solar "wing" on drivers side
Hi, I've moved to being full time in the RV. I'm in the first stages of planning a solar "wing" for the driver's side of my RV. I want to hinge at the top so I can tilt when stopped. I'm open...
Forum Discussion
Hey Don,
Most modules i've seen have a fairly robust aluminum frame. Mine is double walled but the aluminum is thin. If you're going to be mounting the modules in a vertical orientation for transport, I'd suggest to ledger the frame of the module with another piece of aluminum. In fact, I think I'd build a frame to incase the whole frame of the module, relying on that outer frame to absorb the torque of the forces and support the module's frame. You could apply some weatherstripping between the two frames to further absorb any jolts or bumps (it would be easy to do and inexpensive).
When I built my tilting apparatus, I used common stainless steel butt hinges and I don't see where they wouldn't work in your application if you can fasten them securely. For deploying the module into full "harvest position", you'll need a strut, an anchor, and a fastening pin. I used 1' x 1/2" rectangular aluminum tube, drilled aluminum angle, and 1/4" clevis pins with hairpins. You'll also need an anchor or two to hold the module in transport position.
Good luck with the project and keep us informed, this may open some doors for folks with limited roof real estate.
Edit: Yeah, what I was thinking is somewhat like Tom has done. Good job, Tom!
Most modules i've seen have a fairly robust aluminum frame. Mine is double walled but the aluminum is thin. If you're going to be mounting the modules in a vertical orientation for transport, I'd suggest to ledger the frame of the module with another piece of aluminum. In fact, I think I'd build a frame to incase the whole frame of the module, relying on that outer frame to absorb the torque of the forces and support the module's frame. You could apply some weatherstripping between the two frames to further absorb any jolts or bumps (it would be easy to do and inexpensive).
When I built my tilting apparatus, I used common stainless steel butt hinges and I don't see where they wouldn't work in your application if you can fasten them securely. For deploying the module into full "harvest position", you'll need a strut, an anchor, and a fastening pin. I used 1' x 1/2" rectangular aluminum tube, drilled aluminum angle, and 1/4" clevis pins with hairpins. You'll also need an anchor or two to hold the module in transport position.
Good luck with the project and keep us informed, this may open some doors for folks with limited roof real estate.
Edit: Yeah, what I was thinking is somewhat like Tom has done. Good job, Tom!
