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This website will detail my journey to creating a Sun Tracking Solar Panel Array aka Heliostat

I have decided to create this diary so that I can look back over the weeks/months/years and remind myself of the exciting days of creating my PV array.
Hopefully some of you reading this will learn a lot from what I've done and may be inclined to have a go yourself.
There are many options available when it comes to creating energy using solar.

• Solar Panels mounted on a roof, shed, garage, whatever other large surface you might have lying around
• Solar Water Heater
• Solar Panels that track the sun on a single axis - usually as the Sun goes from East to West
• Solar Panels that track the sun on a dual axis - as the Sun goes from East to West and Altitude of the Sun in the sky

Advantages/Disadvantages of each -

• Solar Panels mounted on a roof are usually very expensive to install, requiring a specialist firm to come and install. And if any future issues arise, you'll need to get that specialist firm back out to come sort (at your expense)
• Solar Water Heater - Not a bad idea, but I'm not a plumber and messing around with water scares me ever so slightly...plus the missus would kill me if the hot water ever went off!
• Solar Panels that track the sun on a single axis - big increase in electricity generated when compared to static panels. More expensive and difficult to install, due to having to build the Sun Tracker, but then the improved efficiency means you don't have to buy as many solar panels
• Solar Panels that track the sun on a dual axis - even more of an increase in electricity generated when compared to single axis tracker. More expensive and difficult to install, due to having to build the Sun Tracker, but then the improved efficiency means you don't have to buy as many solar panels

Even though building a dual axis tracker is the most difficult to build, I've decided it's the way to go.

• Most efficient
• Don't have to buy as many solar panels
• Would look mega cool in the garden as it tracks the Sun - major talking point with my mates!

As you can see, a Tracked PV panel creates significantly more power in a given 24 hour period. Some estimates have placed this increase between 30%-50%





I believe the extra hassle of creating a Solar Tracking array is worth it when you consider just how much extra power you can create in a year. Providing you are clever with sourcing components, I reckon a Tracking Array could pay for itself in a year, maybe two.

A little about me

My name is Gavin. I'm 35 years old. I live in Nottingham, UK. I live with my girlfriend and 5 year old daughter.
I've been interested in renewable energy for years, probably about 10 years. The idea of being green and doing my bit for the environment (as well as saving money!) is very attractive to me.

I'm no expert DIY'er and I am undertaking this project with no prior experience. But I do have a decent selection of tools and a general aptitude for this kind of construction.

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