In this article today, we'll cover three main solar goals. First, we'll review the production with the EcoWorlf solar tracker over the first three months. Then, I'll try to answer all the questions asked, such as "If it's too windy, do I have to take everything down?", "Mine is all rusty," "Why not use batteries?", "It's all wobbly," "Ground-mounted panels are cheaper," and "You should cut down your trees." Finally, I'll introduce you to the brand's brand-new standalone power system that eliminates the need for a transformer.
Table of Contents
Production Report: January, February, March — What the EcoWorlf Solar Tracker
Let's get straight to the point with the numbers. And to be honest, January is probably one of the worst months to judge the performance of a solar installation. The days are short, the skies are often gray, and the sunshine leaves something to be desired.
But that's precisely what makes the test interesting: it's in difficult conditions that we see whether the EcoWorlf solar tracker can really do better than a fixed installation of solar panels on the roof.
To emphasize, I have quite a few shadows cast on the installation, particularly because of the trees opposite. It's especially around midday that this poses a problem, right when my rooftop panels are at their most efficient. But the advantage of the EcoWorlf tracker is that it works mainly at the beginning and end of the day, so in the end, the two systems complement each other quite well.
EcoWorlf tracker behavior in winter
As soon as a ray of sunshine appears, even a small one, the EcoWorlf solar tracker positions itself perfectly facing the sun . And when the sky is completely overcast, it lies flat. Apparently, this is the best orientation for capturing diffuse light through the clouds. This is information that has been confirmed to me, so I'm sharing it with you.
Another interesting point: production starts quite early, from 9:30 or 10 a.m., and it continues later in the day than that of the rooftop panels. For example, I noted a very sunny day in January where production climbs very quickly from 9:30 a.m., reaching 700 W around 10 a.m. Then, between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., the shade of the trees greatly reduces production. It then gradually decreases until 5 p.m. On that day, we end up with about 3 kWh produced, which is quite good for a winter month.
In terms of figures, concretely
I know some people are very particular about numbers, so I'll explain the basics of the comparison clearly.
On my roof, I have an installation of eight solar panels, each of 375 Wp, for a total output of 3 kWp. Downstairs, to test the tracker, I have two Indur panels of 435 Wp, for 870 Wp.
To make the figures comparable, I have reduced each output to kilowatt-peak (kWp), which is the standard nominal power unit for panels.
I know, put like that, it might sound a bit technical, but don't worry: at the end, I'll give you the percentages so it's readable.
Results for the month of January
On the roof:
Total production: 127 kWh
Yield: 42.3 kWh per installed kilowatt-peakEcoWorlf solar tracker :
Total production: 37 kWh
Yield: 42.5 kWh/kWp
So, what does it look like? The tracker does barely better, with a small 0.5% gain in yield. It's not a revolution, we agree, but it's far from useless. Especially when you consider that January is one of the least favorable months for solar production.
In other words, even in less-than-ideal conditions, with trees in front and little sunlight, the tracker manages to produce as much—or even slightly more—than the fixed installation on the roof. That alone is already a good point.
Introducing the EcoWorlf Solar Tracker Power Box
Before returning to our famous EcoWorlf tracker, I wanted to tell you about a little new product offered by EcoWorlf and frankly, it's worth a look. It's the Power Box , a self-contained power supply designed to operate the tracker all year round, without the need for a nearby electrical outlet.
And if you don't have 230V in your garden or where you installed the tracker, this Power Box is clearly the ideal solution.
A simple and efficient autonomous power supply
Inside, there's a 6 Ah lithium battery , recharged by a small 10 W solar panel . In short, the system is designed to be completely autonomous, even when the sun plays hide-and-seek for a few days.
The case is water and dust resistant , so there's no need to worry about durability. It's designed to stay outside all year round without flinching.
What does the kit contain?
You'll receive a compact box, which contains everything you need for a quick and hassle-free installation.
Inside:
The Power Box case
The 10W solar panel
The wiring
The fixings to install it directly on the mast
And of course, a clear and well-made installation manual
In terms of operation, it couldn't be simpler: a power button , a red LED indicating that the system is active, and a green LED indicating whether it is recharging.
No need for more. No frills. It's functional, compact, and well-designed.
Production report: February
So, let's take a look at what February has to offer. And no surprise: things are looking up . The days are starting to get longer, the weather is a little milder, and it's directly reflected in the numbers.
In fact, between mid-January and the end of January alone, I saw a production increase of about 33% on a sunny day. Basically, I went from 3 kWh to 4 kWh in just two weeks. And it's still going strong in February!
Cast shadows are no longer a problem
There is also good news regarding shadows cast by trees: according to my observations, their impact disappears completely between February 15 and 20. Over the whole year, this therefore represents only 3 months where sunshine is slightly affected. This is not dramatic, especially when you remember that the tracker compensates by starting earlier in the morning and extending production in the evening .
Even in the most average conditions, we therefore obtain a better yield .
A typical day
On the most beautiful sunny day in February , we can clearly see what is happening: from 9:30 a.m. , the curve rises sharply and stabilizes around 80% of the maximum power until 5 p.m. We obtain what is called an elephant's back : a wide, full, well-filled curve.
In comparison, the fixed panels on the roof start later , produce less in the middle of the day, and finish earlier .
I have to say that it blew me away: I saw the EcoWorlf tracker go up to 800 Wp with only two panels , which never happens on my rooftop installation. This is really where you can see the benefit of a tracker: the automatic orientation of the panels makes all the difference, especially when the sun is low or changing.
February figures
Let's move on to the concrete data.
Rationalized production on the roof : 67 kWh
Production on the EcoWorlf tracker : 88 kWh
Productivity gain : approximately +30%
And for a winter month, that's very encouraging . If the trend continues in the coming months, I think we'll have some very telling results in the spring.
Production report: March
And there you have it, the March numbers are just in! We can definitely feel that spring is just around the corner, and it shows in the performance of the EcoWorlf tracker.
Light shadows… but big gains
So yes, I have noticed a slight return of shadows , this time not because of the trees, but from the house itself . In fact, with the angle of the sun gradually changing over the weeks, I have a little shade in the morning, at sunrise. That said, as the days are seriously getting longer , this slight inconvenience is more than compensated for.
And the numbers speak for themselves
In March, we really reached a milestone. On the roof side, we had a production of 104 kWh , and on the tracker, we climbed to 147 kWh . The result: +41% production thanks to the tracker.
And here I have to say: the figures announced by EcoWorlf are clearly validated. Remember, in the first article, someone left me a comment in the mode "your 40%, it's lunar" .
Well, no: it's perfectly solar . And even measured to the nearest decimal point.
The economy? Modest for now
So, let's be honest: in terms of pure savings, it 's not spectacular so far. Over these first three months , the EcoWorlf tracker has produced 242 kWh , which is equivalent to around €50 in savings. Not enough to go on holiday, but we're talking about the least productive periods of the year . From April, everything will accelerate, and we're finally entering the good season.
I don't have enough perspective yet to give a precise figure for the year, but if I make a conservative estimate , I think we can count on around €200 of annual savings just with the tracker.
The strategy: 4 panels, a tracker, and common sense
In my article on installation, I recommended a simple and effective configuration: one tracker + four panels , two or three of which are on the tracker and one on the ground. And frankly, I still think that this is the best approach.
Even without a pool or air conditioning , I think I can save around €320 per year with this configuration. And if you, on your side, have a heat pump or a pool , then you will clearly make your installation profitable much more quickly .
heat pump myself , so I plan to make the most of the sun this summer.
What's next?
The next step for me is a project that I really want to share with you: a DIY solar router . The idea is to redirect the surplus production towards a water heater , to go even further in autonomy. I will tell you about it in a future episode on the channel.
Installing the Power Box
Obviously, before starting, I turned off the power since I had already put a transformer inside my house, and I also turned off the solar production so there wouldn't be any problems. The first thing I'm going to start doing is installing the solar panel to power the box on the upper west branch. It's not going to be easy, I have to go and put it all the way up there. There's absolutely nothing to do, just put two screws and a bolt, and we'll say no more about it.
The box is simply installed on the post. There are two small steel tabs that simply screw onto the box. Next, position the two square retaining collars around the post, one at the top and one at the bottom.
Then, for the electrical connection, there are keyholes, you can't make a mistake. So you just have to connect the solar panel to the box, and then the power box to the control box. I open the control box to pass the power cable, there are only four screws to remove. Obviously, don't forget to pass the cable through the sheath first. I invite you to look carefully at the colors of the wires as well as their position so as not to reverse the plus and minus when connecting. Then, we close it, and that's it!
Okay, all that's left is to turn on the power supply. Normally, the panel should snap back into place since I've been working for several hours and the sun has turned. I can already see here that the charging light is on, which means that the small solar panel, while we're not really in direct sunlight right now, it's very cloudy, is already powering the box, which is already a good thing. Come on, let's go! I'll see if it's powering up. Yes, it's powering up! It was just time for it to initialize. Yes, there you go, so it has just repositioned itself correctly in the most optimal way towards the sun, it's just perfect.
Absolutely no hassle to assemble the EcoWorlf solar tracker , it's ultra easy. There is everything you need to do it correctly and without any hassle. There is just the position of the plus and minus since the cables that were provided were not red and black, so I will put a small photo on the screen so that you can see where we connect the plus and minus inside the case. And clearly, I preferred to do it inside the case to avoid a connection in my waterproof box. And above all, the big advantage, obviously, is that it makes your tracker autonomous : no need to be connected to the network to be able to operate it, that's great! EcoWorlf has also added a BMS (Battery Management System) inside to better manage the battery in order to preserve its lifespan.
Increase in solar production: approximately 40% in winter.
Rapid amortization: estimated in 2 to 3 years.
Accessible system: DIY with good quality/price ratio.
Energy optimization: possibilities for optimizing surplus via DIY solar router.
Sensitivity to strong wind: requiring precautions (dismantling, guy lines).
Fragile structure: a little play and some traces of rust to watch out for.
Shorter lifespan: than conventional panels (not 25 years).
Maintenance required: occasional to prevent rust.
FAQ: Your questions about installing the EcoWorlf solar tracker
We're wrapping up this series with a short FAQ. Many of you responded to my installation article—some feedback was very positive, others more critical—and that's a good thing. Today, I'm taking the time to answer you point by point, with as much transparency as possible.
1. And what about the wind?
Is
the EcoWorlf tracker The answer is yes, like any mobile outdoor structure . If you live in an area often swept by strong winds, such as the Mistral or the Tramontane , you will need to be vigilant. Moreover, EcoWorlf recommends dismantling the panels above 70 km/h .
Personally, I am not particularly exposed, but I have seen interesting solutions proposed by some users: ground anchors , guy wires connected to the concrete slab , and especially manual deactivation of the tracker in very windy weather. This is not what the manufacturer officially recommends, but in some cases, it is a viable option.
A quick reminder: even the roof panels aren't completely weatherproof. Remember to check your home insurance —in my case, the panels are well covered.
2. Is the EcoWorlf tracker noisy?
Again, I've had several comments on this. Honestly? The noise is very discreet . It's not a machine that runs constantly; it moves in small jerks when the sun changes position. You really have to be very close to hear anything. So no, it's not bothersome at all in use .
3. It looks a little “wobbly,” doesn’t it?
Yes, there is a bit of mechanical play when you move it by hand. But this is not a manufacturing defect, it is linked to the design of the product, which remains very affordable .
I've seen high-end models made entirely of aluminum, ultra-robust... but at €12,000 each. Needless to say, in terms of depreciation , we're not on the same planet at all. Here, the quality/price ratio is consistent with the objective: to quickly make the EcoWorlf tracker installation profitable.
4. Is the concrete slab sufficient?
Some people have told me that the 60x60x70 cm slab seems too light. I simply relied on the manufacturer's recommendations , and so far, no problems . If EcoWorlf indicates that this size is sufficient, I assume they have done the necessary tests.
5. Are floor signs better?
Yes and no. It's true that ground-mounted installations are often cheaper . But they are much less efficient . The EcoWorlf tracker starts producing earlier in the morning , continues later in the evening , and follows the sun all day. The result: much higher productivity . In my opinion, a fixed ground-mounted panel will never be as cost-effective in the long run.
6. Do you give your surplus to EDF?
That's right. For now, I produce a little more than I consume , so there is a small surplus injected into the network . But it's temporary: I'm developing a DIY solar router that will allow me to redirect the excess to a hot water tank , for example. This will be presented very soon in a future video. If you're interested, stay subscribed!
7. Why not use batteries to store energy?
Simply because today, the price of batteries remains high . The investment/gain ratio is not yet interesting, especially for a small installation like mine. I will talk about this in more detail in another article.
8. And the trees, do we cut them down?
Ah! I received a radical suggestion: cut down the trees to avoid shadows . I preferred to prune them ; it's a good compromise. And as we've seen, the real impact is quite limited , especially after mid-February.
9. Self-installation above 3 kWc: possible or not?
It is technically feasible , but with additional constraints. From 3 kWc, you must go through a Consuel certificate . This implies that the installation is up to standard , and that it is officially verified . So yes, it is possible, but less simple .
10. Traces of rust already?
Yes, I too have seen some rust spots appear quickly. I simply bought a white rust spray for €15 , which I applied in a few minutes. Nothing serious at this stage.
11. And what about longevity?
Don't dream: the EcoWorlf tracker won't last 25 years . But it pays for itself in 2 to 3 years , and the solar panels have a lifespan of 15 to 25 years . Even if the tracker breaks one day, you keep your panels , and that's a real plus.
Conclusion: My final opinion on the EcoWorlf solar tracker after 3 months of use
After these first three months of use, I can finally give a clear and honest assessment of my combined rooftop and EcoWorlf tracker solar installation. I launched this project with a simple goal: to maximize my solar production in winter without blowing my budget. And frankly, I'm not disappointed.
The tracker really makes a difference. In March, I saw a production increase of more than 40% compared to a conventional rooftop panel. This confirms the figures announced by EcoWorlf, despite some initial skepticism.
The savings are still modest—around €50 over three months—but that's normal, as these are the months when solar production is lowest. With the arrival of warmer weather, this will increase, and I estimate annual savings of between €200 and €320, depending on the configuration chosen.
The investment/return ratio remains very attractive: even by adding three to four panels to the tracker, I think I can amortize the system in two to three years, which is rare in residential solar today.
Regarding the installation of the EcoWorlf tracker, it's not high-end equipment at 12,000 euros. There's a bit of play in the structure and some rust to watch out for, but it's an accessible DIY system, well thought out, and very good value for money.
Wind can be a problem if you're exposed to strong conditions, but there are simple solutions (guy cables, manual deactivation). And don't forget that the panels on the roof are not immune to the elements either.
The project is still evolving: I'm currently working on a DIY solar router to be able to use excess energy, for example by redirecting it to a hot water tank. Later, I might consider batteries if their prices become more reasonable.
This solar tracker will not revolutionize the world, but in the current context where the cost of energy is increasing, it is a simple, effective, and quickly amortized tool to optimize your solar production.
My final advice
If you have some floor space, a good orientation, and are willing to invest some time in installation, I recommend going for it. But don't limit yourself to just the tracker: combine it with several panels (at least three or four) to get the most out of it.
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