solar panel on a conversion van
I just purchased 100W solar panel. Now to do mount. My problem is that the terminals come out of the panel but have little bendability for bringing into van thru the roof to wire up to the converter. ...
Forum Discussion
Hi,
For mounts, it really helps to have the panel about 1" above the roof, and this allows air under the panel, to help cool it, and that allows more power production.
I cut 6" long 2" angle aluminum, with three holes into the bracket on one side to the roof with #10 screws, and 5/16" hole for a 1/4-20 bolt into the solar panel frame.
I would recommend drilling a hole for the electrical wire someplace 'under' the panel final location, so that if it leaks, it will only leak the rain that falls below the panel. You could drill a 7/8" hole and install a raintight connector, or two screw connector, and then cover with a generous amount of rubber roof sealant. Also sealant under the brackets, and on top of the screw terminals.
If the panel mounts are really close to the end, you could tilt the panels to get more production when you will be parked for a while, and want to get up there and tilt the panels. I used 12" long arms. At one point, I had some brackets made from 3/4" thin gauge angle aluminum, 5/16" holes on each end.
For wiring, I used grey Romex #10 wire, and you can get that at Home Depot. It is rated for UV light, and out in the rain, even buried underground.
Good luck,
Fred.
For mounts, it really helps to have the panel about 1" above the roof, and this allows air under the panel, to help cool it, and that allows more power production.
I cut 6" long 2" angle aluminum, with three holes into the bracket on one side to the roof with #10 screws, and 5/16" hole for a 1/4-20 bolt into the solar panel frame.
I would recommend drilling a hole for the electrical wire someplace 'under' the panel final location, so that if it leaks, it will only leak the rain that falls below the panel. You could drill a 7/8" hole and install a raintight connector, or two screw connector, and then cover with a generous amount of rubber roof sealant. Also sealant under the brackets, and on top of the screw terminals.
If the panel mounts are really close to the end, you could tilt the panels to get more production when you will be parked for a while, and want to get up there and tilt the panels. I used 12" long arms. At one point, I had some brackets made from 3/4" thin gauge angle aluminum, 5/16" holes on each end.
For wiring, I used grey Romex #10 wire, and you can get that at Home Depot. It is rated for UV light, and out in the rain, even buried underground.
Good luck,
Fred.
