Problem installing Solar Panels

I got the panels mounted. I used #12 1" screws. The plywood underneath isn't very strong for drilling screws in. I had to drill slowly until the screw bit, then hand tightened a 1/2 turn. It felt pretty solid when I dry tested it. Once it tightened, even the smallest turn at slow speed stripped in. I would have been happier to screw in tight without babying it, but between those screws and a bunch of dicor, hopefully it will hold.

Thank you for some good alternative suggestions. As for the people who state the obvious trying to mock; that doesn't help.

I've used 1/2 inch well nuts on all of my roofing additions. Work great.

^^^ #12 sheet metal screws is exactly what I was thinking - and I think I may have used myself on ours. :B

The screws are too long and if they have a non threaded portion under the head, you have gone way past the thread gripping part.
Shorter sheet metal should work.
Sheet metal screws have thread up to the underside of the head.
I used sheet metal #12's into the 3/8" plywood roof on my fifth with Dicor and no problems.

mcastorina wrote:
obviously, but the screw is not threading. I am not drilling a pilot hole. For such a small screw it shouldn't be needed to thread.

What screw are you using?

Are you using an electric drill to put in your screws? If so, do it the old fashion way by using a screwdiver.

obviously, but the screw is not threading. I am not drilling a pilot hole. For such a small screw it shouldn't be needed to thread.

^^^ Or a screw thats too long? With 3/8" plywood there is only 3/8" to grip into. Assuming say 1/4" thickness for the bracket anything longer the 3/4" is a waste. Using 2" or 3" screws, and based on his description, I wonder if he's going right past the good bite part of the screw and onto the shoulder.

If it were me I'd use a shorter screw and not drill any pilot holes. Let the screw cut it's own threads.

Thats what I did with our solar panel install years ago and it's still holding tight.

nightshift wrote:
You need to do this.

except this is a textured fiberglass roof. The OPs is rubber, but I'll ask a stupid question.... Are you drilling a pilot hole that's too big?

You need to do this.