Mounting 24v 305w panels on roof

Hi,

You really don't want to have two different metals. Electrolysis can happen when they get wet. Since the panels are likely aluminum, that is what I would use. I would secure the L to the panel with aluminum pop rivets. More is NOT better.

Dicor is your friend. Use it. Don't be stingy.

steveexplorer wrote:
Pros and cons of aluminum vs stainless steel for strength and weathering?

westend wrote:
Double the advice at the same cost:B

LOL! Nice one!

mena661 wrote:
Westend, that's the same link I posted. :B

I know, you edited at the same time I posted. Double the advice at the same cost:B

I would use aluminum, easier to machine, cost less, and weighs less. For this application, strength of aluminum is adequate.

Thanks much for the suggestions. This stuff is elementary, but can be confusing to a beginner. Looked over the various videos which are helpful and illustrative! And yes, panels are 50 mm, (1.9 inch).

Leaning toward mounting with L brackets in a way that I can remove them if need be. Pros and cons of aluminum vs stainless steel for strength and weathering?

Hi,

I used L shaped aluminum on the long sides of my panels. This provided lots more stiffness to them, and made installation a snap.

steveexplorer wrote:
Just got my two 24v 305 watt RENESOLA panels, each about 77" x 39", but no mounting hardware was included.

I put my Kyocera 245W 65" x 39" panels on aluminum rails with Z-brackets. If you need extra height, you could use aluminum tubes.

Westend, that's the same link I posted. :B

Renoman69 compiled a list of Forum member's installations:Solar installs. There should be some inspiration in those threads.

"Z" brackets are conventionally used but using them makes it difficult to remove the module, should you have to do so. They also don't offer much separation from the roof and that can be significant if you live down South where temperatures get hot. I would suggest that you attach your module with an intermediary piece like a Unistrut or a similar piece of aluminum tube channel. This intermediary piece is then attached to the RV roof using L brackets. The L brackets can be purchased at hardware or big-box stores or they are simple to DIY.

Good luck with your solar installation.

I was thinking about using the one's from AM Solar but those only work on 35 or 40 mm panels. I think your panels are 50 mm. IMO, simple L brackets would work. As far as mounting, well nuts seem to be the favorite although some have used sheetmetal screws. If you have a fiberglass roof, you can also use 3M VHB tape.

EDIT: Here is a thread with everyone's solar installs. Should help you out with some ideas.

Forum Members Solar Installations With Pics