Thread: Mounting solar panels to a roof tray.

For permanent mounting i would just use alloy/stainless brackets attached directly to the panel, or some alloy channel that the panel can slide into so it can be removed easily.

While at it, why not make it hinged so you can angle it at least in one direction for camping etc.

Originally Posted by gavinwibrow

While at it, why not make it hinged so you can angle it at least in one direction for camping etc.

Thanks, but I don't agree with angling panels on roof racks. Too much wind blocking when driving and most of the time its angled away from the sun anyway. This one will be flat so it gets some sun all day.

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Originally Posted by loanrangie

For permanent mounting i would just use alloy/stainless brackets attached directly to the panel, or some alloy channel that the panel can slide into so it can be removed easily.

Yes, thats my current thinking. Maybe 6 x Z brackets.

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Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Thanks, but I don't agree with angling panels on roof racks. Too much wind blocking when driving and most of the time its angled away from the sun anyway. This one will be flat so it gets some sun all day.

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I didn't mean whilst driving, but whilst parked/camping etc, hence the hinging

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Morning people. Seeking advice about mounting a solar panel to a Rhino Rack roof tray with a mesh base.

I have ordered an 80 watt panel (not flexible). Once it arrives I have to work out the best way to mount it to the tray, which is 115 x 90.

At first I was looking at the plastic corner and side mount kits which are about $50 on Ebay, but I then I realised they are designed to be glued to the roof of a caravan or motorhome, which is not what I want to do. I am assuming I would screw mine to the mesh tray and secure them with another cross-piece underneath, as I have done previously when mounting a fuel can holder to this same tray, unless someone has a better idea. I suppose I could drill a hole in the plastic mounts.

Alternatively, I guess I'm looking at alloy brackets. There are Z-shaped brackets for sale on ebay.

I suppose another alternative would be not to use a tray at all, but mount the panel directly to the Rhino bars.

So, I'm wondering what other people have done to secure solar panels to roof racks (not the roof) on their vehicles. What kind of brackets have you used? Did it work well?

Link to what I'm looking at below.

Any advice much appreciated.

Mick

http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_o...g+kit&_sacat=0
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Are you looking for the panel to keep the battery charged while parked or for use when camping to keep the fridge etc running?

The reason I ask is the hinge idea is good, I have been testing various solar kits (borrowed from friends) to see what I want to buy myself for Christmas. I found that by putting the panels at an angle towards the sun I got much closer to the max panel rates on all the configurations that I tried. I have been surprised by how much difference it has made. That difference would be welcome on a hot day in summer running a fridge. Particularly as the car would need to be in the sun if the solar system is bolted to the roof.

Hey there Mick! This is what I did, not that I know what I'm doing but it fits my criteria : cheap to make with existing materials round the house, charges well and didn't take too long to make. May not be too pretty but works well for me. It's a 24v 160w which is above my normal requirement but means I don't have to worry too much about parking angles and why I also didn't hinge it. The panel itself was a used one off a house system that was swapped out as they wanted all the same panels, so came with alloy frame also (though larger than ideal profile). As stated may not be ideal as hinge may be more efficient but id rather be fishing than repositioning my panel every few hours of every day.
The front mounts bolt direct to steel sheet at front of rack the rear ones are over the mesh using the same alloy angle but ply inserts underneath with larger washers. Has held up through the corrugations thus far. Not showroom finish but my 110 is a little rough around the edges 😄

ImageUploadedByAULRO1475362582.454015.jpg

Originally Posted by gavinwibrow

I didn't mean whilst driving, but whilst parked/camping etc, hence the hinging

Ok, I misunderstood. Sorry.

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