Community Forums

mpm2433 · 05-11-2022, 09:12 AM

I am in the process of adding solar to my DS. I have ordered batteries, found the prep, but have one remaining concern. The screws!

Screwing into roof really concerns me. What size screws have others used? also what length. Are there areas to avoid?

Experience on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

mpm

JayManges · 05-11-2022, 09:15 AM

Follow.

10 fan · 05-11-2022, 09:42 AM

I mounted 12 panels and did not use any screws. I used a piece of 1.5" aluminum angle bolted to the awning bracket and phony awning bracket with the same aluminum going across. Bolted s.s. hinge to the aluminum and panel. Hinged for mantanance not tilting. Made an aluminum bracket for the other side and used 3M tape to hold down the front 6 panels.

kcmusa · 05-11-2022, 10:01 AM

I found 2 piece Z brackets. Ones that you can remove the solar panels without removing the base that is attached to the roof. But I can’t find them anymore.
I would be cautious with 3m tape as the roof is only glued to plywood. Possible to rip roof fabric off.
I used short wood screws and butyl tape plus covered with lap sealer.

Dutch Star Don · 05-11-2022, 11:31 AM

I personally never worry about adding screws to the roof for something like a satellite or solar panels, as I feel confident with my installs. When I installed my panels, I used the brackets that came with the solar panels and 1" SS screws. I placed a small amount of Dicor under the bracket, predrilled the screw holes and then installed the screws. Once everything was installed, I ran a bead of Dicor around the bracket and over it, covering the screws. Make sure the back side of the bracket gets Dicor, so water can't run under the bracket.

With that said, I know some have successfully used a 3M adhesive tape that uses a primer and a heavy duty two sided tape. I'm sure it's strong, but being old school, I just couldn't trust it.

"10 fan's" system is very nice. I only installed four panels, so mine isn't as exotic. I did use the awning facade walls to secure the cabling.

mpm2433 · 05-11-2022, 12:59 PM

That looks great. i am wanting to add 6 100w panels. My goal is to run my inverter and keep my fridge going wo the generator. I have ordered 2 SOK 206ma batteries to eliminate my 8 lead acid batteries.

richpatty · 05-12-2022, 11:10 AM

I used 3m tape and then Dicor to seal the mounts. It has worked great and it avoided drilling. 4 years and counting.

https://youtu.be/mXiNLCWPPkA

rfg9585 · 05-12-2022, 11:40 AM

Pic is the screws and sealant. Installed for 2 years now and never a leak, etc. Screws from Lowes and sealant from HD.

Henry's is so strong the screws are just a safety item.

Tskadberg · 05-12-2022, 01:00 PM

If you have the slightly pebbled fiberglass roof and use 3m I would recommend sanding the pebbles down first. It give a better bond in my opinion . For added safety I used 3m 5200 to seal the edges.

For my own comfort level I found aluminum supports to screw to when I could. Plus 3m tape and 5200 ion the edges.

PetesMH · 05-12-2022, 08:19 PM

I used a rigid Renogy panel that was about 36 inches long. Used a stud finder to locate the aluminum roof “rafters”. They were 16 inches on center so I was able to use 3 Z-brackets on each side secured directly into structural members. I pre drilled holes foe one inch stainless screws. I injected Dicor into each hole, puddled more Dicor under each bracket and finally flooded each bracket with still more Dicor. My panel is super secure and is utterly leak proof. Very pleased.

10 fan · 05-13-2022, 11:45 PM

There are many ways to do it and they will all work if done correct. I haven't had any thing come loose (yet) over 3 years and 43,000 miles. Well see if they survive the Alaska roads.

mpm2433 · 05-24-2022, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10 fan

I mounted 12 panels and did not use any screws. I used a piece of 1.5" aluminum angle bolted to the awning bracket and phony awning bracket with the same aluminum going across. Bolted s.s. hinge to the aluminum and panel. Hinged for mantanance not tilting. Made an aluminum bracket for the other side and used 3M tape to hold down the front 6 panels.

Did you install 12 panels using the factory prewire? My understanding is that it's 6ga. how are they configured?

pvcampbell · 05-24-2022, 02:39 PM

I'm another one in the camp of using 3M VHB tape and Dicor self-leveling without any screws. Properly installed, I think they provide as strong an anchorage as using screws. I made my own base plates to which I attached the simple $3 Z-brackets.

6 years and many miles - no issues.

10 fan · 05-25-2022, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpm2433

Did you install 12 panels using the factory prewire? My understanding is that it's 6ga. how are they configured?

When I ordered the coach I ordered two solar preps of 6ga. as I wasn't sure what I was going to do. I have 6 panels in series on each set of 6ga. wires going to two PT-100's. Having two sets allowed me to have two strings. With the higher voltage of 6 panels in series the 6ga. was overkill but worked out great. I added a second inverter (3012) and invert the entire panel so I could run everything off the batteries without having to use the generator. I stuck with all Magnum products to keep the ags and precision circuits working as factory installed. It was alot of work and money but worth it to me. Everything has worked perfect.