of 2.57m for the cellular array. That's a surface area of 5.2sq.m.
Less 10% to allow for the panel frames and central hub, comes to 4.6sq.m

The most common size for a PV panel available in the UK is 1.0 x 1.6m or 1.6sq.m
from which you might now expect to obtain a max output of around 400w.

If the manufacturer of the rotating array has used silicon wafers of similar efficiency (which I doubt!), then you might expect to obtain about 1.15kW output
... which isn't a particularly attractive deal for a unit costing £6.5k +VAT.


Save energy... recycle electrons!


   
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(@derek-m)
Illustrious Member Member
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 4425
 

Posted by: @transparent

The listing states a diameter of 2.57m for the cellular array. That's a surface area of 5.2sq.m.
Less 10% to allow for the panel frames and central hub, comes to 4.6sq.m

The most common size for a PV panel available in the UK is 1.0 x 1.6m or 1.6sq.m
from which you might now expect to obtain a max output of around 400w.

If the manufacturer of the rotating array has used silicon wafers of similar efficiency (which I doubt!), then you might expect to obtain about 1.15kW output
... which isn't a particularly attractive deal for a unit costing £6.5k +VAT.

But can you also use it as a radio telescope? 😋 

 



   
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Transparent
(@transparent)
Famed Member Moderator
Joined: 4 years ago
Posts: 3134
 

I think the shadows are 'correct' in the final photo on their website.

It demonstrates how a line of them about 4m apart will track around until they end up shading each other 😎 

image

Save energy... recycle electrons!


   
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