Amazon Affiliate links: Adjustable Solar Panel Tilt Mount Brackets: amzn.to/49s0OFv 5 Inch Caster Wheel set: amzn.to/4cB8fvT Another 5 Inch Caster Wheel set: amzn.to/4car4pz The bolts, and washers I used were from Home Depot. Here are some with the same specs (actually should be better since they are SS) 1/4" x 3-1/2" Hex Head Lag Screws Bolts: amzn.to/49N0AbB Stainless Steel Flat Washer 1/4": amzn.to/3T9Kq6J I have not used these, just some things I found when researching ground anchors. Might be worth a look. Ground Anchors: amzn.to/3UUwEpL Again, I have not tried these, so YMMV I get my solar panels from: beenebrothers.com/shop/ ================ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: This channel may earn an affiliate commission if you purchase products through links I provide. ================ CONTACT: bradcagleyt@gmail.com Business/Collaboration only. Please do not contact me for for personal project help, or advice. ================ DISCLAIMER: These videos are documenting my own projects, and experiences. These projects, and activities can be dangerous. Do not try any of this at home, doing so will be at your own risk.
I started doing this with the EG4 Brightmounts and 8" casters. The EG4 mount is much larger so I'm using 12' 4x6's with 2x6 cross members. I'm also using 16" ground anchors with tie down straps to secure in place and protect from potential high winds. Out in the country so the 8" wheels really help on the rough terrain and they needed to be able to handle 500lbs. So far so good..
I have been taking about making something like this, but didn't know mounts existed. Thanks so much for this video, now for me last upgrade. Wanted them moveable so I could quickly mow and put them back. Again thanks for the info and ideas.
I was looking for something just like this. As soon as I'll find some time I'll built the same thing. Seems very simple and effective. Thank you, greetings from Italy
With that mobile rack, or a stationary version, you could have a second wooden rail attached so when you are approaching the summer solstice and want to lay the panels flat, you just unbolt them from the "winter" position and move them to a more horizontal layout. Very cool stuff.
Hmm, good Idea. Or how about 1 foot wooden kickstands on the front that swing down to prop up the front? Just a 2x4x1 (or 1.25') that has a single lag through it so it can pivot down, one on each front corner ?
@@BradCagleso when not using the front kickstands you'd remove the bolt from the front of the kickstands, where it connects to the corners, and store the one foot kickstands until needed again? Thank you Sir for posting.
@@mikedevita5558 I was thinking they would pivot on a single bolt. That way they could swing back up into the frame, and latch. Like a kickstand on a bike, but you would need to have some latch mechanism to hold them up. Or maybe friction can hold them up, spring on the bolt? or you get the bolt tight enough to hold the kickstands up, but not too tight that you cannot move it? I still feel like you would need a spring to keep tension as the wood will shrink overtime. Just some ideas. Thanks
Love this! What ill be doing is putting Trex board on the bottom to act as skids, and run a roundover bit along the bottom to give it a nice curved edge. So i dont have to worry about my muddy yard mucking up the wheels and it sinking in.
This takes sun tracking to the next level. Not only can it do 2-axis rotation, it can do 2-axis translation over the ground! Now add a microprocessor and some powered big wheels and have them track the sun while staying out of the shadow of the trees! 😎
Nice frame. That mount kit looks like a less expensive version (but basically the same) as the "HQST Adjustable Solar Panel Tilt Mount Brackets" kit. I have like five or six of the HQST kits that I bought a few years ago and they are endlessly useful and flexible. Very sturdy. I recommend using some of the spare lumber to reinforce the four corners of your frames. Your wood framing is a lot prettier than what I did. I basically use some wide wood blanks, two on each axis, and bolted them together with big washers. It kinda looks like a "#" (hash symbol). Then I bolted the mount kits to them. Also with big washers to prevent the bolts from sinking into the wood over time. Oh, plus a third thin piece of wood in the middle going down one axis to prevent the structure from twisting. So far they've survived 2 years exposed to the elements and wind up on the top of the back-deck Pergola. Heavy-duty zip-ties are useful with these things too if securing to something (railing, pergola, whatever). I've been getting JIAHCN zip ties and they are freaking awesome! 2 years in the elements holding things together and still in perfect condition. -Matt
Great suggestion on reinforcing the corners. Yeah, I noticed a lot of well known companies have these adjustable kits, and most look the same as these (at a much higher price). This one seems quite sturdy, I'm almost temped to buy one of the name brand kits to compare. Thanks!
This is such a good idea. The solar illumination varies so much throughout the year in my back yard, so I could move my panels around for optimal illumination and have easy access to mow my lawn.
Very nice; I will be doing the same but will incorporate locking casters to prevent the moving around that you mentioned, as I plan to place them on concrete slab adjacent to our garages. Thanks!
Thanks for the info. I get a lot of wind here so anchors would be a good fit. I might as well get a wind turbine wind mill to take advantage of the free wind.
hey, I really liked this construction and the video in general. question, what do you think will be the life span of the wood frames considering the rain factor?
wow great budget mount, i just got the same panel from beene brothers and was looking to build or buy a mount- this is great budget friendly build. Thanks.
I just bought some similar Hyperion 405 panels. I found your video search for DIY portable mounts. My set up is that I want to roll the two panels back into my garage for storage. I want to be able to basically lower the panels on the the cart to store against the wall. I like your frame but it does not collapse flat. Would you know of a similar frame that could be uncoupled to lay flat. The video was super informing. After a close look at the back mount, I probably could use a cotter pin to pull and lower flat.
Seems like you could just take the sawhorse mounted rotating array from your previous video a while back and put it on wheels then you wouldn't have to worry about manually adjusting it
The panels are these beenebrothers.com/product/trina-vertex-385w-new-panel/ He also has these 400w, for an even better price beenebrothers.com/product/hyperion-400w-bi-facial-new/
I wonder how someone would get this whole thing lifted higher off the ground. I live in a snowy climate and dont need wheels but would like 24 inches of ground clearance. Looking to build something to hold 4 panels on the ground to keep my Delta Pro Ultra topped off during a power outage.
Hi, I would think build up from the initial frame build, then add some sort of ski like a float plane. As the snow piles up to the ski height, the wheel/caster assy folds up?
I would like to build a few of these for some really big panels. Like 550 watt ones. I'm guessing I would need like some 12 inch casters and a much wider array frame.
I’m looking for that same blueprint, but want four panels with an actuator that slides two of them out. Only have room to store two panels but need four.
@@BradCagleWhat about a vertical door hinge on the outside two panels? Outside panels would the hinge, flip over the inside panel, on both sides. Like wings.
Hello. I'm looking into building this to have them plugged in 24/7 into my delta 2 max. My question is, does this need grounding? I'm new to solar, and need to learn the safety aspect to it, and understand it, so I don't make mistakes in my journey. Thanks for the vid!
I have 6 Jackery 200W portable panels. I am trying to figure out a way to do something like this but designed for the portable panels. With the exception of computers I am a COMPLETE novice when it comes to doing projects with my hands. I am eager to learn and don't mind failing. Is there a design you could suggest that would allow me to "hang" 3-4 of of them horizontally. I really like your base platform and I am hoping to modify it for the portable panels. Thanks!
This seems perfect for my situation. I have an HOA and I don't want to put solar on my roof. This is the idea I was looking for. Now just to do it. Berri No-ICE.
I have a house and I also do not wanna put solar panels on the roof. I do not wanna have issues with leaking roof and wanna put on to the carport, pergola or something like this.
unique design. How rigid are the mounts after fully assembled. Also the back of the Bi-facials are glass probable what your seeing is a protective film on the glass, there not that fragile. One thing it might be best the have the adjustable panel brackets facing on the outside just to avoid the metal being under the glass, less chance of catastrophic damage in a freak wind storm pushing the mounts into the glass. Shed or trampoline ground anchors would work good for securing.
Hi; What size, weight, wattage and make are yout panels shown here? I have some Rich Solar 400 watt Mega panels and I would like to compare to the size of what you have built the 4 wheel carts for, as I really like what you have built. Thank You
I built a 2 panel mount in 30 minutes using 1 2x 8, 6 drywall screws and a 2-4 cut in 20.5" pieces for the 3 legs. All scrap wood.Its fixed at 19 degrees the ideal summer angle. In the winter I'll drill extension wood pieces to raise it to 50 degrees.
These are the 385w Trina Vertex Beene Brothers has, although I think he's about out. He does have the Hyperion 400w Bi facials. I got these before he had the Hyperions, I would have got them instead. Thanks!
Awesome. How do you ground the panels in this rack? Are you just laying the cables to the inverter in the ground our you ran conduit? Thank you, I’m to build one for my ecoflow.
I’m going to build something similar for a single 220v panel. I’m debating on doing it horizontal or vertical. Have you had any issues with the wind catching it?
A lot less chance of roof damage if you don't drill holes in it LOL That's why I'm going with ground mount. Plus easier to clean and maintain if they're on the ground as we get older.
Actually that flat portion on my sun room is covered with panels on one side. I'll be expanding more, just got to get around to it, and there's a large tree branch I need to remove first.
True, but also requires more maintenance, and that's why I intentionally avoided them. Everything I've had with pneumatic tires, hand truck, pressure washers, etc. have been an extra pain. Thanks!
So you could hang the long end off the low end if you raised this up higher? Keep coming back to this as a solution to not have full sized panels consume my back yard and not extend above a 6 foot fence.
Amazon Affiliate links:
Adjustable Solar Panel Tilt Mount Brackets: amzn.to/49s0OFv
5 Inch Caster Wheel set: amzn.to/4cB8fvT
Another 5 Inch Caster Wheel set: amzn.to/4car4pz
The bolts, and washers I used were from Home Depot. Here are some with the same specs (actually should be better since they are SS)
1/4" x 3-1/2" Hex Head Lag Screws Bolts: amzn.to/49N0AbB
Stainless Steel Flat Washer 1/4": amzn.to/3T9Kq6J
I have not used these, just some things I found when researching ground anchors. Might be worth a look.
Ground Anchors: amzn.to/3UUwEpL
Again, I have not tried these, so YMMV
I get my solar panels from: beenebrothers.com/shop/
================
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: This channel may earn an affiliate commission if you purchase products through links I provide.
================
CONTACT: bradcagleyt@gmail.com
Business/Collaboration only. Please do not contact me for for personal project help, or advice.
================
DISCLAIMER: These videos are documenting my own projects, and experiences. These projects, and activities can be dangerous. Do not try any of this at home, doing so will be at your own risk.
Oh no.. no longer available item
I started doing this with the EG4 Brightmounts and 8" casters. The EG4 mount is much larger so I'm using 12' 4x6's with 2x6 cross members. I'm also using 16" ground anchors with tie down straps to secure in place and protect from potential high winds. Out in the country so the 8" wheels really help on the rough terrain and they needed to be able to handle 500lbs. So far so good..
That sounds awesome. I really consider the brightmount, but decided I wanted two halves to experiment with. Thanks!
pictures!
I have been taking about making something like this, but didn't know mounts existed. Thanks so much for this video, now for me last upgrade. Wanted them moveable so I could quickly mow and put them back. Again thanks for the info and ideas.
You're welcome, glad you find it helpful!
Simple but works. I like that they are so portable
Thanks!
I was looking for something just like this. As soon as I'll find some time I'll built the same thing.
Seems very simple and effective.
Thank you, greetings from Italy
MAN! AWESOME DIY PROJECT - YOUR CHANNEL ROCKS!! SO GLAD I WATCHED THIS VIDEO FOR MY NEXT UPGRADE OF A SOLAR 2 TON MINI SPLIT HT PUMP
Thanks, man!
Great job, I especially like your supervisor/inspector, he is so cute.
That's my boy :) Thanks!
With that mobile rack, or a stationary version, you could have a second wooden rail attached so when you are approaching the summer solstice and want to lay the panels flat, you just unbolt them from the "winter" position and move them to a more horizontal layout. Very cool stuff.
Hmm, good Idea. Or how about 1 foot wooden kickstands on the front that swing down to prop up the front? Just a 2x4x1 (or 1.25') that has a single lag through it so it can pivot down, one on each front corner ?
@@BradCagleso when not using the front kickstands you'd remove the bolt from the front of the kickstands, where it connects to the corners, and store the one foot kickstands until needed again?
Thank you Sir for posting.
@@mikedevita5558 I was thinking they would pivot on a single bolt. That way they could swing back up into the frame, and latch. Like a kickstand on a bike, but you would need to have some latch mechanism to hold them up. Or maybe friction can hold them up, spring on the bolt? or you get the bolt tight enough to hold the kickstands up, but not too tight that you cannot move it? I still feel like you would need a spring to keep tension as the wood will shrink overtime. Just some ideas. Thanks
Easy DIY. Will add to list of Solor Projects😅. Thanks keep us busy
You're welcome. We wouldn't know what to do with ourselves if we didn't have at least 10 unfinished projects stacked up, right? 🤣
Nice, simple build! Giving me ideas...but I don't need any more projects!
Yeah, I hear ya. I don't need anymore projects either, but we all know it'll never stop LOL. Thanks!
@@BradCagle always keeps things interesting! I'm looking at a "solar roof" for our chicken/duck coop and run this spring/summer.
Nice. I've really been thinking about building a studio with a solar roof.
@@BradCagle why not…always need more Solar!
we bought land out in Nevada.. going off grid.. and this is the best vid on setting up our 600w solar panels.. simple and to the point..
Love this!
What ill be doing is putting Trex board on the bottom to act as skids, and run a roundover bit along the bottom to give it a nice curved edge. So i dont have to worry about my muddy yard mucking up the wheels and it sinking in.
This takes sun tracking to the next level. Not only can it do 2-axis rotation, it can do 2-axis translation over the ground! Now add a microprocessor and some powered big wheels and have them track the sun while staying out of the shadow of the trees! 😎
Nice frame. That mount kit looks like a less expensive version (but basically the same) as the "HQST Adjustable Solar Panel Tilt Mount Brackets" kit. I have like five or six of the HQST kits that I bought a few years ago and they are endlessly useful and flexible. Very sturdy.
I recommend using some of the spare lumber to reinforce the four corners of your frames. Your wood framing is a lot prettier than what I did. I basically use some wide wood blanks, two on each axis, and bolted them together with big washers. It kinda looks like a "#" (hash symbol). Then I bolted the mount kits to them. Also with big washers to prevent the bolts from sinking into the wood over time. Oh, plus a third thin piece of wood in the middle going down one axis to prevent the structure from twisting. So far they've survived 2 years exposed to the elements and wind up on the top of the back-deck Pergola.
Heavy-duty zip-ties are useful with these things too if securing to something (railing, pergola, whatever). I've been getting JIAHCN zip ties and they are freaking awesome! 2 years in the elements holding things together and still in perfect condition.
-Matt
Great suggestion on reinforcing the corners. Yeah, I noticed a lot of well known companies have these adjustable kits, and most look the same as these (at a much higher price). This one seems quite sturdy, I'm almost temped to buy one of the name brand kits to compare. Thanks!
Well done, Brad. Keep at it! Will emulate in Florida.
Thanks!
This is such a good idea. The solar illumination varies so much throughout the year in my back yard, so I could move my panels around for optimal illumination and have easy access to mow my lawn.
Thank you! Yes exactly same scenario in my back yard :)
Very nice; I will be doing the same but will incorporate locking casters to prevent the moving around that you mentioned, as I plan to place them on concrete slab adjacent to our garages. Thanks!
Man this would be perfect for me. Thank you for this video. What's the dimensions on those panels you used?
You're welcome. The dimensions of the panels are 69.06 × 43.15 × 1.18 inches
Thanks for the info. I get a lot of wind here so anchors would be a good fit. I might as well get a wind turbine wind mill to take advantage of the free wind.
Nice setup. Looks very sturdy.
Thanks!
Very nice, I thought that would be hard to move on grass, but having the rope attached so that you also lift while you pull is a good solution.
Yup, the rope tied to the frame makes all the difference. Thanks!
hey, I really liked this construction and the video in general.
question, what do you think will be the life span of the wood frames considering the rain factor?
These are pressure treated for outdoor use, also you can use something like BEHR waterproof stain/finish.
Thanks for sharing this mount. I built 2 and they are perfect for my use!
wow great budget mount, i just got the same panel from beene brothers and was looking to build or buy a mount- this is great budget friendly build. Thanks.
@@Nobodynoidea Awesome! Glad to be helpful:)
Your vid is just what I needed. Excellent. Thank you.
Put a clip on the pull rope so you only need one! 😁👍👍🇺🇸
I'm doing something similar to yours. Only difference is I bought 10" pneumatic caster wheels from Harbor Freight. Great Video!
I wonder what the wind rating is on that bad boy?
well done, I like it, I will put casters with even bigger wheels to maneuver better on the tall grass and uneven terrain.
Simple and Cost Effective.
Thanks!
I just ordered 2 sets of the same $59.80
@@hegefarms4260 Nice! :)
I just bought some similar Hyperion 405 panels. I found your video search for DIY portable mounts. My set up is that I want to roll the two panels back into my garage for storage. I want to be able to basically lower the panels on the the cart to store against the wall. I like your frame but it does not collapse flat. Would you know of a similar frame that could be uncoupled to lay flat. The video was super informing. After a close look at the back mount, I probably could use a cotter pin to pull and lower flat.
Seems like you could just take the sawhorse mounted rotating array from your previous video a while back and put it on wheels then you wouldn't have to worry about manually adjusting it
That's true, I've got some ideas brewing for other trackers.
he had the best idea on that setup ...
Great setup. What are the specs on those panels? I want some. thanks
The panels are these beenebrothers.com/product/trina-vertex-385w-new-panel/
He also has these 400w, for an even better price beenebrothers.com/product/hyperion-400w-bi-facial-new/
I wonder how someone would get this whole thing lifted higher off the ground. I live in a snowy climate and dont need wheels but would like 24 inches of ground clearance. Looking to build something to hold 4 panels on the ground to keep my Delta Pro Ultra topped off during a power outage.
Hi, I would think build up from the initial frame build, then add some sort of ski like a float plane. As the snow piles up to the ski height, the wheel/caster assy folds up?
Great idea Brad. I reckon someone will put this on powered wheels and sense the ultimate positioning for max solar. Maybe reach out to James Bruton?
I swear you have tuned into my brainwaves LOL. I was totally thinking this :)
@@BradCagleBrad, I'm not a real person. I am AI that reads minds. Lol.
@@Bennyboy-dog It all makes sense now 🤣
I would like to build a few of these for some really big panels. Like 550 watt ones. I'm guessing I would need like some 12 inch casters and a much wider array frame.
What size solar panels are you using, I love the build, I'm going to copy you.
These are the panels I used beenebrothers.com/product/trina-vertex-385w-new-panel/ Thanks!
Thanks@@BradCagle
@@Tightburn You're welcome
I’m looking for that same blueprint, but want four panels with an actuator that slides two of them out. Only have room to store two panels but need four.
Man, that would be awesome! I have thought about doing slide outs. Maybe I can figure out how to do it on a budget?
@@BradCagleWhat about a vertical door hinge on the outside two panels? Outside panels would the hinge, flip over the inside panel, on both sides. Like wings.
Hello. I'm looking into building this to have them plugged in 24/7 into my delta 2 max. My question is, does this need grounding? I'm new to solar, and need to learn the safety aspect to it, and understand it, so I don't make mistakes in my journey.
Thanks for the vid!
Been looking at something to make panels absorb more sunlight and this is the cheapest method i reckon
Simple and effective, thanks.
I have 6 Jackery 200W portable panels. I am trying to figure out a way to do something like this but designed for the portable panels. With the exception of computers I am a COMPLETE novice when it comes to doing projects with my hands. I am eager to learn and don't mind failing. Is there a design you could suggest that would allow me to "hang" 3-4 of of them horizontally. I really like your base platform and I am hoping to modify it for the portable panels. Thanks!
What do you think will happen when gusty winds come?
Much easier to move if you connect the rope to the front end snd back end of side board vs just center of board.
This is great-Thanks sooo much!
This seems perfect for my situation. I have an HOA and I don't want to put solar on my roof. This is the idea I was looking for. Now just to do it. Berri No-ICE.
I have a house and I also do not wanna put solar panels on the roof. I do not wanna have issues with leaking roof and wanna put on to the carport, pergola or something like this.
@@alexk6745Iron ridge ff2 mounts have so many safe guards against water leaking. I wouldn't be worried.
i'm thinking would be easy flip the panels for morning and afternoon with a bit more effort.
unique design. How rigid are the mounts after fully assembled. Also the back of the Bi-facials are glass probable what your seeing is a protective film on the glass, there not that fragile. One thing it might be best the have the adjustable panel brackets facing on the outside just to avoid the metal being under the glass, less chance of catastrophic damage in a freak wind storm pushing the mounts into the glass. Shed or trampoline ground anchors would work good for securing.
Thanks. These do not have glass on the back. Some have glass, and some just have a translucent plastic backing.
The screws you drilled into the wood to connect the bracket, did they come with the bracket or you had to buy them?
They came with the brackets.
The adjustable arms are only good for 30 degrees? Kind of useless if you need 60.
Can you collapse it flat?
Im thinking of doing the same but with pvc 👍😎
Oh man, that's a good idea!
Hi;
What size, weight, wattage and make are yout panels shown here?
I have some Rich Solar 400 watt
Mega panels and I would like to compare to the size of what you have built the 4 wheel carts for, as I really like what you have built.
Thank You
Nice setup how much solar is on each cart?
Thanks. The panels are 385w each, I've actually seen over 770w each cart.
Can you purchase these panels in Florida @@BradCagle
Nice build
I built a 2 panel mount in 30 minutes using 1 2x 8, 6 drywall screws and a 2-4 cut in 20.5" pieces for the 3 legs. All scrap wood.Its fixed at 19 degrees the ideal summer angle. In the winter I'll drill extension wood pieces to raise it to 50 degrees.
Nice!
Thank you for this! Gave me some ideas😀
Hyperion panels? They look nice, also nice mount!
These are the 385w Trina Vertex Beene Brothers has, although I think he's about out. He does have the Hyperion 400w Bi facials. I got these before he had the Hyperions, I would have got them instead. Thanks!
Do you have a link for the solar frame you bought?
Really nice!
Thanks!
Awesome. How do you ground the panels in this rack? Are you just laying the cables to the inverter in the ground our you ran conduit? Thank you, I’m to build one for my ecoflow.
How much angle adjustment do you have? I’ll need 22.5 - 44.5 degrees throughout the seasons.
Harbor Freight screw anchor 18” Pet Stake $3.49
Very nice video and great informaion, how much power were you able to get out of these 2 panels?
I see around 1400w peak (sometimes higher) with all 4 panels. Thanks
Very nice i like it....
Thanks!
You used 43 inches for the width because your panels were 43 inches wide? You put the length over that width. I don’t follow. Please explain
The length of the side rails should be cos(tilt_up_angle). Side Rail length = 80% of Panel *length* at avg 30° tilt up.
I’m going to build something similar for a single 220v panel. I’m debating on doing it horizontal or vertical. Have you had any issues with the wind catching it?
All depends upon the wind speed in *your* yard.
I like it !
Nice video. Did you mount the Sungold Power 560-watt Bifacial PERC panels on these stands?
No, but I was really considering it. Not sure if they would fit. Hmm
Are you still using the Solar tracker? I was thinking of building one.
I'm going to rebuild it. I have some ideas, maybe a new design.
I guess I will wait and see what you do. I’m just getting started. Thank you I appreciate you and I am learning a lot.
I'm surprised your roof isn't covered with panels. Lots of flat space up there.
A lot less chance of roof damage if you don't drill holes in it LOL
That's why I'm going with ground mount.
Plus easier to clean and maintain if they're on the ground as we get older.
Actually that flat portion on my sun room is covered with panels on one side. I'll be expanding more, just got to get around to it, and there's a large tree branch I need to remove first.
@@mycabinlife1291 Very true.
@@BradCagle Very cool!
sandbag on corners
Pretty big over kill with using solid posts.
The weight lowers the center of gravity = increased safety.
Ah spotted the Maligator….
Yup, that's my bitey boy :)
You should put more effort in your 2 axis solar panel design. Already proven as fact that you get more wattage per day than rigid standing panels
Hang tight, I've got some ideas in the works :)
pneumatic wheels would be much better for grass
True, but also requires more maintenance, and that's why I intentionally avoided them. Everything I've had with pneumatic tires, hand truck, pressure washers, etc. have been an extra pain. Thanks!
So you could hang the long end off the low end if you raised this up higher? Keep coming back to this as a solution to not have full sized panels consume my back yard and not extend above a 6 foot fence.