2005 24SS: How do you mount solar panels on it?

[Eric6A]

I want to mount a single 100W solar panel on the roof now, and maybe another 100W panel later on. The best location appears to be along the left side, about halfway back. The panel is 22"x 47", and weighs 20 pounds.

What's a good way to mount a panel?

[Mustang65]

I mounted my 215Watt Solar Panel near the back end of the TT. I kept it away from the Tv antenna, as that will cast a shadow on the panel and reduce the output of the panel. You can click on my SOLAR link below to see where it is mounted.

I used (8) "Z" solar panel mounting brackets that you can purchase from any of the solar panel online stores. I mounted the brackets on the panel, laid it in place and marked the spots on the roof where I needed to drill the (small) pilot holes. Once I drilled the holes I filled them and the surrounding bracket area with Dicor LAP Sealant (self leveling - 501LSW) and put the solar panel back in place. I used # 14 x 1 1/4" screws to mount the brackets to the roof. Check the thickness of your roof before using screws. The sealant ooooooozed out from under each of the "Z" brackets, as I tightened them (which makes for a good seal). After securing all the brackets of the Solar panel to the roof, I put the self-leveling caulking over each bracket and letting it run out about an inch around each bracket.

It has been 18 months and over 7K miles the panel is as solid as the day I installed it, and the caulking is still in GREAT shape. One thing, I have a Truss roof system so it is arched and I had to put a rubber pad between the peak of the roof and the panel, so as not to cut into the roof material.

I opted to run my wires from the panel location along the side of the TT just under the awning. I went to LOWES and purchased 3/4" plastic/self stick wire channels and stuck them to the side of the TT. Ran the wires through them to the front storage compartment where the MPPT charge controller is and is within a few feet of the batteries.

When you wire in your solar, mount the solar charge controller as close to the battery as possible, with the longer wire run between the panel and the charge controller. Higher voltage less loss.

Don

[Eric6A]

Originally Posted by Mustang65

I opted to run my wires from the panel location along the side of the TT just under the awning. I went to LOWES and purchased 3/4" plastic/self stick wire channels and stuck them to the side of the TT. Ran the wires through them to the front storage compartment where the MPPT charge controller is and is within a few feet of the batteries.

I like this idea. I could run my wires down the awing support on the side of the motorhome, and they'd end up exactly where I needed them. That's less effort, less wire, and fewer holes than my original plan.