Forum Discussion

moonlitsouls's avatar
moonlitsouls
Explorer
Nov 05, 2021

Awning Style Solar Panel

Hi guys , so im thinking of mounting a panel on the side of my rv using j brackets and a swing out awning style bracket of some kind to extend it up toward the sun , what are your thoughts?

Also, could i safely leave the panel fixed to the side of the vehicle during driving? i dont have space to store it inside , i want the top portion to be permanently fixed to the j brackets , and just be able to unhook the bottom portion to swing it up , then be able to secure it back down to the side when not in use . what do you think?
Truck Campers
  • Homeless_by_Cho's avatar
    Homeless_by_Cho
    Explorer
    Nov 05, 2021
    I believe that your idea of mounting solar panels to the side of your RV is basically sound. Solar panels are relatively heavy and wind loads can be significant. Personally, I would not trust J brackets. I would use heavy brass or stainless steel continuous hinges.

    LeRoy
  • moonlitsouls's avatar
    moonlitsouls
    Explorer
    Nov 05, 2021
    Homeless by Choice wrote:
    I believe that your idea of mounting solar panels to the side of your RV is basically sound. Solar panels are relatively heavy and wind loads can be significant. Personally, I would not trust J brackets. I would use heavy brass or stainless steel continuous hinges.

    LeRoy



    i am deff concered about the aerodynamics of such a design and how it would affect the airflow around the camper , although i imagine i could install an air foil of some kind as well
  • fpoole's avatar
    fpoole
    Explorer
    Nov 05, 2021
    Should be OK.
    I've seen some of the big boys, Class A Motorhome, have them on the sides and they just adjust as needed. That side towards the side obviously.
    Don't think it was an awning setup, more like swing brackets to handle the winds either driving or gusts on a windy day...
  • moonlitsouls's avatar
    moonlitsouls
    Explorer
    Nov 05, 2021
    fpoole wrote:
    Should be OK.
    I've seen some of the big boys, Class A Motorhome, have them on the sides and they just adjust as needed. That side towards the side obviously.
    Don't think it was an awning setup, more like swing brackets to handle the winds either driving or gusts on a windy day...


    interesting , yes i need to really think this through. I could use a swivel stick of some kind to prop the panel up and wedge it into place in a fabricated hole of some kind.
  • fpoole's avatar
    fpoole
    Explorer
    Nov 06, 2021
    moonlitsouls wrote:
    fpoole wrote:
    Should be OK.
    I've seen some of the big boys, Class A Motorhome, have them on the sides and they just adjust as needed. That side towards the side obviously.
    Don't think it was an awning setup, more like swing brackets to handle the winds either driving or gusts on a windy day...


    interesting , yes i need to really think this through. I could use a swivel stick of some kind to prop the panel up and wedge it into place in a fabricated hole of some kind.


    Yah, that's what they look like. I suppose if you did a search for RV solar on RV side or something like that you'd get some idea. The problem is the winds. Driving or in a wind storm, probably just keep them on the side which I've seen. Angle is nice, have seen them on other RV there are bracket that do that.. so cruise the internet... great idea though, camper has to be facing that side to the sun..
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Nov 06, 2021
    At least one poster has panels mounted on the side, maybe a airstream.

    Look at the various ways panels on the roof are tilted, same thing you want to do. But that side will need to face south. With the lower panel prices today most just put an extra panel on the roof, no adjustment needed ever. Mine work great parked or driving.
  • moonlitsouls's avatar
    moonlitsouls
    Explorer
    Nov 06, 2021
    CA Traveler wrote:
    At least one poster has panels mounted on the side, maybe a airstream.

    Look at the various ways panels on the roof are tilted, same thing you want to do. But that side will need to face south. With the lower panel prices today most just put an extra panel on the roof, no adjustment needed ever. Mine work great parked or driving.


    my roof is filled to capacity with 900w , im in new york so the sun exposure isnt great thats why i want more. im gonna look around at some of the bracket options
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Nov 06, 2021
    Scroll down the Kayteg1 link and note all of the empty roof space for panels. Makes no sense to me except for of course bragging rights. ie My panel is more power-ful than yours! Da*n, gotta have one of those.

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