Motorised remote controlled tilting solar panel using 12v linear actuator for my motorhome 

I like the idea but a bit difficult on a motorhome where you don't know what orientation you are going to be parked at each day. I tilt it when facing roughly south, if not I leave it flat.

@@WoollyWanderers what I was suggesting was a way to use previously unusable roof space on a house. Most panels are mounted on southern facing roofs.

@@heroesandzeros7802 This isn't a house, it's a motorhome and I point it in a different direction every day.

Hi, the actuator I fitted is 370mm with a 250mm stroke length as available here (select the drop down for the different sizes): www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124219350197?var=425071581454 Panel is a 175w Renogy, dimensions 1262 x 699 x 35 mm and weighs 9KG Thanks for the comment!

Hi. In the video the bracket on the right is riveted to the side of the panel. The bracket on the left is screwed to the pallet, and when installed is fixed in the roof rail on the motorhome.

The actuator is surprisingly powerful. It is rated at 1500N which is equivalent to 153 kilograms so it could easily raise an adult. The panel only weighs 9.5KG. As long as the actuator is angled slightly upwards, once the actuator extends it has nowhere else to go but push the panel up. The little bracket is 3mm thick stainless steel. In the video it moves a bit as it starts to raise the panel but that is because I had only loosely bolted it to the panel for the test. It's rock solid now. Thanks for the comment :)

@@WoollyWanderers I thought it would be impossible to lift that panel with that little angle if the power came from a man. Now I can understand a bit. As you answered the actuator's power is much bigger than I thought. Thank you very much for your fast reply.

do you have a link to get an idea?

@@greyMDA I'd also like to know

Hi, thanks for your comment Lawrence. Yes, but I watched a fair number of RU-vid videos prior to the build. It's now installed on the motorhome and I'm in Spain for the winter. I have 2x245 panels flat on the roof on one controller, and this 175w panel on another controller. With the sun low in the sky this time of year, the 175w panel tilted toward the sun is pulling as much as the 490w of flat panels. I'm really happy with the installation. Plus it's a talking point with other campers. Take care and Merry Christmas!

I used your design to build a motorized remote controlled tilting solar panels on the roof of my van. Thank you!!!

Which brackets? There is only one actuator with a bracket at each end. The length of the actuator is 370mm when retracted so if you mean those brackets, they are 370mm apart.

Hi Paul. It is attached to the side of the panel using the bracket provided which is held in with a bolt and a split pin to enable it to turn. The fixings were supplied with the actuator. The actuator has to be at a slight angle so it will push the panel up. See the very beginning of the video. If it is completely horizontal it will just push outwards. Cheers, Shaun

@@WoollyWanderers thanks Shaun, I’ll try the same set up. All the best

Hello @woollywanderers when you attached the bracket to the side of solar panel, did you use a bolt and fasten it tight or did you use the bolt and split pin on the bracket and the shaft. I know the kit comes with two brackets and 2 pins. Curious if you used a third. Thanks.

Honestly mate, I can't remember. Really sorry! I bought ten from an eBay seller. They are at least 4mm thick. I riveted them to the 30x30x3mm box section frame. It's really solid

Up to 40% increase in performance during winter months with the sun low in the sky. Early and late in the day the single 175w tilting panel outperforms the two x 245 watt flat panels

In all but extreme conditions yes. However in heavy winds from behind the panel is lifted a few mm and slams back down again. This could be enough to either damage the actuator or bend the panel. I fitted a sash window catch to fix the panel down in such conditions.

The one I have is claimed to be weather proof, it has been on the motorhome roof for 3 months now and still works. To be fair it was cheap and if necessary I can replace it with a different one, but it has been fine so far. In terms of wind, I set the panel flat on the roof in windy conditions, this is primarily due to concerns about the panel itself flexing as the actuator is on one end of the panel and the other end of the panel isn't supported. Wound back down flat onto the roof the actuator locks in place and is sufficient to keep the panel secure on the roof in motorway conditions, wind and over bumpy roads. Yes you can press the A or B button on the remote to stop the actuator travel in either direction - you can see this on the video on the downward motion and hear as I click the remote to stop and start the actuator.

@@WoollyWanderers Thank you

Thanks, I don't have the option as there is limited clearance. It's been up there two years without issue though, and is IP66 rated - albeit Chinese IP66 :)

@@WoollyWanderers how is it holding up weather wise? Could you send a link? We are building a Storm Chase Vehicle for an upcoming Film project and In our design we have things that need actuators.

Hi, link below to the product I bought. As I mentioned above, it has been on the roof of the motorhome for two years now without issue. It hasn't been tested in a British winter though, I go away to sunnier climes over the winter. The specs do claim that it is IP66 rated. To be honest it was cheap enough that if it packs in I'll just buy another. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124219350197

No, I bonded a section of aluminium square section to the roof, the hinges were riveted to this. It's pretty much as displayed in the video, the leading panel is bonded down using Sikaflex 522.

great thank you @@WoollyWanderers

Hi, yes just one actuator on one side of the panel. I would have much preferrred one on either side which would have given it much more stability and rigidity but unfortunately there was not sufficient space due to a roof light over the bathroom.

Hi, if I remember correctly the one I bought was 1500N with a stroke of 250mm but obviously the length and stroke are dependent on the width of the panel you want to lift and the angle you want to lift it to. Thanks for asking :)

Hi. I bought the one with a retracted length of 370mm and a stroke length of 250mm. Of course the width of the panel is important, the 175w Renogy panel I used is 668mmm wide. I wanted to be able to lift the panel to at least 60 degrees, as I spend winters here in Spain where the sun is low in the sky. As it happens it lifts to about 70 degrees. Thanks for watching :)

Hi, I drilled a couple more holes in the bracket so that it could be bolted (with locknuts) to the side of the panel in the right place without the bracket protruding up and casting shade over the edge of the panel.

My panel is 730 wide which is 62mm wider than yours so did you start at the corner of your panel with the first bracket or further in . My actuator is the same as yours with ac10 inch stroke any advice on placement would be helpful🤔👍

​@@UbuteyAustralia as you can see the actuator pivots from a point near to the corner of the panel. As long as it is mounted at an angle so that it can lift the panel rather than pushing outwards it will be fine. With a larger panel I would recommend two actuators in parallel, one on each end, which will give the panel much better support. I would have done this myself but there is no space thanks to a bathroom roof light. The panel flexes a bit on raising and lowering, and in even moderate wind I set the panel down flat. I would be much happier that it was being properly supported if I had the space for an actuator on each end. Good luck with the project :)

Hi, the remote control comes paired to the actuator, it's on the same eBay listing: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124219350197

Hi, yes the system has been on the roof of the motorhome for more than 18 months now in all conditions, driven through France, Spain and Morocco and works really well.

Hi, if I remember correctly the one I bought was 1500N with a stroke of 250mm but obviously the length and stroke are dependent on the width of the panel you want to lift and the angle you want to lift it to. Thanks for asking :)

@WoollyWanderers thanks, I'm planning 3x100w panels bolted together side by side lifting vertically using two motors and one controller (so they sync) thus will provide more stability in a bit if wind. The Controller is 10a so should cope with two on same outlet with Amps to spare. Just trying to work it all out

@@JohnDerrick-cc4yd I would be happier if there was space for an actuator at each end of the panel John because as it is the panel flexes a bit and I tend to retract it in anything but light winds. With two motors it would be rock solid. Good luck with the project :)

When I bought the actuator I measured the length and the stroke required but I had no idea what force would be needed. The one I bought was rated at 1500N and the listing said "Load Capacity 330 lbs" which sounded enough. The eBay listing is here: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124219350197

The motor consumes max 5A at 12v so 60 watts maximum It takes 45 seconds to extend and 45 seconds to retract 1 minute 30 per day or 1.5 Wh / 0.125Ah A minuscule cost considering the 30% improvement in performance of the 175w panel when tilted and pointed south over the course of a day.

Hi, thanks for asking. The one I bought is 1500N and 250mm stroke length. The size of the panel will dictate stroke length.

Hi. I bought the one with a retracted length of 370mm and a stroke length of 250mm. Of course the width of the panel is important, the 175w Renogy panel I used is 668mmm wide. I wanted to be able to lift the panel to at least 60 degrees, as I spend winters here in Spain where the sun is low in the sky. As it happens it lifts to about 70 degrees. Thanks for watching :)

And what is the size of the solar panel? Thank you!

Salut Mick. Je suis d'accord, malheureusement je n'ai pas cette option car le dégagement pour le moteur est limité. Je devrais utiliser une section de caisson en aluminium plus large pour le cadre. Cependant, il existe depuis deux ans sans problème et est classé IP66 - bien que IP66 chinois :)

60 degrees or so for me in the north of England, or about 70 in Spain. the sun doesn't sit on the horizon all day even in winter. www.leadingedgepower.com/support/help-with-solar-panels/solar-panels-and-sun-angles.html

More panels is not an option, I have 665w of panels up there already and no more available roof space

In a home installation yes, but in a mobile environment I want the panel fully level while travelling and I'm not always able to park facing roughly south so slightly tilted might leave me at a disadvantage. Subbed to your friend's channel, thanks :)