Forum Discussion

clotus's avatar
clotus
Explorer
Mar 17, 2015

mounting solar panel

I am planning out my solar system for my new Heartland Sundance XLT. I am leaning towards a kit from AM Solar or Northern Arizona Wind and Sun with approximately 300-400 Watts to recharge to trojan T-105 6v's. I think I have wrapped my head around the wiring up of the system. Won't know how hard it will be to get the wiring into the front battery compartment until I start the job. Planning on going though the fridge vent. Here is my question:

How do I mount the solar panels to the roof? I had read somewhere that the Heartland roofs are different than others. I would think the Z-feet screwed to the roof should be sufficient. I cannot imagine too much lifting force on the panels.

I have also read about the tracking mount systems. Would that work better?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
  • You will be fine with 3/8" and using the z brackets. I would suggest using stainless steel screws as well.
  • So I got a reply from Heartland. The wood decking is 3/8". This should be thick enough to grab hold pretty well with just the stand Z brackets right?
  • I purchased my solar system from Northern Arizona Wind & Sun. I mounted (5) 140 watt panel on the roof, using the Z brackets. I installed 1"x 1" aluminum angle stock, between the panels and Z brackets for more clearance, for better heat distribution.

    I have had no problem with the mounting.

    Your manufactor can tell you the thickness of the roofing materials.


    Lillyputz
  • OK, this is not a recomendation, but is how I attached a solar panel to the roof of my class A several years ago. I did not feel comfortable putting screws thru the rubber roof, so I purchased two 2" X 3" aluminum strips three feet long. I used marine 5250 adhesive to mount these strips to the roof, I then mounted the solar pannel to the aluminum strips. Never had a problem, no leaks, as far as I could tell no problems with the roof material, and everything stayed put. I had the Class A 5 years after doing the solar addition. I purchased the solar panels at Harbor Freight and they were a trickel charge for the four T106 batteries.
  • Dunno about your roof, but I have 6 100w panels in the roof held on my fiberglass roof with Scotch VHB
  • pianotuna wrote:
    Hi,

    You may wish to look at solarblvd which has much superior pricing to AM solar.

    There are a multitude of ways to mount panels. What is the roof made from?


    Thanks I will check them out. I am trying to track down exactly how thick the "wood decking" is.

    What do you guys think would be the minimum thickness of plywood to mount to. Would 1/4" be too thin? Again, I am not sure how thick the wood paneling is, but the roof is walkable. I think it is more like 1/2" wood decking.
  • If you are full time and parked in one place for extended periods you might consider a tiltable mount. Biggest advantage will be in Winter.
    A dynamic tracking mount will not really work on an RV.
  • I wouldn't bother with a tracking mount. If you camp a lot in the winter a tilt mount might be a worthwhile investment.
  • Hi,

    You may wish to look at solarblvd which has much superior pricing to AM solar.

    There are a multitude of ways to mount panels. What is the roof made from?