Eco-Worthy Solar Tracker Install – Better Than Ever with Bifacial Panels | Remote Off-Grid Cabin
We're powering up like never before! In this video, we install the new and improved Eco-Worthy Solar Tracker—now featuring bifacial solar panels for maximum efficiency. This upgraded system is a game changer for our life at the remote off-grid cabin deep in the wilderness of Northern Michigan.
After taking down our old setup, we’re finally putting the tracker back up—and this version is better than ever. Watch as we walk through the full install, share why this system matters so much to our daily life off-grid, and show you how well it performs in action.
Why solar panels hate shadows ☀
Solar panels are made up of solar cells which are diodes or silicon junctions or check valves that put out 0.5 to 0.6 volts each without load (open circuit). To charge a 12 volt battery, you put 10 solar cells in series to get roughly 20 volts which under load will drop down to closer to 15 volts.
Every solar cell is a diode and not only prevents the backwards flow of current it also prohibits forward flow of current without sunlight to excite the electrons and bridge the junctions.
As solar panels are strings diodes wired in series, if you partially block one diode by providing less light due to a shadow the performance of the entire panel suffers disproportionately. It’s actually bad for the panel to be exposed to shadows continously as when you are blocking flow of current due to shadows you are starting to wear down the silicon junctions in other cells eventually causing permanent damage to the panel.
Rooftop Solar is Kind of Dumb
While rooftop solar is often the “default” due to space constraints, it comes with several inherent compromises compared to other mounting methods. Ground-mounted systems and solar carports often outperform rooftop panels in production, but rooftop solar remains the most cost-effective entry point for many homeowners.
| Feature | Rooftop Solar | Ground-Mounted Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Lower (~20% less) as it uses existing structures. | Higher due to trenching, foundations, and racking. |
| Efficiency | Lower; panels trap heat and are limited by roof angle. | Higher; 15–25% more energy via optimal tilt/airflow. |
| Maintenance | Harder; requires roof access, ladders, and safety gear. | Easier; eye-level access for cleaning and snow removal. |
| Impact | May lead to roof leaks or complicate roof replacement. | Consumes yard space. |
Problems with Rooftop Installations
- Structural Risks: Penetrating a roof for mounts can lead to leaks, even with professional installation. Furthermore, if you need to replace your roof, the panels must be removed and reinstalled at a significant extra cost.
- Safety & Access: Cleaning debris or removing snow is significantly more dangerous at height.
- Heat Degradation: Solar panels lose efficiency as they get hotter; rooftop units often lack the airflow found in ground-mounts, leading to higher degradation.