PV Angle Indicator Bob-O Schultze c.1992 Bob-O Schultze Optimizing the output of PVs requires adjusting the elevation of the modules as the seasons change and the sun becomes higher or lower in the sky. Performing this simple adjustment just 4 times yearly at the solstices and equinoxes can add about 10% to your modules yearly output. Did I say simple? NOT! Anyone who has tried to juggle wrenches, bolts, and a framing square or triangle while supporting the array with your head, shoulder, teeth, or other handy appendage, knows what a pain this can be. You can, and should, make some indelible marks on your array support legs to indicate that your PVs angle is equal to your latitude (spring and fall), +15ø (winter) and -15ø (summer). But how to get those settings accurately in the first place? I recently found a tool for in my local ACE(r) hardware store that makes it easy. It's called a Magnetic Base Protractor. I've seem them in other stores called a Pitch Angle Indicator. It is used in house construction to check the pitch angle of a roof. I don't know much about roofing, but I know a dandy PV angle indicator when I see one! Slap this baby onto a magnetic part of your array rack or tape it to your aluminium module frame and you've got an accurate, no-hands way to set your array to the correct elevation. At $8.95, it's a good deal. Access Author: Bob-O Schultze, Electron Connection, POB 203, Hornbrook, CA 96044 ù 1-800-945-7587