Mounting solar panels

[50ST8R]

Okay I have a question for the experts. I want to be able to use tilt mounts on my panels. I am thinking I still need to use the z brackets to the roof then mount the tilt mounts to them. This will compensate for curvature on the roof. Correct?

Kevin. 2021 320 MKS, 2018 F-350 Diesel SRW long bed

[TucsonJim]

Okay I have a question for the experts. I want to be able to use tilt mounts on my panels. I am thinking I still need to use the z brackets to the roof then mount the tilt mounts to them. This will compensate for curvature on the roof. Correct?

Kevin. 2021 320 MKS, 2018 F-350 Diesel SRW long bed

Kevin - I built my own mounting brackets and I'm attaching a photo below. I used a piece of rectangular aluminum tube, then mounted the brackets on top. They work very well and give good clearance from the roof which keeps heat down. Take a look at the photo and it will give you an idea how yours may work.




Jim

[50ST8R]

Kevin - I built my own mounting brackets and I'm attaching a photo below. I used a piece of rectangular aluminum tube, then mounted the brackets on top. They work very well and give good clearance from the roof which keeps heat down. Take a look at the photo and it will give you an idea how yours may work.




Jim

Jim, The set up looks really nice. One question I keep having as I am trying to plan mine out while it is 20 degrees outside is how do you affix the cables to the roof? Dicor in places or did you find any suitable cable clamps? I have started purchasing using end of year sales and will write up my plans for others to critique very soon.

Thanks for your help

Kevin

[TucsonJim]

Jim, The set up looks really nice. One question I keep having as I am trying to plan mine out while it is 20 degrees outside is how do you affix the cables to the roof? Dicor in places or did you find any suitable cable clamps? I have started purchasing using end of year sales and will write up my plans for others to critique very soon.

Thanks for your help

Kevin

Kevin. I drilled holes in the rectangular tubing and then used zip ties through the holes to secure the cables. You can see an example in the photo below. I did use some non-sag sealant in a couple of places where the runs were a little longer and had nothing to secure to.

If you plan on using this method, I'd suggest replacing the zip ties every six months or so. No matter how good the tie, UV light will eventually destroy them.

[50ST8R]

Kevin. I drilled holes in the rectangular tubing and then used zip ties through the holes to secure the cables. You can see an example in the photo below. I did use some non-sag sealant in a couple of places where the runs were a little longer and had nothing to secure to.

If you plan on using this method, I'd suggest replacing the zip ties every six months or so. No matter how good the tie, UV light will eventually destroy them.

Thanks Jim. Glad to start having some options. I figured checking here would be a plus. It is probably 3 months before it will be warm enough to start on the roof. Hopefully I can install the controller and other items on a couple of warm days then attack the roof once I can get up there without three layers on. 😁

[fowlergk]

I'm in plan / purchase phase on my 2020 Solitude 375RES 800W solar install. Got 4 200W Rich Solar panels and tilt brackets, all from Rich Solar. I thought same regarding needing Z brackets then tilt brackets to mount the panels. I will test fit the panels and tilt brackets to see if i can get by with just them. I will be starting the install in a few weeks.

[Retgw2]

I stumbled across this yesterday. Intriguing and a different option to the Z brackets.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UY98-W...RKiM5A&index=2

[howson]

TucsonJim -- I remember some of what you wrote back when you made your own mounts, but could you repeat the rationale explaining why you made your own since what was available was lacking?

[TucsonJim]

TucsonJim -- I remember some of what you wrote back when you made your own mounts, but could you repeat the rationale explaining why you made your own since what was available was lacking?

The primary reason I made my own was because I'm cheap! The mounts I was considering purchasing were about $50 per set. Since I have eight panels, it was approximately $400. I made my own for less than half of that, and the material I used was thicker and more robust.

Jim (aka "cheapskate").