Solar panels

[Buckshott]

Anyone have thoughts or advice on mounting solar panels using Z-brackets on a '78 vintage CO?

 

[Melvin Bell]

Anyone have thoughts or advice on mounting solar panels using Z-brackets on a '78 vintage CO?

I always try to find cross members to fasten the brackets too. Even drilling new holes and moving the brackets on the panels to line up with the cross members if possible. Then I use the screws that came with the brackets. I use Dicore self leveling Sealer under the brackets befo screwing the down and then spread the Dicore all around and on top of the bracket. That way you will have no leaks. The Dicor when dry will help hold the panels in place. never had a problem with a panel coming loose or flying off the roof. Some use other types of adhesive and sealant.
Mel

 

[Vic Harder]

You would want to make sure that your z-bracket is screwed into one of the wooden ribs inside the roof. +1 to Dicor Lap Sealant. 3M 4200 or 5200 works really well too. Rigid solar panels have sturdy aluminum frames that can be drilled for the brackets, which you will need to do since the critical location points are the roof ribs.

 

[Buckshott]

With all the dents, holes & issues with my current (47 year old!) sheet metal, I went ahead and got new metal for the top section.
This will be my winter project. This will be good as it will allow me to get a bead on the best location to mount my (rigid) solar panels, inspect, reinforce and or repair the framing. I'm thinking I'll upgrade the insulation while I'm in there.

 

[Bos_Trok]

Seems like a perfect opportunity @Buckshott while you have the skin off, I would have panel in hand so you can make sure and have wooden supports to screw into where the panel mounts up.

I mounted a 400W panel to the roof of mine using Z Brackets but I am not all that happy with what I did. The brackets only mount to the panel on the edges, so I really was only able to make sure and get screwed in some wood on the front and back of the panel. The sides lined up with nothing. I am too paranoid of a big ass solar panel flying off on the freeway, so I went ahead and riveted 6 side mounts to the camper skin as well. So now there are 12 holes in the roof I would rather not have, in retrospect, maybe fabbing up a low profile roof rack that attaches to the bulkheads would have been a better idea.

I used the butyl tape under the mounts and then gooped them on top with dicor, but its not easy to get the dicor all the way around the mount underneath the panel.

 

[Buckshott]

Good advice on getting supports properly located and installed while skin is off.

I'll bet having 400W on your rig is pretty nice! I don't blame you for going the extra mile on your mount...it's just not worth risking a "bad situation"

 

[Kansafornia]

Great thread. For me, I don't want the panels to be permanently mounted. 400 is a lot of wattage. I'm considering half that (200) as a trickle charge during the many hours I'm on the river coaxing 'bows to the surface.

Not wanting to punch through my camper's skin and looking to alternatives I'm considering setting up a panel system off of my rack that'd allow me - via two flag post brackets - to change the panel direction thereby maximizing collection. The same setup (conceptually) as my thoughts on awnings. If the rack isn't used for a boat/canoe as in the brochures, then... why not use it for solar, cafe lights, awnings, etc.?

 

[Bos_Trok]

I spend most of my time in the Pacific NW, so 400W is more like 200W on a good day. That panel is just enough to keep the fridge running without any battery drain no matter what the weather is. I have a 1500w hot water tank that I use as well, need some sun or else I would run out of battery in a few days keeping the tank warm.
I still work in town, so most of my camping is 3 days long, never ran into battery issues (280ah), but eventually with longer stays I will augment this with some thin foldable panels. They are getting smaller and better all the time.

 

[Buckshott]

I have two 100W panels, I think I'll add at least one more..."400W is more like 200W" is so true.
I added a DC/DC converter which "fast charges" my battery pack at around 400W with my pickup alternator when driving. It was a bit of a PITA to get the cables (appropriately sized) ran to the rear but I think it will be nice to have multiple sources.

 

[Vic Harder]

I have 330W of (rigid) solar and 200AH of lithium. Camping in the PNW or places further north I find the solar can be of limited use. At my brother's cabin on a lake near Prince George, BC, a sunny day in July might yield 60AH of charge. If we don't use our induction cooktop or hair dryer or ... ?? then 60 AH is enough. Boiling a kettle of water takes about 60AH by itself though.

I am actually hoping to upgrade my solar to 700W plus soon. Panel prices keep getting better!