Transporting Solar Panels

[JKJenn]

So, I picked up 2 of the 100 watt Renogy solar panels from Amazon at what seems to be a very good price. The panels did not come with legs or any storage case.

What are you using for legs and transporting your panels? Would folding brackets works as legs? The mounting brackets for solar panels seem way over priced to me. I am also looking for a way to protect them while in transport. They are almost 4’ x2’. I was going to look at Rubbermaid containers to see if any would work.

 

[HenryJ]

For the foldng panels that i have, that did not come with a protective transport case, I used Masonite with a pad of 1/2" neoprene glued to it as a cover. Webbing and a buckle secure it to the panels. This has worked very well over the years.

BLT Offroad tablet

 

[JKJenn]

For the foldng panels that i have, that did not come with a protective transport case, I used Masonite with a pad of 1/2" neoprene glued to it as a cover. Webbing and a buckle secure it to the panels. This has worked very well over the years.

BLT Offroad tablet

That's a great idea. I could probably get away with industrial strength Velcro. I thought about hinging them like a suitcase panel but decided that there may be times I want to use only one. They are rather large.

 

[HenryJ]

Here is a picture of mine:

Not adding the hinge on big panels is probably a good idea. Still might want to add a handle though. That can be used to secure them. Bike lock cable might keep honest people honest. You could also hang it from the handle?
The cover can be used to prop the panel up too. I have done that with my little set. Those I made myself and have no props. Never been and issue though. I can always lean them against a tire or tree

 

[JKJenn]

Thanks great ideas there. My panels have pre-drilled holes that I hope to use for cable locks. I bet I have webbing and buckles around the house that would work, too. Did you add snaps to the webbing? (silver things)

Sent from my RM-860_nam_usa_100 using Tapatalk

 

[HenryJ]

... Did you add snaps to the webbing? (silver things)

Those are large flange aluminum pop rivets. On the inside between the masonite and the foam pad I have an aluminum rivet washer. I did peen the inside down a little before gluing the foam padding over it.
I used a dull awl to make an opening in the webbing so as not to cut the fibers.
Wally World carries the plastic buckles and 1" webbing , under I believe the Kelty brand? They are very inexpensive. Stocked with Sporting goods in the camping section.

 

[yotes65]

So, I picked up 2 of the 100 watt Renogy solar panels from Amazon at what seems to be a very good price. The panels did not come with legs or any storage case.

What are you using for legs and transporting your panels? Would folding brackets works as legs? The mounting brackets for solar panels seem way over priced to me. I am also looking for a way to protect them while in transport. They are almost 4' x2'. I was going to look at Rubbermaid containers to see if any would work.

Greetings Jenn... do you have a link for the panels that you purchace from Amazon?

 

[java]

I used aluminum angle to mount my renogy panels, just drilled into the aluminum sides. There is a thicker section in the corners, but I haven't had any problems yet, and they are mounted to the roof of a VERY bouncy truck.

 

[JKJenn]

Greetings Jenn... do you have a link for the panels that you purchace from Amazon?

Here You go.

I used aluminum angle to mount my renogy panels, just drilled into the aluminum sides. There is a thicker section in the corners, but I haven't had any problems yet, and they are mounted to the roof of a VERY bouncy truck.

Thanks, that is one of the options I was considering. Good to know the aluminum will hold up. I had considered mounting them to my roof rack but decided it would be too much of a hassle when I want to leave them at camp.

I have also been looking at repurposing other cases like synthesizer gig bags but have not found anything the right size.