I have noticed on almost all solar panel RV mounts that they are designed to utilize bolt holes on the bottom rim of the panel. Is there a reason why they don't make it so you can bolt to sides and easily remove the panels for cleaning underneath or replacing the panel? Note that drilling holes on the frame voids the warranty as I was told. But I'm still interested if it can be done.

Primarily designed for a standardized commercial rack system. Drill as needed for your custom RV mount system.

DAS26miles wrote:I have noticed on almost all solar panel RV mounts that they are designed to utilize bolt holes on the bottom rim of the panel. Is there a reason why they don't make it so you can bolt to sides and easily remove the panels for cleaning underneath or replacing the panel? Note that drilling holes on the frame voids the warranty as I was told. But I'm still interested if it can be done.well, my roof solar panels are mounted on the sides with plastic wing nuts so I can attach arms for angling them or cleaning.not all mounts are underside. look around and you can find both kinds.Oh, and mine used existing mounts on the panel, no need to drill any new holes.

I haven't seen any with side mounts, all seem to be underneath. I want to mount my new panel up to 1 1/4-1 1/2" for air flow. Most of the Z brackets are 5/8" to 1" Plus I need multiple mounting holes to the roof as mine is very thin and I will either use Drywall anchors which will mount flush or well nuts that have a lip raising the mount 3/16".

Standard panel mounts are L shaped and bolt to the backside thereby providing you with the side mount you desire. Whatever clearance they provide from the roof is plenty. And you'll have 8 screws/panel into the roof.

DAS26miles wrote:I haven't seen any with side mounts, all seem to be underneath. I want to mount my new panel up to 1 1/4-1 1/2" for air flow. Most of the Z brackets are 5/8" to 1" Plus I need multiple mounting holes to the roof as mine is very thin and I will either use Drywall anchors which will mount flush or well nuts that have a lip raising the mount 3/16".here is a link to side mounts that allow a panel be tilted easily. no inexpensive, but I found they work very well.https://amsolar.com/rv-solar-panel-kit/mounting-accessories/

Why are Solar Panels mounted to bottom instead of sides?

DAS26miles
Explorer II
Nov 30, 2017
I wonder if Renogy Z brackets could be put in a vise and straightened so I could do a side mount for easy removal? They also have 2 holes for mounting to roof so I could use well nuts/
ktmrfs
Explorer II
Nov 30, 2017
DAS26miles wrote:
I haven't seen any with side mounts, all seem to be underneath. I want to mount my new panel up to 1 1/4-1 1/2" for air flow. Most of the Z brackets are 5/8" to 1" Plus I need multiple mounting holes to the roof as mine is very thin and I will either use Drywall anchors which will mount flush or well nuts that have a lip raising the mount 3/16".

here is a link to side mounts that allow a panel be tilted easily. no inexpensive, but I found they work very well.

https://amsolar.com/rv-solar-panel-kit/mounting-accessories/
2oldman
Explorer II
Nov 30, 2017
Standard panel mounts are L shaped and bolt to the backside thereby providing you with the side mount you desire. Whatever clearance they provide from the roof is plenty. And you'll have 8 screws/panel into the roof.
DAS26miles
Explorer II
Nov 30, 2017
I haven't seen any with side mounts, all seem to be underneath. I want to mount my new panel up to 1 1/4-1 1/2" for air flow. Most of the Z brackets are 5/8" to 1" Plus I need multiple mounting holes to the roof as mine is very thin and I will either use Drywall anchors which will mount flush or well nuts that have a lip raising the mount 3/16".
ktmrfs
Explorer II
Nov 30, 2017
DAS26miles wrote:
I have noticed on almost all solar panel RV mounts that they are designed to utilize bolt holes on the bottom rim of the panel. Is there a reason why they don't make it so you can bolt to sides and easily remove the panels for cleaning underneath or replacing the panel?
Note that drilling holes on the frame voids the warranty as I was told. But I'm still interested if it can be done.

well, my roof solar panels are mounted on the sides with plastic wing nuts so I can attach arms for angling them or cleaning.

not all mounts are underside. look around and you can find both kinds.

Oh, and mine used existing mounts on the panel, no need to drill any new holes.
time2roll
Nomad
Nov 30, 2017
Primarily designed for a standardized commercial rack system. Drill as needed for your custom RV mount system.

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Why are Solar Panels mounted to bottom instead of sides?

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