28.5 solar panel mounting

[mdr0414]

Hi folks!

Just a quick question. I have a new 2022 28.5 rsts, solar ready, 5th wheel and wondering if I can mount a solar panel basically anywhere on the roof? obviously near the GoPower plugins, but there are no designated markings.

Tia,
Mark

 

[ARoamer]

Yes, you can mount them almost anywhere, but try to hit the studs if you can. Some mornings the stud locations will be apparent because of dew or frost. I never tried a stud detector, but it's likely one would work. Also, not a huge deal, but try to keep away from anything that may shade a panel, AC unit, etc.
After finding stud locations I made a 1"x2" wood frame the size of my panels and mounted the solar panel mounting brackets to it to lay out the panel location, and used a grease pencil to mark bracket locations on the roof. Way easier than lugging my large heavy residential panels around trying to place them. With smaller panels it's probably not needed.

 

[Dbunke]

I tried a stud finder and found the rafters were never right on 16" center. I made sure I hit the ones up front and as many as I could but it was only about 50 percent.

 

[mdr0414]

Thx! Pics help!

 

[mdr0414]

Thx Aroamer, good tip on frost to locate joists. I heard the roof was 3/8 plywood which would be sufficient for light mountings. Good tip on the template as well. Cheers!