mounting my solar panels
I have ordered some solar panels to put on my TT. I bought the 200 watt kit from Renogy. I doubt that I will be able to determine where the structural members are, so there is the very real possibilit...
Forum Discussion
SO, by saying "ply-wood" we assume you have a rubber roof?
Your only option is to screw the mounts into the roof them, you cannot glue or tape the mounts in as this would only adhere to the rubber membrane and not the wood.
Not a big deal, use the sealant as others suggest.
You WILL NOT get 60mph winds across the top of your roof!
You WILL NOT have panels getting hit by highway speed winds!
There is just too much turbulence across a roof, air will churn, roll and wip in all directions. You could almost just lay the panels on the roof and drive and they would not blow off (for a while), but do not try this...
Keep the panels off the roof just enough (1/2 inch) that air can circulate under them as the panels need to be keep cool by circulating air under them.
I used aluminum L-bracket on the front and rear edges (front facing going down the road), this keeps air from entering under the panel and lifting it off, keeps rain water from flowing under, not that it matters...
Mount the brackets however is best for that spot on your roof though.
Make sure the AC unit or vent covers will not be casting a shadow too often, mount them away from structures when possible.
IF you can run the panels in series you can use smaller gauge wire and less wire.
Mount then at the front so the rear roof of the trailer has less junk on it, this way the air leaving the end of the trailer is as smooth as possible, which will be better handling.
Your only option is to screw the mounts into the roof them, you cannot glue or tape the mounts in as this would only adhere to the rubber membrane and not the wood.
Not a big deal, use the sealant as others suggest.
You WILL NOT get 60mph winds across the top of your roof!
You WILL NOT have panels getting hit by highway speed winds!
There is just too much turbulence across a roof, air will churn, roll and wip in all directions. You could almost just lay the panels on the roof and drive and they would not blow off (for a while), but do not try this...
Keep the panels off the roof just enough (1/2 inch) that air can circulate under them as the panels need to be keep cool by circulating air under them.
I used aluminum L-bracket on the front and rear edges (front facing going down the road), this keeps air from entering under the panel and lifting it off, keeps rain water from flowing under, not that it matters...
Mount the brackets however is best for that spot on your roof though.
Make sure the AC unit or vent covers will not be casting a shadow too often, mount them away from structures when possible.
IF you can run the panels in series you can use smaller gauge wire and less wire.
Mount then at the front so the rear roof of the trailer has less junk on it, this way the air leaving the end of the trailer is as smooth as possible, which will be better handling.
