Large Solar Panels

Lowes and HD carry aluminum. Or Metals Depot. SS Screws and bolts from Bolt Depot.

westend wrote:

Almot wrote:

Colo Native wrote:
I was debating on using a 3rd rail or anchor point for a little more stability.

I would add 3rd rail, if panels are not bolted together like SMK's. 6 screws in roof isn't too much for a big panel. And, with 3 rails under the panel the dreaded - by some people ;) - flex will be eliminated.

By using "U" channel, the tilt struts are stored inside the channel when the module is horizontal. I used 1/4" pins with clips to attach the module to the channel. The channel is astride a piece of Eternabond tape, fastened through roof membrane into the roof's trusses, 3-#12 fasteners/channel. After installation, I sealed the edges of the channels to the aluminum roof with Geocel tripolymer.

Nice setup I don't intend on tilting mine don't want to go on the roof that much. I am having issues trying to find good mounts that don't cost a fortune.

I talked to everyone I could find that had multiple large panels and especially ones mounted a little higher and no one had a problem. My 3x250W panels are mounted 6" above the roof.

Open fan vent

brulaz wrote:

smkettner wrote:
:R A couple more panels and the RV will be a hovercraft.

I call this is just FUD. Lets see an actual RV mounted panel with issues.

Tend to agree.
Two of our large panels have gone 15K miles without issue.
The largest one has gone 9K.
(I try not to go over 60mph though :))

I have 4 LARGE PANELS and they don't fly off, create lift or vibrate. You guys are too much!

I raised one panel 4.5" (top surface above the roof), to clear the bathroom vent. Another panel is 3.5" above the roof (2" between the frame and roof, frame 1.5" thick). You want one or two inch clearance between the frame and roof anyway, for heat dissipation.

Updated Members Solar Installation List

There are lots of different ways to install solar panels. Vents are a non issue once you figure out that the panels can be installed above the vents.

Almot wrote:
Ah, advances of tilted engineering :) ...

Seriously though - very elegant solution, every time I look at it. Thin roof (not like regular ply) is reinforced, panel is reinforced, everything folds down neatly.

Made my first 250W tilt-able. By the time I've made brackets for another panel, I realized 2 things: 250W is almost enough, and 500W flat is enough. So the second panel went on without easy tilting option - still could tilt, but tilting struts would need to be added and removed every time. In other words - no plans to tilt.

Yes, I can get obsessive about some projects. This tilting platform tilts four ways but I have only used it at one angle for storage purposes. I was considering, when I built it, that I might have stays of longer durations where the four-way might come in handy.
When I add another module, it will also be attached with pins and have a set of struts. It will only tilt two ways, though.

Ah, advances of tilted engineering :) ...

Seriously though - very elegant solution, every time I look at it. Thin roof (not like regular ply) is reinforced, panel is reinforced, everything folds down neatly.

Made my first 250W tilt-able. By the time I've made brackets for another panel, I realized 2 things: 250W is almost enough, and 500W flat is enough. So the second panel went on without easy tilting option - still could tilt, but tilting struts would need to be added and removed every time. In other words - no plans to tilt.

Almot wrote:

Colo Native wrote:
I was debating on using a 3rd rail or anchor point for a little more stability.

I would add 3rd rail, if panels are not bolted together like SMK's. 6 screws in roof isn't too much for a big panel. And, with 3 rails under the panel the dreaded - by some people ;) - flex will be eliminated.

By using "U" channel, the tilt struts are stored inside the channel when the module is horizontal. I used 1/4" pins with clips to attach the module to the channel. The channel is astride a piece of Eternabond tape, fastened through roof membrane into the roof's trusses, 3-#12 fasteners/channel. After installation, I sealed the edges of the channels to the aluminum roof with Geocel tripolymer.

Colo Native wrote:
I was debating on using a 3rd rail or anchor point for a little more stability.

I would add 3rd rail, if panels are not bolted together like SMK's. 6 screws in roof isn't too much for a big panel. And, with 3 rails under the panel the dreaded - by some people ;) - flex will be eliminated.