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eHam Forums => Portable Operations => Topic started by: N4SRN on November 28, 2022, 11:16:51 AM

Title: Solar Panel Support Ideas?
Post by: N4SRN on November 28, 2022, 11:16:51 AM
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07ZZ8VY2V?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

I have this folding rigid 100W solar panel. It comes with two small, heavy supports to hold it up at an angle for maximum efficiency. But they barely work on an indoor floor. Any ideas for lightweight portable support to keep the panel at proper angle? There are grommets in each corner.

Bret/N4SRM
Title: Re: Solar Panel Support Ideas?
Post by: N4SRN on December 26, 2022, 05:34:25 AM
The best idea yet from elsewhere is a low tripod with two legs that reach from just above the top center out to the lower left and right corners of the panel, with the third leg behind to adjust the panel angle. Lightweight aluminum tent pole tubing segments, like used in arrows, shock-corded together, would allow compact transport.
Title: Re: Solar Panel Support Ideas?
Post by: WB6BYU on December 26, 2022, 09:36:23 PM
We have a folding wooden easel intended for painting or
drawing.  Same sort of arrangement - a tripod with two
legs holding the paper and one in back to hold it up.

It might help, however, to have at least one leg be
adjustable if you don't have flat ground.  A camera
tripod is usually suitably adjustable, and may be
found cheap at Goodwill and other thrift stores.

A surveyor's tripod is sturdier, and also adjustable,
but probably more expensive.

If you usually set it up on flat ground, having
adjustable legs isn't as important.