Securing Solar Panels
Hey gang, need your inputs. I recently finished the installation of four solar panels on the roof of my 5er. I have 6 aluminum L brackets holding 4 panels framed in 1 1/2 inch aluminum angle. The dist...
Forum Discussion
Is this going between a bracket mounted on the roof and one on the panel, in lieu of a through bolt?
The main consideration I can see that might be tricky is that the hitch pins provide no support along the length of the fastener, while a bolt and a nut do. That may allow the panels to wiggle sideways more than you want.
I'd probably use a cross-drilled stud and a spring cotter pin rather than these, but that's more a personal preference than anything. It may also be possible to attach a captive nut of some sort (welded on or whatever) to one of the brackets so you only have to thread a bolt in from the "easy" side, if there is one.
The main consideration I can see that might be tricky is that the hitch pins provide no support along the length of the fastener, while a bolt and a nut do. That may allow the panels to wiggle sideways more than you want.
I'd probably use a cross-drilled stud and a spring cotter pin rather than these, but that's more a personal preference than anything. It may also be possible to attach a captive nut of some sort (welded on or whatever) to one of the brackets so you only have to thread a bolt in from the "easy" side, if there is one.
