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--- opinion:frater_secessus:portable_panels [2023/10/11 17:46]
frater_secessus [when portables underperform]
+++ opinion:frater_secessus:portable_panels [2024/04/07 18:49] (current)
frater_secessus [when portables outperform mounted]
@@ Line 18: / Line 18: @@
 ===== when portables outperform mounted =====
-Portables can outperform flat-mounted panels when they are either
+Portables can outperform flat-mounted panels when they are
-  * set out facing ~south((in the northern hemisphere)) at seasonally-optimal [[electrical:solar:output#panel_tilt|tilt]]; or
+  * set out facing ~south((in the northern hemisphere)) at seasonally-optimal [[electrical:solar:output#panel_tilt|tilt]] in clear weather((tilt has minimal effect in overcast conditions)); or
-  * moved throughout the day to optimally face the sun.  This can increase harvest over fixed tilt but requires frequent repositioning.  To give you an idea, automated single-axis trackers that follow the sun automatically can increase yield over fixed tilt by 20-35%.  Increases from occasional owner repositioning will be lower.
+  * moved throughout the day to optimally face the sun in clear weather.  This can increase harvest over fixed tilt but requires frequent repositioning.  To give you an idea, automated single-axis trackers that follow the sun automatically can increase yield over fixed tilt by 20-35%.  Increases from occasional owner repositioning will be lower.
+  * set out in the sun when the mounted solar needs to be shaded.  For example, in hot weather the van can be emplaced against the eastern edge of a treeline.  This will allow mounted panels to collect sun until ~noon and be shaded thereafter.  Portables placed further east and facing west((or south, or southwest... play with it)) will run loads after the trees shade the van.  [[https://img.mousetrap.net/2022/IMG_20220704_174821.jpg|Example setup]].
 ===== when portables underperform =====
@@ Line 29: / Line 30: @@
     * "won't be here that long"
     * panel isn't waterproof and it might rain (or has rained)
+    * [[camping:stealth_camping|stealth camping]] in the city and no place to deploy them safely
+    * high winds
   * set out but fell/blew over face-down
   * set out in overhead shade or high grass shade

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