SkyLooker
General purpose solar tracking frame and controller
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May be used for one or two axis tracking
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Single axis is "near polar" main frame for high efficiency
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Suitable for PV or thermal or both
- Novel ground attachment simplifies site preparation, eliminates need for cement,
- Does not need multiple attachment points to roof of a building (which often leak!)
- Concept puts single unit "out back" and off of building for better aesthetics and fewer parts
- Ground mounting reduces wind loads
- 'Automagically' stows to near- horizontal position at night and high wind
- Novel electronic tracking unit uses both crystal clock and sun sensing for best performance
- Avoids "self-shading" issues by going to single, medium sized frame structure — no unit to unit shading that other systems suffer from.
Skylooker Key Features:
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Able to support up to 8 PV panels at 200 Watts per panel
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Able to support up to 1000 pounds of solar thermal collectors
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Near polar mount improves output of thermal and PV collectors
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Makes thermal collectors more efficient for processes such as air conditioning
Tracker Electrical:
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Drive for the actuators is 12 to 20 volt depending on system configuration
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Power may be derived from either a 12 volt solar panel, or by using a grid-connected transformer (typically 16 VAC-very safe!)
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Battery backup is three "AA" cells that keep "brain" alive even if main AC is off or 12 Volt battery is dead
Low Cost Foundation:
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Uses “screw in” anchors
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No cement!
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Anchors bolt to frame
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Extremely sturdy
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Three anchors at base mount
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Simple frame structure uses straight sections of steel or aluminum or wood
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A "kit" is supplied to local installer(controller, bearings, fasteners, etc) and plans
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Many parts are purchased locally, avoiding shipping costs
