Solar Panel L Brackets

pianotuna wrote:
Hi mena,

What's the difference in cost for the 30 amp Rogue? I certainly wish I had not limited myself when I purchased the Blue Sky controller. Rogue was not even thought of at that time.

About a $100 difference. Not really willing to spend that extra when I don't know if I can expand. My roof layout doesn't allow much extra for panels. I MIGHT be able to get another 100W up there. Regardless, I'm not looking to max out, just replenish some future 2kW inverter use (if I ever get one) and expand some camping to the "winter" months. DW would like to camp in Dec/Jan off grid.

EDIT: I'm already second guessing whether or not I should get the Rogue. LOL! I just want it because it's programmable and well built.

12thgenusa wrote:
FWIW, the airspace below the panel can have a significant effect on the operating cell temp. From a study (page 11), a panel with only one inch of space operates at 11° above NOCT. With a three-inch space, the panel operates at only 2° above NOCT. This is especially significant if one is using an MPPT controller. Lower panel temps are achieved if the panel is tilted.

This is excellent info!!! I'll make sure they're mounted at least 3 inches off the roof.

FWIW, the airspace below the panel can have a significant effect on the operating cell temp. From a study (page 11), a panel with only one inch of space operates at 11° above NOCT. With a three-inch space, the panel operates at only 2° above NOCT. This is especially significant if one is using an MPPT controller. Lower panel temps are achieved if the panel is tilted.

Hi mena,

What's the difference in cost for the 30 amp Rogue? I certainly wish I had not limited myself when I purchased the Blue Sky controller. Rogue was not even thought of at that time.

Rig has a rubber roof. I'm going to put the two panels in series and get the Rogue 20A MPPT controller. Doubtful I'll ever get the 20A output with a fixed roof install AND I don't know if I can add more panels (they'd have to be smaller than the 150W I think) so no larger controller will be purchased. I'm looking for 50-70Ah a day. Anything more is gravy.

EDIT: I'll get the panels first before ordering the brackets.

Hi,

So you want the glass to flex as you trundle down the road?

Panels are designed for fixed installations. At least one company voids the warranty when their panels are applied to an RV.

I applied the angle aluminum to the panels (zero flexing), then fastened the angles to the roof.

AlbertaNewbie wrote:

I'd actually disagree, you want more flexability in mounting so as not to snap the tempered glass. Most panels however are designed very well and it takes a lot to snap one. Whatever you decide for mounting is likely fine.

pianotuna wrote:
Hi mena,

I would get panels, then go to the local surplus metal shop--and get some angle aluminum.

I didn't like how flexible my Unisolar panels were so I used the angle aluminum on the long side. It seems to me that with a glass surface, on top of the RV, I'd want even more stiffness in the mounting.

I guess you are going pwm for the controller. I'd encourage you to consider having 450 watts total. That will allow equalization on the panels.

Have you chosen a controller yet?

I'd actually disagree, you want more flexability in mounting so as not to snap the tempered glass. Most panels however are designed very well and it takes a lot to snap one. Whatever you decide for mounting is likely fine.

Hi mena,

I would get panels, then go to the local surplus metal shop--and get some angle aluminum.

I didn't like how flexible my Unisolar panels were so I used the angle aluminum on the long side. It seems to me that with a glass surface, on top of the RV, I'd want even more stiffness in the mounting.

I guess you are going pwm for the controller. I'd encourage you to consider having 450 watts total. That will allow equalization on the panels.

Have you chosen a controller yet?

I'm gona go with bfl on this one. I'd get panels first, shim with wood till you get height and run off angle your happy with. Then shop or make brackets.

Are you sure your new panel doesn't come with some mounting hardware already? I'd wait as $9.50 is way too much $$ imo! Also what BFL said, too low to the roof!

WoodGlue

1 1/2 on 1" frame seems too low to the roof. Could add a vertical piece to join bracket to panel? Better wait for better answers from those who have mounted theirs.