Solar questions

[Teleman]

I'm mounting three 210 watt Newpowa panels on my 30'Class A motorhome. I'm using Renogy Z brackets to mount them to my fiberglass roof. The panels are pre drilled to accept 8 of these brackets. Do you recommend 4 or 8 brackets per panel? Also I'm using the MPPT controller in my Redarc 40A DC to DC charger which has an input voltage of 9-32V. I need to run the panels in parallel to keep the voltage low enough but that means I need to use 6ga wire to run from the point of parallel conection. Do they make connectors that will fit 6ga wire? Or do I need to splice the cables? Thanks in advance.

[SJ-Chris]

Teleman wrote:
Btw, what kind of screws did you use to afix the brackets to the panel frames?

I used VHB tape on both sides (to the roof and to the panel). To further connect to the panel, I used a long bolt (so that I could carefully reach underneath the panel and slide it into the hole I drilled in the side of the panel. Then I used a screwdriver, lock-tight liquid, and a nut. Hasn't moved in 2 years.

In hindsight, 2 sheet metal screws would have also likely done the trick and been easier.

-Chris

[Teleman]

Ok thanks!

[CA_Traveler]

I'd recommend SS sheet metal screws with square drive. About $6/100 from Bolt Depot.

I used SS bolts, screws and aluminum brackets. Anything with steel will start to rust at some point.

[Teleman]

Btw, what kind of screws did you use to afix the brackets to the panel frames?

[Teleman]

I appreciate the advice. I will get this done before our trip later this month.

[SJ-Chris]

Here's a pic...



The Z-bracket is on the middle. After I installed it, I decided I wanted to add more brackets (because the wood roof is very thin and I wanted to be sure not to have any panels blow off while driving). You can see the L-brackets now on each side, each with one bolt through the side of the solar panel. In my case, I screwed AND VHB taped them to the roof. In your case, you will just use VHB tape to the roof.

If you'd like to see some other tips/tricks on a solar install, you can check out my experience here:
https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/30217540.cfm

Good luck.
Chris

[Teleman]

OK thanks.

[SJ-Chris]

Teleman wrote:

SJ-Chris wrote:

Teleman wrote:

CA Traveler wrote:
Chris said extend the bracket from the roof vertically to the side on the panel. Insert a horizontal screw below the cells to secure the panel.

Those brackets are tiny. The Z brackets are a bit less than 4" W and 1" D.

Those were just an example. 4" wide L-brackets work great. You can find them at home depot. For some reason their search feature is not up so I can't send you the exact ones.

The beauty is that you don't need to remove the panels to add more of these L-brackets.

Good luck!
Chris

Yes I found 4" brackets on Amazon. I ordered them and barrel nuts. Thanks for the tip.

These ones you mention....
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GS36NM4?smid=A2ETYISML7MBJ7&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp&th=1

Will not work. Your panels are already probably 3/4" to 1" off the roof from the z-brackets. So these you mention will not be tall enough to get to the side frame of your solar panel.

These will work:
https://www.amazon.com/Simpson-ML24Z-Galvanized-12-Gauge-L-Angle/dp/B003YHKEM0/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3470OUR0YJRBL&keywords=l-bracket%2B4x2&qid=1646935119&sprefix=l-bracket%2B4x2%2Caps%2C237&sr=8-4&th=1

You can also find them at your local Home Depot or Lowes.

Good luck.
Chris

[Teleman]

SJ-Chris wrote:

Teleman wrote:

CA Traveler wrote:
Chris said extend the bracket from the roof vertically to the side on the panel. Insert a horizontal screw below the cells to secure the panel.

Those brackets are tiny. The Z brackets are a bit less than 4" W and 1" D.

Those were just an example. 4" wide L-brackets work great. You can find them at home depot. For some reason their search feature is not up so I can't send you the exact ones.

The beauty is that you don't need to remove the panels to add more of these L-brackets.

Good luck!
Chris

Yes I found 4" brackets on Amazon. I ordered them and barrel nuts. Thanks for the tip.

[SJ-Chris]

Teleman wrote:

CA Traveler wrote:
Chris said extend the bracket from the roof vertically to the side on the panel. Insert a horizontal screw below the cells to secure the panel.

Those brackets are tiny. The Z brackets are a bit less than 4" W and 1" D.

Those were just an example. 4" wide L-brackets work great. You can find them at home depot. For some reason their search feature is not up so I can't send you the exact ones.

The beauty is that you don't need to remove the panels to add more of these L-brackets.

Good luck!
Chris

[Teleman]

These look good ithink.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GS36NM4?smid=A2ETYISML7MBJ7&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp&th=1

[Teleman]

CA Traveler wrote:
Chris said extend the bracket from the roof vertically to the side on the panel. Insert a horizontal screw below the cells to secure the panel.

Those brackets are tiny. The Z brackets are a bit less than 4" W and 1" D.

[Teleman]

CA Traveler wrote:
Chris said extend the bracket from the roof vertically to the side on the panel. Insert a horizontal screw below the cells to secure the panel.

Ah ok I understand now. Ty

[CA_Traveler]

Chris said extend the bracket from the roof vertically to the side on the panel. Insert a horizontal screw below the cells to secure the panel.