By Rusty Latenser
Whether your message boards use a flat‑mounted solar deck or an Spyder Opposing Tilt ArrayTM, a tilted PCMS unit on the roadside may seem harmless at first, but it generates hidden problems that eventually cost you.
1. Solar Power Loss from Unintended Tilt
- With flat panels and PWM controllers (which is most of your equipment), you get no power generated for the first and last two hours of the day (when the sun is below 30 degrees high in the sky). MPPT controllers help on this problem.
- In the summer, it may not matter.
- In the winter, the message board already starts at a disadvantage with the lower sun angles and the shortened daylight hours.
- Batteries need to get at least above 70% State of Charge (SoC) to make it through the night. Why? You must keep the lead-acid batteries above 50% or you shorten their life span significantly. Not doing so costs you money. Not today. But eventually.
- Now add in an unintended tilt of just 5°. That can reduce daily solar harvest by roughly 5–15%. If the unit is leaning to the north, you guaranteed the maximum drop in harvested power.
- The probability is now high you don’t make the 70% mark. End result? Money out of your pocket long term.
- If the canted solar panels push the system into a net energy deficit for the day, it accelerates lead‑acid battery degradation, meaning more truck rolls, and battery replacements.
2. Increased Risk of Sliding on Sloped Terrain
Over time, units can migrate downhill, further increasing tilt. Tilt increases, footing degrades, and tilt increases again…… This tilt really costs you.
3. Wind Load Amplification and Reduced Stability
A lean of just 5–10° can increase overturning moments by 10–25%. It exaggerates the probability of a tips over. Yes, very expensive.
Bottom Line? Make sure your crews level that platform.
