DIY Solar Panel Alignment Meter

Here Is a Simple DIY Analog Volt Meter For Aligning Solar Panels For Optimum Output.

This Model Can Be Used In Singles,Or Multiple Panel Configurations in 12v To 24v Systems Series Or Parallel Configurations Or For Just Testing The Output Of A Panel Or Feed Line To Aid In Troubleshooting Problems.

Analog as oppose to digital allows you to see at a glance in real time the sweet spot of maximum voltage & the upper & lower fall off as you tilt the panel.

for 36v systems you can use 60v meter for 48v systems use 80-100v meter, the trade off being it will not be as sensitive for lower voltage systems so it is best to build it for the system voltage you will be working with.

the Optimum way to set stationary solar panels is to find which month for your region calls for the highest angle before the angles start to decline (my region of southern Ontario Canada) we only have 3 months of usable high solar output June, July, Aug, thus I set my panels for mid July elevation & fine tune them when the sun is directly over head on a clear sunny day around the middle of July.

The meter works perfect for small portable setups to quickly find the maximum output without having to find charts & the correct elevation angles for your current location, just connect the meter to the panel output & slowly move the panel up & down until the needle is at the highest voltage or in the middle of the upper & lower drop off points, if it is mid day.