Securitron BPSS-20 - Manual (Page 5)

PN# 500-22125
Page 5 Rev. D, 08/11
5.2 ADJUSTING THE PANEL
Figure 4 shows the PV array panel mounted to a vertical pole.
Figure 4
5.2.1 DIRECTION
The panel can be adjusted axially to the pole by loosening the U-bolt and rotating the cross
member to face the desired true South direction.
It is important for proper solar power system operation that the array panel be oriented toward
true South (if you are located in the northern hemisphere). The directions of magnetic South
and true South differ from one another depending on geographic location. This variance is called
declination.
Check the declination for your region in order to extrapolate true South from a compass heading
of magnetic South. There is a map available online which shows the magnetic declination for
various locations in the US at:
http://www.securitron.com/en/site/securitron/Library/Solar-
Product-Information . (For example, true south in central Texas falls between the 7 degree East
and the 8 degree East lines. This means that, for optimum exposure, the solar panel should be
aligned 7-8 degrees east of magnetic South (on a compass).
5.2.2
TILT ANGLE
The panel can be adjusted to the desired tilt angle using the swivel bracket at each side of the
panel. Simply loosen the pivot and the adjustment screw at each bracket. The brackets are
marked at 15° increments from 0° (horizontal) to 90° (vertical). Align the indicator on the
bracket to the desired angle, and then tighten the screws.
Optimum tilt angle is measured from horizontal and can be measured using the indication marks
on the panel swivel brackets. As a general rule the tilt angle of the panel should be set as
follows:
 For year-round applications the tilt angle should be set equal to the location latitude
(e.g. latitude 40° North = tilt angle 40°).
 For winter applications the tilt angle should be set to the location latitude plus 15°
(e.g. latitude 40° North + 15° = tilt angle 55°).
 For summer applications the tilt angle should be set to the location latitude minus 15°
(e.g. latitude 40° North - 15° = tilt angle 35°).
Note: Seasonally adjusting the tilt angle of the PV array panel can significantly
increase power production for year-round loads.
PIVOT POINT
INCREMENTAL
ANGLE
INDICATOR
PV ARRAY
PANEL
SWIVEL
BRACKET
ADJUSTMENT
SCREW
TRUE SOUTH
TILT
ANGLE
0°
90°