Solar Installation – Flying High and Far Away

BoonHauler wrote:

bka0721 wrote:

BoonHauler wrote:
Aren't you a little concerned about the possible 'Airfoil' effect the raised panel might have?

I'm thinking the mounting hardware you've fabricated is not going to be enough to handle the lateral wind loading of the panels.

Have you had this puppy out on the highway and up to freeway speeds yet?

I'll stay tuned for this one....

I have the same concerns. Simply changing out the vertical "flat strap" mounting legs to an "L" shaped Leg will increase greatly the lateral strength exerted on the side of the panels from wind events and highway speeds. Basically invest in the same pieces of aluminum you are using to mount them to the roof. You done an excellent job, with your installation. A little upgrade here will save you grief later.


b

b;

I'd agree with your statement. The next area to keep an eye on will the strut/roof interface. I sure hope that roof sub-structure is in good shape as there's going to be a lot of rotation in that strut/roof assembly.

I wonder how much that panel configuration will effect mileage?

I agree. For my large solar array I have inserted backing for mounting the legs, on top of my RV, they are mounted off a pair of Unistruts. My Tilting brackets range, for roof mounted Solar Panels, 4" to 20". All adjustable with 1" L Aluminium Angle, that came in 14' sticks. That way I could cut them down to what ever length I needed.




In the back of the photo you can see the rear solar panel fully extended by the 20" L Aluminium strut.


Two nights ago I had strong winds off of Tehachapi Pass with strongest gust at 83 MPH, for a period of 9 hours. No deformity of any of the mounting legs/tilting struts and or movement of the solar panels themselves. Of course the panels were pointed south and the winds were coming from the west.

b