Automatically deployable solar panels: flexibility and efficiency for your mobile home

If you travel a lot and want to remain independent of external power sources, then installable solar modules are the perfect solution for your camping adventure, motorhome or caravan. These systems have become increasingly popular, especially in recent years, as they are not only environmentally friendly but also very practical. In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about automatically deployable solar panels, how they work, whether they are worth the investment and what advantages they can offer you compared to permanently installed panels.

How do automatically deployable solar panels work?

Automatically erectable solar panels are state-of-the-art solar systems that automatically align themselves with the sun. This is done by so-called solar tracking systems, which determine the optimum angle of the modules to the sun and align the solar panels accordingly. This automatic alignment ensures that the modules use the best angle of irradiation throughout the day and can therefore capture more solar energy than static, permanently mounted solar modules.

The functionality is based on a combination of sensors and motors. The sensors detect the position of the sun and pass this information on to the system's control unit. This then controls the motors, which move the solar panels so that they are at the optimum angle to the sun. Some systems are able to make this adjustment every few minutes, while others only realign at certain times of the day.

The solar modules that can be set up can often be divided into two categories: Systems that track horizontally and vertically (dual-axis systems), and systems that only move on one axis (single tracking). Two-axis systems are more efficient as they can optimally capture the sun's rays from any angle, but they are also more expensive and more complex to install.

As a rule, the automatic systems are programmed to retract into a protective position in bad weather conditions or at night to protect the modules from damage caused by wind, rain or hail.

Is it worth making solar modules electrically adjustable?

Before you decide to purchase adjustable solar modules, the question naturally arises: is it worth investing in electrically adjustable solar modules at all? The answer depends on several factors, but in many cases it can be said that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

1. increased energy yield

One of the biggest advantages of electrically adjustable solar modules is the increased energy yield. While permanently installed solar modules can often only make optimum use of a fraction of the sunlight, automatically aligned modules capture more sunlight. Studies show that the yield can be increased by 30 - 60 % with automatically aligned solar modules. This higher efficiency is particularly beneficial in the early morning and late evening hours, when the sun is lower in the sky and fixed modules are less effective.

2. maximizing performance in changing weather conditions

Automatically adjustable solar panels also have a clear advantage in changeable weather conditions. While fixed modules often perform poorly in overcast or cloudy conditions, automatically adjustable modules can continue to align themselves optimally with the sun and thus maximize the energy yield. This is particularly useful if you often camp or travel in areas with changeable weather.

3 Convenience and comfort

Another advantage is convenience. With automatically adjustable solar modules, you don't have to constantly worry about manually adjusting or aligning the modules. The system takes care of this fully automatically, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your trip. This is especially handy if you are traveling a lot or are in remote areas where you don't have the time or opportunity to take care of your solar panels.

4. long-term cost savings

Although electrically adjustable solar modules are more expensive to purchase than permanently installed modules, the increased energy yield can pay off financially in the long term. If you are less dependent on external power sources or have to charge your battery less frequently due to the higher energy yield, you will save money in the long term. In addition, the higher efficiency of the modules can mean that you will need fewer modules to cover your energy requirements in the future.

5. environmental friendliness

Another aspect that should not be overlooked is environmental friendliness. The more energy you can generate from the sun's rays, the less reliant you are on fossil fuels or external power sources. This not only reduces your ecological footprint, but also helps to protect the environment.

How do I install automatically deployable solar panels?

Installing automatically deployable solar panels is usually straightforward, although it does require some technical know-how. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install your solar panels:

1. preparing the ground

Before you start the installation, you should carefully prepare the area where the solar panels are to be installed. Make sure that the surface is stable and level and offers enough space for the solar panels to move freely. For motorhomes and caravans, it is important to ensure that the mounting points are stable enough to support the weight of the solar panels and the movements of the motors.

2 Wiring and connection

Once the solar panels are in place, they need to be connected to your electrical system. This is usually done by connecting the solar panels to a charge controller that feeds the generated electricity into your battery. Make sure that the wiring is done correctly to minimize energy loss and ensure that the panels work efficiently.

3. setting up the control unit

Solar panels that can be set up automatically usually have a control unit that is controlled either via a display or a mobile app. Here you can activate the automatic function, manually adjust the alignment of the modules or set specific programs for different weather conditions and times of day.

4. test run

Once the modules have been installed and connected, you should give the system a test run. Check whether the solar panels are aligned correctly and whether the energy yield is as expected. It may be useful to observe the system over several days to ensure that everything is working properly.

What are the advantages of automatically erectable solar panels compared to permanently mounted panels?

If you're wondering what the advantages of automatically mounted solar panels are compared to fixed solar panels, here's a brief overview:

1. maximum efficiency

The biggest advantage of automatically erectable solar modules is their efficiency. They can track the position of the sun throughout the day and always align themselves at the optimum angle to the sun. This leads to a significantly higher energy yield compared to permanently installed modules, which only have a fixed angle available.

2. independence and flexibility

With solar modules that can be set up, you are more flexible and less dependent on external power sources. Especially when traveling, camping or on remote campsites, you can ensure that you always have enough energy available without having to rely on external power sources.

3. less space required

As automatically adjustable modules work more efficiently, in many cases you need fewer modules to achieve the same energy yield. This can be an advantage if space is limited, for example on the roof of your motorhome.

4. longevity

Automatically deployable solar modules are designed to withstand adverse weather conditions. Modern systems have protective mechanisms that ensure that the modules are moved into a safe position in strong winds or rain to prevent damage.

Problems when mounting solar modules on the roof

Even non-electrically adjustable solar modules add weight due to their brackets. With the electric versions, the weight of the motors is added to this. Solar modules alone weigh 5 to 10 kilograms. This load on the roof impairs driving stability, especially in motorhomes, as the center of gravity is higher. This impairs handling and makes the vehicle more susceptible to crosswinds. There is also a risk of exceeding the permissible total mass of 3.5 tons.

Another problem is securing the modules while driving. It is crucial that the modules are properly and firmly locked to prevent them from coming loose at high speed, which could cause serious accidents.

How much more yield can you expect by using automatically deployable solar panels?

A decisive factor when choosing solar panels that can be set up automatically is the question of how much additional yield you can actually expect. Studies show that automatically tracked solar modules can generate around 30 - 60 % more energy than permanently installed modules. This is because the modules catch the sun's rays at an optimum angle throughout the day.

The difference is particularly noticeable in the early morning and late evening hours, as the sun is lower during these periods and permanently installed modules cannot optimally capture the sun's rays. Automatically installed modules, on the other hand, continuously adjust their orientation and can therefore deliver a high yield throughout the day.

Alternative options to automatically erectable solar panels

Even though automatically deployable solar panels offer many advantages, they are not the best solution for everyone. If you're looking for alternatives, there are a few options you can consider:

1. fixed solar panels

Permanently installed solar panels are the simplest and most cost-effective solution. Although they do not offer the flexibility and efficiency of automatically deployable panels, they are cheaper to purchase and require less maintenance. For campers who spend most of their time in sunny regions, permanently installed modules can still be a practical solution.

2. manually adjustable solar modules

Another alternative is manually adjustable solar panels. These offer a certain degree of flexibility, as you can adjust the modules to the optimum angle to the sun yourself. The disadvantage is that you have to do this manually, which can sometimes be time-consuming depending on the weather conditions and location.

3. portable solar modules

Portable solar panels are another flexible option. These modules can be set up and taken down as required. They are particularly light and easy to transport, which makes them ideal for campers who are on the move a lot. The downside is that you have to set up and align the modules yourself to get the best yield.

Frequently asked questions

Are automatically erectable solar panels suitable for all types of roofs?

Yes, in principle, automatic mounting solar panels are suitable for different types of roofs, as long as the roof is stable enough to support the weight and movement of the modules. For motorhomes and caravans, however, you should make sure that the mounting points are strong enough to hold the modules securely.

How do automatically deployable solar panels behave in extreme weather conditions?

Modern, deployable solar panels are generally robust enough to withstand extreme weather conditions. They often have special mechanisms that bring them into a protective position in strong winds or rain to prevent damage.

What maintenance work is required for automatically deployable solar panels?

Automatically deployable solar panels are generally low-maintenance. Apart from occasional cleaning and checking the mechanics (e.g. lubricating the moving parts), there is very little maintenance work to be done.

How high are the costs for automatically erectable solar panels compared to conventional systems?

The costs for automatically erectable solar panels are generally higher than for permanently installed systems. However, you should include the higher energy yield and convenience in your calculation. The higher purchase costs are often amortized after a few years due to the additional electricity yield.

What technological developments are there in automatically deployable solar panels?

Many technological innovations have been developed in the field of solar modules in recent years. Nowadays, there are deployable solar panels that can be controlled by app and have a variety of sensors to optimize performance. Some systems even offer weather forecast integrations to adjust the position of the modules to upcoming weather changes.

In summary, ground-mounted solar panels are a great way to maximize the energy output of your motorhome or caravan. Although they are more expensive to purchase than permanently installed modules, they offer many advantages such as greater efficiency, flexibility and convenience. If you travel regularly and want to remain independent of external power sources, these modules are a worthwhile investment.