Moveable Solar Mounting Rack

I build this movable solar mounting rack. It allows me to move to wherever location, turn toward the sun, and for those who don't want to mount to roof (especially with HOA restriction).... This is your alternative option.

Materials / Parts

4 - wheels 10” pneumatic swivel from harbor freight

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-in-pneumatic-swivel-caster-63799.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiNDk3MDQyOTAiLCJza3UiOiI2Mzc5OSIsImlzIjoiMTcuMDkwOTk5OTk5OTk5OTk4In0%3D&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=15487895713&campaignid=15487895713&utm_content=132359051644&adsetid=132359051644&product=63799&store=63&gclid=CjwKCAiAksyNBhAPEiwAlDBeLG9WRB5UfxqIjqPLt-lYEu9V1xMUOW0YuEAlqWk6im1hPEpsP3vA7xoC7FMQAvD_BwE

6 – 2x4x92” from Home Depot

https://www.homedepot.com/p/2-in-x-4-in-x-92-5-8-in-Prime-Whitewood-Stud-058448/312528780

3 – gate hinges from Home Depot

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-4-in-Satin-Nickel-5-8-in-Radius-Door-Hinge-15002/202558089

2 – L brackets superstruts ½” holes

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Superstrut-4-Hole-90-Degree-Angle-Strut-Bracket-Silver-Galvanized-ZAB205EG-10/202077397

4 – lag screws (1/2” x 1-3/4”) … or whatever L bracket holes you get (either ½” or 3/8” diameter) to mount L brackets. (picture below is for a box, you need only 4)

https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-2-in-x-2-in-A307-Grade-A-Hot-Dip-Galvanized-Steel-Hex-Lag-Screws-25-Pack-9056788/310668893

2 – hex bolts (1/2” x 2”), 2 washers, 1 nut …. Again, holes are depending on L-bracket. These are for 2 pivots points on top.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-2-in-13-x-8-in-Galvanized-Hex-Bolt-805756/204633237

2 – hex bolts (1/2” x 5”), 2 washer, 1 nut … these are for 2 pivots points at bottom (similar to previous 2 hex bolts) just a longer

Some wood screws (3”) to build base and some lag screws to mount wheels.

1) Mount solar panels to 2 of 2x4x92 (flush at bottom). I just drill through solar mounting wall and screw from the back.

2) Next is to build a base. You need 3 2x4 … cut 1 into 2 even parts and assemble (as below). Pay attention to the length (because it is same length as studs mounted on the panel)

3) Mount the 3 door hinges to base and the solar panel (sorry I don’t didn’t take picture)

4) Mount 2 L bracket (using 4 lag screws) to top stud

5) This step (best with 2 people). Unfortunate. I did by myself.  Cut the last 2x4 to “design” length. This design length is “angle”. So if you have 2 people, one hold the solar panels and other measure the length and cut. I struggled but manage to find the approximate length 39” … So I cut the 2x4 to 39” … then drills 2 holes at 2 ends. 

6) If you do by yourself, just mount 2 short bolts to the top 2 l-brackets (use outermost holes). Use them to support the panel. Then continue to drill to 2 hole to side of base.

7) Once done, remove the 2 long bolts at bottom and lay the panel face down, and flip the bottom of base up… and mounting the 4 wheels

8) Once the wheels are mounted, lift the base up and mount the 2 long bolts back.

9) Once every is mounted…. Just flip the solar panel up … done.

(****) Next step is optional. You can add plywood to the base. Toss in a battery, solar controller, and an inverter... then you have a homemade redneck movable solar generator (aka. diy Generac power generator). LOL ... enjoy.