Solar installation on a Northstar 850SC

[Fishbreath]

Last week I installed a 150 watt panel on the roof of my 850SC. Based on the advice of Northstar, I elected to place the panel on the left-front corner of the roof. This was based on Northstar saying that the perimeter of the roof had a thick wood strip that would accept wood lag screws to secure the panel.
To ensure that I had sufficient clamping force between the panel and the roof, I installed a piece of aluminum L-angle, running the length of two sides of the panel that would mount over the front and left side of the roof perimeter. For the corner that was towards the middle of the roof and no suitable structure, I used 6 inch pieces of the same aluminum L-angle.
I drilled five holes in each aluminum bracket for the perimeter mounts that would accept a 1/4 inch, 1 1/2 inch long lag screw.
I drilled pilot holes into the roof at each location.
I then applied 3M VHB tape to the bottom of each bracket.
Each lag was installed using a fender-style washer between the lag bolt head and the bracket.
After all of the lags were tightened, I applied a very generous amount of Dicor self-leveling sealant.

I then ran the power cables into an outdoor rated electrical box and then through the roof, approximately 6 inches from the edge of the roof and about even with the right edge of the fridge. All of this was also covered with Dicor.

I then ran the cables down through the cabinet to the right of the fridge and into the cabinet behind the water heater. I then ran the wires out of the cabinet to the controller, which I had mounted under the bed overhang, above the step up to the bed.

The wires were then routed back to the cabinet and down to the battery.

The combination of the 3m VHB tape, the lags and the Dicor might seem excessive, but I know that the panel will never come off.

I took the rig on a three day camping adventure this week. The panel held fine, no leaks and the battery maintained its charge. I did run the fridge on 12 volts, without the camper being hooked to the truck's alternator, while driving to my camping location and the battery still stayed charged. (I switched the fridge to propane while camped)


I am now Photobucket challenged, so no pics. If you are considering the same installation and want pics, please PM me and I will email them to you.

NOTE: The size and length of the lag screw was based on recommendations from Northstar. Even though I used a thick angle bracket and a washer between the lag screw head and the bracket, the lag screws still penetrated the roof's interior by about a 1/16 of an inch. A solution to this would be to file off the tip of the lag screw. It will still grab if you drill a pilot hole.

Bill

[Paradox123]

I used only VHB tape six years ago and the panels are still firmly adhered to my (fiberglass) roof. Glad I did not need to use any fasteners.

[hedge]

Mine are mounted the same way as Work2much, same panels even I believe but I could only fit 3. The outside two catch the outer wall studs but the one in the center is just into the plywood. So far so good, just drove through some crazy wind Friday night and thankfully they are still there... but this thread had me nervous.

I've thought of running a piece of aluminum across the front to tie them all together and then screwed down to the sidewalls but don't really want to put more holes in the roof.

[Lwiddis]

Work2much, that's a good looking truck and camper!

[work2much]

I just used the screws Renogy provided. They are self tapping wood screws. We were able to get 4 100w on the front (+ 1 you can't see) overlapping the bracket holes. The screws seemed to bite well and ample dicor has kept it water-tight. We have about 5,000 miles on now with some pretty nasty weather and 70mph+ into headwinds and so far no issues at all.

The angle they sit also gives a mild "tilting" advantage. Hopefully they won't be more vulnerable to rock damage. 3 Months in Alaska should be a good test.

So far very pleased with solar power. We haven't plugged in or run a generator since install. The fridge runs on solar during the day and we have switched much of our cooking to electric via a crock-pot.

[scrubjaysnest]

We were leaving for the summer travels saw a 125 to 150 watt solar panel laying along side the highway. It still had the roof plywood attached. That was a new one for us. Don't know what it came from. On our class A I mounted two 100 watt panels with 6 inch long 1 5/8 inch aluminum angle. Used #12 SS 1 inch screws, adhesive/sealant and Dicor. So far 1000 miles down range and the panels are still there.

[Lwiddis]

I too attached my three panels about 18 inches behind the front of my TT and lengthwise to catch more sunlight when in a campsite...more trees toward the rear generally. Screws and Dicor. No problems so far. Decided against air deflectors with advice that its better to let air flow under and over the panels. Anyone have a different opinion on deflectors?

[corvettekent]

I used 1" #10 wood screws (2 in each bracket) plus 3M VHB tape and Dicor over the top of the brackets. Been up there for three years with no problems.