Detachable or Quick-Release Solar Panel Mod (show me)

[dangerbus]

I cant count the number of solar install threads I've read where the common opinion is that its best to have panel(s) mounted so that they can be removed and setup in full sun or at the best angle.

What I'm not seeing is ideas/details (or better yet photos) of how you did it.

In my particular case, I'm mounting the panel to the rack above my van and looking to have a quick release setup for moving the panel for better access to direct sun.
Primary concerns-
- ease of attaching/removing panel
- security while in place.

Show me what you've got, and if you haven't already got it...I'm open to good ideas needing a proof of concept!

 

[Semper Paratus]

On signs and other lights out in the boonies i have seen the panels and they have a locking device on the back. It also allows for minimal movement. Prob doesn't help much but people are doing it.

 

[thetonka]

You could use something like this for the disconnect.

http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/Synergy-Suspension-Quick-Release-Fire-Extinguisher-Mount-p-20655.html

 

[dangerbus]

pretty cool tonka.

doesnt look like it has a built in place to lock it, but i could probably drill another set of holes. It looks like this might even allow me to tilt it while in place for better sun, and then remove entirely if needed.

good find!

anybody else?? surely some of you have done this?
any secure/removable sliding options for those of you with it under the tent?

 

[thetonka]

pretty cool tonka.

doesnt look like it has a built in place to lock it, but i could probably drill another set of holes. It looks like this might even allow me to tilt it while in place for better sun, and then remove entirely if needed.

Thought the same thing.

 

[DeMented Toys]

Glad to see this topic started. I'm trying to figure out the same thing to mount a panel on my trailer then remove it to set it in the sun while at camp.

 

[dwh]

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/56678-Battery-and-Solar?p=824981#post824981

 

[Ace Brown]

When I worked for USGS we used solar panels on most of our river gaging stations and from that experience I can say there are dozens of companies selling mounts of all types and most businesses selling solar panels also stock mounts. Have you tried just Googling solar panel mounts?

Ace

 

[Michael]

Probably not what you had in mind, but ... you did ask

My panel is portable in that I can mount it as shown in the photo or, if I'm parked in the shade, move it into the sun using an extension cable I carry. This panel is 85W and is used to support power needs and charge my aux battery on days when I don't travel.

The pole and mount for the solar panel are made from 100% Home Depot stock items with the exception of the custom support piece that is inserted into my front bumper receiver. The panel is stored inside my camper shell (attached to the inside roof) when not in use. It takes about 5 minutes to set it up.

EDIT: The pole also serves as a hanger for a solar shower, a post for a lantern, and in the near future will be a mount for a HF/VHF ham antenna.

 

[LowTech]

I've been running panels on my van for a few years. What I did was to have a frame made of angle, that the panels are in. The frame has some tabs of angle on the bottom (if it was standing on end), those tabs have a hole drilled through side to side. I already have bike racks on the roof, so the tabs were made to line up w/ the fork mounts. I pull the skewer, run it through the tabs, and re-clamp.
The wires were run into a trailer plug (I used a 4 pole round because it was metal) and I mounted the receiving part high on the drivers side wall.

I can pull the panels in a min and put them any where I want. Have been thinking that I should wire an extension that can plug into the panel jack and the wall of the rig when they're 20, or so, feet away. Don't often have that need out here in the treeless land.