Anyone have pix of how they mounted solar panels
- Thread starter 100acrehuphalump
- Start date
Yuman Desert Rat
Expedition Leader
flylow4500
Observer
This is three 250w panels on top of my trailer.
WideAngleWandering
Deambulador
Here's what I've got:
Landcruiser Solar Panels by WideAngleWandering, on Flickr
Custom frame mounted to a custom rack using take-apart hinges so I can angle them at the sun, set them on the ground or just leave them flat while I'm driving.
Landcruiser Solar Panels by WideAngleWandering, on FlickrCustom frame mounted to a custom rack using take-apart hinges so I can angle them at the sun, set them on the ground or just leave them flat while I'm driving.
Rockhounder
Explorer
I originally installed my panels for the freezer fridge, but found it also useful for lots of camp 12 volt equipment and lighting. It is 9 15watt panels that produce 15 volts, hooked up in parallel. Goes to a 700watt charge controller, which then goes to 2 deep cycle batteries where the spare tire well is. It also has a 4 gauge wire running to front battery with a disconnect switch at the rear battery bank. On the highest point of the sun, my charge controller says I get over 10 amps of charge.
When I installed the panels, I fabbed some 3 inch risers for the panels to have a clear air path under. This hugely cools the roof off in sunny days, helping with the overall thermal load buildup inside when the car is off.
The panels and charge controller are from Harbor Freight.
When I installed the panels, I fabbed some 3 inch risers for the panels to have a clear air path under. This hugely cools the roof off in sunny days, helping with the overall thermal load buildup inside when the car is off.
The panels and charge controller are from Harbor Freight.
I finally got around to installing my Grape Solar 100W Flex panel. Time will tell if the mounting holds up. So far, it seems pretty decent. I like the panel, low profile, light weight, and works fairly well.
Mounting Base
More pictures at my gallery here.
Mounting Base
More pictures at my gallery here.
DaveNay
Adventurer
I finally got around to installing my Grape Solar 100W Flex panel. Time will tell if the mounting holds up. So far, it seems pretty decent. I like the panel, low profile, light weight, and works fairly well.
Mounting Base
More pictures at my gallery here.
I STRONGLY urge you to find a more permanent method of securing your solar panels other than zip ties. In the heat and direct sunlight you will only get about 12 months of reliable strength from those zip ties. They will quickly become brittle and will easily break, then WOOSH!, there go your solar panels as you are driving down the highway.
It is glued on to the bars, the zip ties are a safety feature in the event the glue gives way, they are not load bearing. I agree there are better ways, I just haven't quite sorted it out yet. I posted the picture of the bottom of the panel, you can just make out the glue in spots. I'll be testing it carefully and monitoring to ensure it stays put. If it does not hold up, I plan on removing it.
You probably made sure to get the UV resistant zip ties.
Note: they do make stainless steel zip ties, as well...cheap upgrade for added security!
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-stainless-steel-cable-ties-25-pk-69413.html
Note: they do make stainless steel zip ties, as well...cheap upgrade for added security!
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-stainless-steel-cable-ties-25-pk-69413.html
rayra
Expedition Leader
oh, zipped AND glued. lol. You've got some funky ideas about mounting stuff. Why didn't you just use some J-bolts or fabricate some brackets? Could have some real nice clamps on the tubing with cap-head screws using allen or torx or some other tamper-resistant driver type.
nice rack and install location. Lot of money spent up there to be going low-budget on the mounting.
nice rack and install location. Lot of money spent up there to be going low-budget on the mounting.
100acrehuphalump
Explorer
Those are some great pictures. I just ordered 2 Renogy 100W 12V bendable mono crystalline panels to mount with adhesive on my new FWC Hawk. They're only 0.12 " thick for better aerodynamics and only 4 lbs each. If in the future one goes bad, I'll just glue another one on top of it. I'll post some pix soon. I get them on Friday. I originally was gonna mount my two rigid panels like IdaSHO did in the above post but weight and airflow were my biggest concerns nor did I want to drill into the camper.
