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Dex's avatar
Dex
Explorer
Jun 21, 2016

100w RV kit brackets

I just bought an RV kit from solarwholesale.com and they didn't offer brackets. Where are you guys buying the brackets at? Most seem cheap to me

8 Replies

  • Forget the metal angle/brackets etc. and go pvc pipe.

    Pinterest has pvc plans for folding panels. I made one for our 160w system. It even folds up for easy storage.....and actually is fun to make.

    Best of luck!
  • Aluminum angle. Bracket is pointed in so roof hardware is under panel. One side pivots on ss hardware/locknuts. Other side has nut inserts in panel with knobs for tilting. I didn't know how often I would tilt so for now I just used 1/2 inch electrical conduit for legs. Use ss for all fasteners along with dicor self level
  • If you have the ability build them yourselves. I got the ones in the Renogy kit and they are pretty cheesy. I used them as I was in a rush to get it installed but I wish I wouldn't have. I was hoping I'd be able to get the bolts without removing the screws into the roof but it looks almost impossible.

    I like the idea of using nutserts in the panel that attaches to the bracket to make them removeable.
  • RV Solar member installs

    look here lots of links and pictures of OUR member solar installs

    i went to home depot bought angle Alu in the hardware isles

    cut it into pieces, drilled holes in the edge frame of the panels
    i can unbolt them clean under neath with out touching the roof screws

    most users have done something similar, even adding lift bars to hold panel on a tilt

    outside edge should be lower than inside edge
    slight 2 degree tilt allows for rain run off, helps keep the panel cleaner

    i did not think of that when i did mine
    some day i will add a 2" extension plate on the inside edge of mine
    just need to cut 20 pieces of Alu plate and drill holes
    then climb on the roof, yeah 'real soon'

    do it right the first time
    rework is a PITA
  • Almot's avatar
    Almot
    Explorer III
    Mine are L-brackets - alum angle, in other words - bolted to panel sides for tilting.

    Z bracket: 2 angles bolted together to form a Z. Is this really so difficult to visualize that needs a picture?

    Mr Wizard I think has it.
  • Almot's avatar
    Almot
    Explorer III
    So do you want them cheap or do you not? :)

    Most of us are not buying them because there is nothing good to buy there.

    To use those OEM holes in the frame bottom, and to be able to remove the panel later without ripping the screws off the roof, you need a 2-piece Z-bracket.

    Assuming plywood roof...

    Buy 2x2 or 3x3 aluminum angle 1.8" thickness in any metal shop. Cut it in 4" or 6" long pieces. Many places will cut it for you. Hack saw will cut 1/8" aluminum just fine.
    Place one piece on the roof, attach another one - upside down - to the OEM holes in panel.
    Bolt 2 parts together with one or two #10 screws and lock-nuts, so that it makes a Z profile.
    Put Dicor sealant under the bracket foot.
    Run 2 tapping screws #10 into the roof (3 screws for larger panels).

    Done. You now have height-adjustable bracket that can be dissembled without disturbing the roof screws.

    If you find something exactly like this in stores for less money - go for it. You want at least 3" long bracket, with at least 2 screws in the roof (longer brackets and more screws for larger panels).

    2" long bracket with one screw in the roof will work poorly.
    2" long bracket with 2 screws in the roof will work poorly - holes in plywood too close.
    Single-piece bracket is a bad idea (unless bolted to the panel side, and then it's more complicated).
    Plastic brackets will work poorly.
    Residential roof brackets will work poorly and/or will cost too much, considering your small panel.

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