Episode 15 - Installing eight
solar panels on the roof
Electricity plays a big role
in most life support and
entertainment systems in
a skoolie. I plan to have
several possible sources of
electricity, including shore
power, a generator, and
the bus’s alternator when
we’re driving down the
road. But I expect the
main power source will be
solar panels by Renogy.
If I was able to order skoolie projects based on my interest
level, I’d be hanging curtains next. But I don’t think it’s wise do
any finishing work until I’m mostly done drilling holes in the
ceiling and walls. And installing solar panels requires one to
make holes. Thirty-two of them in my case.
I watched countless YouTube
videos in search of the best way to
attach the panels to the roof. I
was leaning toward a robust
structure using C channel. It’s a
good choice if you need to
support a roof deck. But the solar
panels weight only 14 pounds
each.
Renogy sells optional Z Brackets
to mount its solar panels. But if I
ever needed to remove a panel
to replace it or fix a roof leak
under it, I would have to unbolt
the Z bracket from the roof,
undoing and waterproofing
around it. And with a finished ceiling on the inside, I don’t
know how I’d re-attach the solar panel.
So I designed a system using 1” wide flat steel, threaded
couplers and angle iron. In the video I take you through the
process step-by-step.
It’s worth noting with respect to this video, and indeed all my
videos, that I’m not an engineer or skilled tradesperson. I’m a
lifelong tinkerer, making it all up as I go along. So please use
your own judgement when considering adopting a solution
shown in my (or any) YouTube videos.
Click the image below to see episode15 on my YouTube
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