Towing and Hauling / RV Discuss towing and hauling here. Share your tips and tricks. RV and camping discussion welcome.

suggestions for mounting solar panels

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 1, 2008 | 03:26 AM
  #1  
rogerL1961's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
suggestions for mounting solar panels

How did you attach your solar panels to your roof?

Give me some suggestions please.

How did you find the rafters to attach the panels?

What if my panels don't like up with my rafters....Toggel bolts?

any help is most appreciated.
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2008 | 01:04 PM
  #2  
stllost's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Uintah Basin Utah
wish i could help, i didn't install mine. It doesn't look like they hit the rafters on my installation though, looks like self tapping roof screws and alot of silicon. hope someone can answer you better. let me know if you want pictures of my installed unit.
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2008 | 01:38 PM
  #3  
rogerL1961's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
yes...pictures please......
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2008 | 02:59 AM
  #4  
rogerL1961's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
Ok...so I mounted my solar panel....First I have to say...its a great add on. I love it so far....I purchased a 130 watt and its nice to have it charge the battery during the day. I also purchased and Xantrex 35 amp with guages. I bought everything from Backwoodssolar.com They were very helpful and pretty much designed the system that I went with. I first called them and they were helpful. The told me what I needed for the size of rig I had and what I wanted to do.....(mainly Run a TV. Lights and stereo and heater.....I have a back up Generator.

So the mounting. Some considerations are not to mount it too close to anything else Like the Refrigerator. So you don't get shadows off of it.

I used 3/8 lag bolts and used the rubber caulk to tie it all into the roof.

I wanted the shortest run as possible so I put it up front near my batteries but on top of my roof.

I did the flat mount because I had talked to a lot of people and it seemed sufficient.

I think the gauges are great on the Xantrex. It tells you how many amps are flowing...what your battery voltage is and how many watts are going into your system.

The closer it gets to full charge the more blinks you have on a little lcd light. 5 blinks means you almost have a full charge and when it turns solid green you are charged. Then you can also look at the Voltage.

I recommend buying the mounts that go with the solar panels. They are cut the right length, already have the screw holes for attachment and have the screws that attach the mounts the the solar panel.

I do have to say...I recommend having the two 6 volt batteries (T105)

I paid about $900 bucks for everything but how nice is it to just park someplace and get free power. Not worrying about needing the charge the batteries every so often....Being out in the middle of nowhere and being able to watch tv without the generator.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ppw350z
3rd Generation Ram - Non Drivetrain - All Years
7
Jul 8, 2008 02:40 PM
Idaho Guy
Towing and Hauling / RV
21
Aug 13, 2005 08:35 PM
brillmtb
Towing and Hauling / RV
1
Sep 25, 2003 06:57 PM
kevinn
Towing and Hauling / RV
5
Jun 26, 2003 11:11 PM
Mule Skinner
Towing and Hauling / RV
6
Apr 10, 2003 06:33 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:54 PM.