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Smitty77's avatar
Smitty77
Explorer
Jul 16, 2013

Solar Panel - How high off roof can they be mounted?

Laying out a roof grid for a planned Solar Panel system 'redo'. I have one layout with a panel straddling over the top of the shower skylight, and three plumbing vents. My wife saw this, and liked the idea. She feels the skylight is too bright, and too hot at sometimes of the year. Another positive of covering the skylight, is the rain/hail will not be as loud.

What I was not sure of, is how high it is safe to mount a SP on a bracket? Estimate 4 - 4 1/2" above the roof line.

Will SP's handle the extra wind mounted that high while going down the road?

I see positive form a bit cooler running Solar Panel.

And if this is 'oh yeah, no problem' - then does anyone know of brackets that can be adjusted height wise? (I figure I can use some blocks if needed, but wondered if such adjustable mounts are available.)

Thanks for any input,
Smitty

10 Replies

  • Almot's avatar
    Almot
    Explorer III
    Jul 16, 2013
    Check the list of the finished projects
    http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/25705772/srt/pa/pging/1/page/1.cfm

    There is at least one installation with the height equivalent to MORE than 4" bracket, by Bigfootford:
    http://forums.woodalls.com/Index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/24783458/srt/pa/pging/1/page/2.cfm

    He made 3x3 bracket, and attached the leg with the top screw in the leg (i.e. in the panel frame) that appears to be at least 1" higher than the bracket. So this is at least 4" from roof to panel screw. None that his roof is NOT a plywood with rubber, but a fiberglass, though not as thick as on boats. Not sure, but 90% positive that he used "well nuts", not tapping screws, so ther is no issue with screws pulling out of the roof.
  • camperpaul's avatar
    camperpaul
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2013
    Gadget Guy wrote:
    Because of all the air conditioners and other stuff on my roof, I have mine mounted over top of the air conditioners.

    I have been thinking of doing the same thing.

    Can you post photos?
  • Gadget_Guy1's avatar
    Gadget_Guy1
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2013
    Because of all the air conditioners and other stuff on my roof, I have mine mounted over top of the air conditioners. I also have a 2 inch on 4 ft angle favouring the usual way we park both for rain run off and a bit of angle for better efficiency. I also made them so that I could raise them if we are parked long enough to make it worth while. The wind really is not a problem on the roof. I forgot a small wrench and a 1/4 inch nut and washer on the air conditioner and after 500 plus miles they were still at the same place that I had forgot them.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jul 16, 2013
    Try not to mount them perfectly flat level. A little slope helps any rain run off.
  • pigman1's avatar
    pigman1
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2013
    We use brackets that are 4" high, however, I use 8 brackets per panel because I have them set up so I can tilt the panel forward/rear or side to side. I use 1" wide aluminum bar with a 1x1 angle on the bottom and thumb screws on the top. All aluminum is 1/8" thick.
  • BFL13's avatar
    BFL13
    Explorer II
    Jul 16, 2013
    Can't say about strength of brackets other than what was said above. I would also worry about total height for going under low bridges and wires strung across the road, where there are government rules about all that.

    There was an interesting thread a while ago about how to measure your high point from the ground. It was trickier than you would expect to get that right. Complicated really.

    Some people paint over the shower/tub skylight to cut down on the sunlight/heat. I drape a towel over it held down with bricks, but that only works while parked, not driving down the road. (Our living room skylight has its own shade fitted)
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Jul 16, 2013
    height limit is not about the solar panel
    wind stress on the panel should be the same at any feasible height

    I do know simple physics
    and the higher the mounting brackets, the more leverage/stress the bracket is going to put/pull against the screws holding it to the roof

    where i go i frequently brush against low tree branches, tall brackets would create the danger of catching branches and ripping the panel off the roof or at least damaging the roof
    things that brush against the A/C cover and push out of the way, might snag under a panel 4 inches above the roof
  • GENECOP's avatar
    GENECOP
    Explorer II
    Jul 16, 2013
    No problem with the HT as long as you are below 13'6" at the highest point, check out Metals Depot .com.....get some large L or Square Stock to get your 4" HT, if you need more details on install ask....
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Jul 16, 2013
    I don't recall anyone doing this.. but, I would imagine if it's flat to the wind it would be ok. That said, I sure would be doing some 'load testing' by driving it at increasing speeds if I were you. Never know what kind of turbulence you're going to get from the skylight.

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