solar panel mounting question

[frankg]

Why not look for telescope mounts. The are designed to track celestial objects very accurately by compensating for earth's rotation, and the can support heavy objects by making use of a counter-weight. They are dual axis systems. One axis is aligned with the polar axis of the earth. The other axis is tilted towards the sun and locked. Put on the motor and it follows the sun all day.

 

[fwd03]

The main concern is not the counter weight, it is wind. When gusty winds getting to 50 MPH or higher, it puts tremendous force on the mount. Roof mount avoided that issue by letting roof obsorbing that force. However, roof mount does not produce most power with same amount of solar panels. In my experienment, fixed to roof angle only produce half the power during peak hour, compared to 90 degree against sun ray. Someone is selling a tracker for four 100W solar panels on eBay, but its price is more than four 100w solar panels.