DIY solar tracker parts list

List of individual parts and final cost estimate

For the realization of our solar tracker we chose to use square section iron tube for availability, low cost and ease of processing.
The union between the parts that compose it is realized through screws and plates pre-drilled found in commerce, these plates help to increase the solidity of the structure, the choice of the fixing through screws is to allow to anyone the realization of this project, of course for those who know how to weld you can do so saving screws and connecting plates.
The necessary tools are drill preferably column, hacksaw also manual with blade for cutting iron, tin welder for connections and the simple realization of the relay circuit.
The sum of the costs of the various parts if you realize it as we did building most of the pieces with the DIY choosing with a minimum of attention where to buy should be between 100/110 € or 110/120 $.
Excluded from the calculation costs the paint needed to protect the iron structure since almost all of us have leftover paint that can be used without buying new.

[ Components for the control of the photovoltaic panel rotation ]

[ Screws and mechanical parts solar tracker - NOTE not present in photo sheet of plastic material size 300mm x 200mm ]

1. 1 linear actuator stroke 150mm
2. 1 linear cam to be self-built
3. 1 PCB with 3 self-tapping relays
4. 1 bulb 12 Volt 21 Watt
5. 1 timer type CN 101 12 Volt or similar for features
6. 2 micro electric switch
7. 2 x 55mm m10 stainless steel allen head screws, washers and screw nuts
8. 3 "L" angles made to DIY designs
9. 2 self-made perforated plates
10. 6 Allen head screws M6 x 15mm , washers and nuts
11. 2 hinges for relay and timer fixing
12. 5 pieces 30 x 30mm iron cut to size design
13. 2 pins 6mm diameter for linear actuator connection
14. 16 Allen head screws m6 x 45mm, washers and nuts
15. 6 junction plates 55 x 130mm or similar
16. 1 sheet of plastic material of good strength thickness 3/4 mm size 300mm x 200mm

The list does not include the elements to fix the solar panel to the structure that will be chosen according to the size of the photovoltaic panel

The two most expensive components as a single part of this project are the 12 or 24 Volt linear actuator with a 150 mm stroke whose cost is around $35-50. It is the part that moves the solar panel and to create an equivalent one by procuring of the motors and gears to assemble, as well as being more expensive, would ultimately be less reliable.
Linear actuator datasheet
The Cn 101 timer with 12 volt power supply which is used in this solar panel tracker project as a programmed time interval control of the linear actuator can be found at costs ranging from $3.5 to $7. With this timer we will be able to use its memories to set each movement (rotation) of the solar panel by repeating the commands cyclically every day regardless of the weather conditions.
CN101 12 Volt timer datasheet