DAT-1 Solar Tracking Module (2.6m² Solar Racking)

What do you need to know to install a DAT Array;

Does a DAT unit cost include the Foundation ?

No, as some customers prefer to manufacture there own foundation or base plate, as these small modules can be Free standing, just like a Cafe Umbrella, or if prefer, can be Dynabolt to a Cement slab.

However, we commonly supply a 90~130cm Double Flanged Foundation Pole, the Top Flange should be set at Ground level, the Top Flange has the same bolt pattern as the main Mast, providing easier bolt on installation.

What's the Solar Panel Ground clearance height ?

With the panels Tilted 60 degrees in the morning & evening, the panels can be as close as you like, commonly no less than 30cm above the ground, as that will allow for mowing of the lawn.

If you want to increase the ground clearance so people & livestock etc. can walk beneath, the Mast heigh needs to be increased, where a 300cm pivot height, will provide approx. 240cm ground clearance (see below images).

What is the Ground spacing between multiple DAT's, to stop panel shading ?

North-south direction spacing is approx. 5 meters.

East-west direction the distance is approx. 4 meters.

These distances will change depending on your installation positioning, your Latitude plays a part of DAT spacing, and any Shading from Trees or Terrain etc.

What Hight are the solar panels in the Tilt & Stow Position ?

In a Tilt position of 60° the panels will be 300mm (30cm) from the ground.

In the Stow position (Horizontal) with a standard Mast, the height will be approx. 250cm Heigh.

The location & Height of a DAT units will be set by the Surrounding Trees, Buildings &/or Terrain, so the DAT unit need to be high enough to capture the Morning & Evening Sun.

We also need north-south direction. The height of the tree. This requires some work to calculate and plan. Or

1. You tell the exact height from the ground (at a 60 degree tilt)

2. Tell us how many units are needed (according to North-south direction and east-west direction).

What will a DAT-1 Harvest ?

A DAT-1 unit mounted with 1x 500W solar panels will harvest approx. 5kWh/p per Day at 30° Latitude.

It should be noted the further South of the Equator you live, DAT units will harvest even more energy!

These are some images of our first DAT-1 Prototype;

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We used a common 4X4WD High-lift Jack to raise the DAT module, in the production model a Hinge will be an Optional extra.  The hinge design allows for the DAT to be Assembly at Ground level, then raised without the need of Scaffolding, the hinge also make for easy lowering for cleaning or maintenance or enable easier relocation to the next home. The production model will be able to be purchased with a 24V Hydraulic Module as shown above.