How to Build a Manual Solar Tracker

By Tom Moates
Published on April 1, 1997
1 / 6

Receive maximum sun from this manual solar tracker.
Receive maximum sun from this manual solar tracker.
2 / 6

To clear the tree shade, we mounted the panels atop a 30- foot pole. The panels are then adjusted with a winch mounted at the base.
To clear the tree shade, we mounted the panels atop a 30- foot pole. The panels are then adjusted with a winch mounted at the base.
3 / 6

Diagram: Detail A.
Diagram: Detail A.
4 / 6

Diagram: Solar tracker piece information.
Diagram: Solar tracker piece information.
5 / 6

Materials list for solar tracker.
Materials list for solar tracker.
6 / 6

Diagram: How the solar tracker works.
Diagram: How the solar tracker works.

Tom Moates guide shows you how to build a manual solar tracker–cheap, rugged . . . perfect.

The first winter on our homestead was rough. The snows were
the worst anyone could remember in these Blue Ridge
Mountains of Virginia, and aside from the house being
completely incomplete and without running water, the solar
panels–our source of electricity–were , sitting

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368