Has anyone made a portable holder for solar panels, similar to this, but designed for conventional monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels, as opposed to the flexible one pictured? Since a class "B" van doesn't have much space on the roof, something like 1-2 Solarstand models can be stored inside, then plopped outside and connected to the CC when setting up camp for boondocking. When not boondocking, the stands and panels could be left at home or in storage.If not this, are there such things as portable solar stands which can fold up and be stashed fairly compactly?

I was thinking about buying the one that Harbor Freight sells (it's two pieces) and just set it on a table.http://www.harborfreight.com/solar-panel-frame-mounting-kit-68698.html

Good find, Mena!Just remember, the bigger modules are 40+ lbs. and over 5' long. It's not impossible to lug them in and out but it may become tedious after the first few times. If I was going the portable route, I think I'd make a storage solution on the outside of the rig, either a wall mount holder or an under floor shelf.

Those seem better than angle irons. I do remember HF having a stand for their three 15 watt panels which was made from PVC pipe. Something like that, except bigger to handle three panels, each being around 250 watts. That way, I can throw the panels on the rack, plug the panels via a connector into a CC and call it done. Plus, this allows my rig to be in the shade in the hotter months.

westend wrote:Good find, Mena!Just remember, the bigger modules are 40+ lbs. and over 5' long. It's not impossible to lug them in and out but it may become tedious after the first few times. If I was going the portable route, I think I'd make a storage solution on the outside of the rig, either a wall mount holder or an under floor shelf.Thanks!! I have a huge storage compartment on the rear of the rig so I can keep it there between trips. We pull the table and chairs out of there anyways so this will be just one more thing. I was even thinking of bolting this assembly to a table or something and securing it to the rig somehow so I could leave it outside all night.

I use two pine slats and a pair of C clamps. Infinitely adjustable, seconds to set up and easy to store.

Portable solar stand 101... | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

mena661
Explorer
Oct 03, 2013
westend wrote:
Good find, Mena!
Just remember, the bigger modules are 40+ lbs. and over 5' long. It's not impossible to lug them in and out but it may become tedious after the first few times.
If I was going the portable route, I think I'd make a storage solution on the outside of the rig, either a wall mount holder or an under floor shelf.
Thanks!! I have a huge storage compartment on the rear of the rig so I can keep it there between trips. We pull the table and chairs out of there anyways so this will be just one more thing. I was even thinking of bolting this assembly to a table or something and securing it to the rig somehow so I could leave it outside all night.
mlts22
Explorer II
Oct 03, 2013
Those seem better than angle irons. I do remember HF having a stand for their three 15 watt panels which was made from PVC pipe. Something like that, except bigger to handle three panels, each being around 250 watts. That way, I can throw the panels on the rack, plug the panels via a connector into a CC and call it done. Plus, this allows my rig to be in the shade in the hotter months.
westend
Explorer
Oct 03, 2013
Good find, Mena!
Just remember, the bigger modules are 40+ lbs. and over 5' long. It's not impossible to lug them in and out but it may become tedious after the first few times.
If I was going the portable route, I think I'd make a storage solution on the outside of the rig, either a wall mount holder or an under floor shelf.
mena661
Explorer
Oct 03, 2013
I was thinking about buying the one that Harbor Freight sells (it's two pieces) and just set it on a table.

http://www.harborfreight.com/solar-panel-frame-mounting-kit-68698.html

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Portable solar stand 101...

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