Well nut size for large solar panels?

Got Dirt? wrote:

Yeah, I know exactly what you are saying. I went over-board when I installed my panels. Made my own mounting brackets and all. I've seen panels installed with just 4 screws and as far as I know have never heard of anyone's panels taking flight. It's possible I guess so that's why I went crazy with multiple screws. Do what helps you sleep better!

I love your mounting brackets. I plan on making long ones like that as well. Not sure if it would, but in my mind it makes the 'footprint' much more secure and stable. Also prevents the wind from getting underneath on my front panel by creating the wind deflector mentioned above.

I guess screws it is, yikes! I can't argue with the success of all of you. That's what I love about these forums.

Got Dirt, you have any more pics of your brackets?

RVLifeLovers wrote:
I'm just concerned with so much surface area and potential 100+ mph winds. I will say that out of all the reading I've done, no one has had a panel fly off when attached by screws, but I'm concerned about the panel that will be mounted side wise (?) at the very front. Seems like it will be a potential kite with a 72" wingspan.

If I'm wrong, that would be great!

Yeah, I know exactly what you are saying. I went over-board when I installed my panels. Made my own mounting brackets and all. I've seen panels installed with just 4 screws and as far as I know have never heard of anyone's panels taking flight. It's possible I guess so that's why I went crazy with multiple screws. Do what helps you sleep better!

Mine are broadside to the wind but not fully on the front edge.
Consider a front shield to divert air over the panel or rather to prevent air from getting underneath.
#10 stainless drywall screw holds my panels.

I'm just concerned with so much surface area and potential 100+ mph winds. I will say that out of all the reading I've done, no one has had a panel fly off when attached by screws, but I'm concerned about the panel that will be mounted side wise (?) at the very front. Seems like it will be a potential kite with a 72" wingspan.

If I'm wrong, that would be great!

I believe you are unnessarily concerned. My panels remain secure....I check them!

I have never seen well nuts on a roof. Use the #12 screws and a dab of Dicor to seal the screws and bracket.

Don't think well nuts are meant for plywood, I think they'd be worse than screws. If you want to really make sure they don't come off maybe an expanding moly bolt. I just used #12 1" screws and the panels haven't moved yet.