Mounting solar panels
Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2023 8:46 pm
Just FYI...
When I installed my first panels, I found lots of places wanting to take my money for all kinds of mounting kits.
I ended up designing my own using SuperStruts, 1/4 in. strut channel spring nuts, steel tapped hole U-style clip-on nuts, 3" coated door hinges and assorted bolts and washers to connect the panels to the struts. This was a very easy installation which allows me the flexibility to move or replace the panels in minutes, easy access to the wiring and splitters. It also required many fewer screws into my roof.
When boondocked for a longer period I can also raise the panels to match the optimum angle for my current location. You can even mount several rows of panels on a shared strut. I'm currently working on a strut mounted "scissor jack" to automatically raise and lower the panels from remote.
I have used this configuration for several years now and 6K miles, including recently five hours of fifty MPH gusting crosswinds, so I have no concerns about them staying where they I put them.
When I installed my first panels, I found lots of places wanting to take my money for all kinds of mounting kits.
I ended up designing my own using SuperStruts, 1/4 in. strut channel spring nuts, steel tapped hole U-style clip-on nuts, 3" coated door hinges and assorted bolts and washers to connect the panels to the struts. This was a very easy installation which allows me the flexibility to move or replace the panels in minutes, easy access to the wiring and splitters. It also required many fewer screws into my roof.
When boondocked for a longer period I can also raise the panels to match the optimum angle for my current location. You can even mount several rows of panels on a shared strut. I'm currently working on a strut mounted "scissor jack" to automatically raise and lower the panels from remote.
I have used this configuration for several years now and 6K miles, including recently five hours of fifty MPH gusting crosswinds, so I have no concerns about them staying where they I put them.