Solar Panel L Brackets

pianotuna wrote:
Hi mena,

I was speaking of power dissipation at the controller.

Oh ok. Thanks PT. Thanks for that link Almot. Almot, any reason with going with 4-6" long angle?

BFL13 wrote:
PT, that's not the same video. The one I linked was taken by mena's next door neighbour in his RV (same as mena's) and he is speaking with a California accent, that's all.

Yeah, PT that's not the same video. LOL!

PT, that's not the same video. The one I linked was taken by mena's next door neighbour in his RV (same as mena's) and he is speaking with a California accent, that's all.

Forgot to mention.
1/8" angle is easy to cut with a hack saw, but for those without industrial tools who do have to use 1/4" thick angle - I had, because 4" angle only comes in 1/4" thickness - there is this place in Seattle: Online Metals. Once you know what size and length you want - and there is a good chance that you will need 4" or 6" long pieces - you check the box "custom cut". It costs very little, something like 50 cents per cut. Definitely worth paying to avoid pains of cutting 1/4" aluminum with a hacksaw.

Hi mena,

I was speaking of power dissipation at the controller.

There would be better heat tolerance on the roof if the panels have room for air to flow under them.

Here is an english video of the solar 30 solar 30 English

The solar 30 does do temperature compensation--but at the controller--not at the actual battery. Since the controller should not be in the battery bay--it may not be too successful at temperature compensation. There needs to be a probe that fastens to either a battery post--or sticks on the side of the battery. I'd prefer the battery post method as it has a better chance of knowing the internal temperature of the battery bank.

mena661 wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
Hi mena,

Power dissipation is not going to be a problem with 300 watts of panels.

Would I not see a difference if I put raised them up an inch or two? New info to me so any explanation helps. If it's not important then I won't worry about it.

Those brackets are just small pieces of 1.5 angle with holes. Too small for most applications. 2" or 3" angle is better, and you may need to make it 4" or 6" long and drive 2 or 3 screws into the roof. A hack saw will cut 1/8" angle without problem. You should order it not only after you've got the panels, but after you've got them on the roof or at least marked the location. I had 2" brackets cut before getting the panels, and could not use them because had to lift the panel 3" above the roof to clear the plumbing vents.

EsoxLucius wrote:
If I had the room I would install one of these 310 watt panels at $1 a watt and use a 25-30 amp MPPT controller with temperature compensation.

That seems physically small for a 310W panel. High efficiency perhaps?

pianotuna wrote:
Hi mena,

Power dissipation is not going to be a problem with 300 watts of panels.

Would I not see a difference if I put raised them up an inch or two? New info to me so any explanation helps. If it's not important then I won't worry about it.

smkettner wrote:
I use my circular saw on aluminum just fine. Very clean and straight cut.
Might go with the sawzall for larger items.

Finish with a hand file to give a pro look and smooth edges.

NinerBikes wrote:

Buy a hack saw, or find a local buddy in construction trades with a sawzall and a new 36 tooth/inch blade, and you can cut aluminum angle extrusions. File the burrs off after you cut to clean things up and to prevent from getting cut by sharp edges doing the install.

Thanks to the both of you. I do have a sawzall so I'll keep cutting my own angle "on the table".

NinerBikes wrote:

Sounds like Mena has a fun project on his hands, results, if he measures output from his two new panels and logs it, should be interesting.

Mena, when do you think you'll be ready for field testing? The days are getting longer fast now as month end of Feb gets here.

This should be fun. :) Not sure on when I can do field testing though. I'm basically going to have everything installed except for the panels which come later. I'm doing the hard part (wiring) first. My goal is basically this year. LOL!

westend wrote:

If you want custom mounts made, shoot me a PM. I cut aluminum occasionally and have some profiles in stock.

WOW! Thanks! I just might take you up that.

NinerBikes wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
Hi BFL13,

mena wants temperature compensation I'm sure. It may be hard to find a controller with a temperature probe for $50. The idea of the 45 amp tristar pwm seems to fit with budget concerns.

Not at all. 30 amp temp control programmable for voltage. Mount the controller as close to the battery boxes as possible.

Sounds like Mena has a fun project on his hands, results, if he measures output from his two new panels and logs it, should be interesting.

Mena, when do you think you'll be ready for field testing? The days are getting longer fast now as month end of Feb gets here.

The manual for that controller seems to say the adjustable charging is for the "cease charging voltage" which (perhaps) would be the same as a "high set point" but it is unclear if it is the same as a "Vabs" where the charging continues but amps now taper.

It also says the "float voltage" is "settable" so I ASSume that is the same thing so once it gets the batts to say 14.8 it would keep them there till it gets dark.

( I need to match the voltage for my 130w panel's controller with my EcoW controller on the 230w panel. Right now I have the $13 RJ special which does 14.4 and the EcoW is set to 14.8 which I want )

http://www.chinasolarregulator.com/user-manual/solar30.pdf

This guy has one and shows how the buttons work. Looks like he has the same RV as mena's! :) He also has an RJ special mounted beside his Solar30

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdYOTUNLH8U

Good choice on getting modules in hand and choosing mounting hardware from that point. You will probably want mounts that allow you to remove or install the module easily. A conventional Z bracket makes for a difficult removal because of clearances. Combining two angle pieces allows easier removal and can offer more height.
If you want custom mounts made, shoot me a PM. I cut aluminum occasionally and have some profiles in stock.

pianotuna wrote:
Hi BFL13,

mena wants temperature compensation I'm sure. It may be hard to find a controller with a temperature probe for $50. The idea of the 45 amp tristar pwm seems to fit with budget concerns.

Not at all. 30 amp temp control programmable for voltage. Mount the controller as close to the battery boxes as possible.

Sounds like Mena has a fun project on his hands, results, if he measures output from his two new panels and logs it, should be interesting.

Mena, when do you think you'll be ready for field testing? The days are getting longer fast now as month end of Feb gets here.