The current problem is how to attach a folding channel aluminum arm and calculate the force/torque required to verify that the 16" throw and 1500N actuator is sufficient for the task 'before' I drill holes etc and mount it in place.
Also, I apologize and ask for your pardon while I learn the best way to use the tools provided by the forum and to describe my problems and issues with succinct questions.
I became a forum user and posted this barely 15-20mins ago. I didn't expect a reply so soon.
I'd have to say that's definitely all going to blow off that roof at some point. I don't believe what you have is screw-down-able. Usually mounts are made of stout metal or ground mounts made of larger wood like 4x4s. If you mount the panels flat on the roof 2x4s could be made to work because of the greatly reduced wind area. That system could kill someone if it landed on their head.
Can you not move that to the ground? That would remove much of the hazard. It would allow you to leave it on a rickety structure safety-wise. It would be easier to keep clean (which is way more useful than tracking). It would also keep your roof un-penatrated which reduces the chance of leaks.
For one-offs like this, it may not even be worth calculating... make some temporary attachments and see if the system will move as intended. If not, beef it up.
I second itsmoked's suggestion, however, of moving this somewhere less dangerous (i.e., closer to the ground)... if that's not possible, beef up the attachment to the roof (and pray).
