Solar panel mounts

[R1campr]

For those that have solar panels on the roof, what type of mounts do you have? Any recommendations what to use on a rubber roof? Can you post pictures of them? Also does anyone know if the trusses/ rafters are aluminum or wood? And are they spaced evenly at 16” on center, like a house?

[creativepart]

There are no rafters or trusses. None at all. The roof is simply styrofoam glued to 1/8” Luan plywood with the roof material glued to the Luan.

Many screw down standard solar panel stand-off mounts putting sealant/adhesive under the mount and screwing through that. With a layer of sealer over the mount.

Others use a super strong bond double side tape call VHB to hold down the mounts.

A search on YouTube should provide dozens of variations on these themes.

PS. Nothing in the build of a RV is “X on center like a house.” You can’t think of your TT like that. If you do you’ll run into big trouble hanging things or adding things.

[Fred 2106DS]

Looking at Winnebago's 2020 Micro Minnie sales brochure, it states the following for your Micro Minnie's roof construction:

• Walkable roof, with 3/8” decking and rafters on 16” centers
• TPO exterior
• Double insulation; fiberglass insulation and Extreme Weather
Radiant Foil insulation

My 2016 2106DS Micro Minnie has a walkable roof with 7mm decking with rafters on varying centers from 10 1/4" to 19 15/16" according to the construction diagrams I requested from Winnebago. Those construction diagrams show wood rafters but I believe some of mine are metal based on what I found when I removed the trim ring from the shower skylight. See pictures below showing a metal rafters behind each side of the skylight framing.

Here's a link describing the solar panel mounts I used and how I attached them.

[creativepart]

Yikes, it seems I gave you bad information. I did not realize that Winnebago towables were different from motorhomes. The description I gave you is for motorhomes.

Sounds like towable Winnebagos have a better roof design than motorhomes.

[R1campr]

Creative, thanks for responding. Yea there’s many different designs on them.

Fred, thank you, that’s the info I’ve been searching for. Your links helped me too. I wrote to Winnebago and got the drawings for roof and also walls and floor.

[BobC]

Originally Posted by R1campr

Creative, thanks for responding. Yea there’s many different designs on them.

Fred, thank you, that’s the info I’ve been searching for. Your links helped me too. I wrote to Winnebago and got the drawings for roof and also walls and floor.

I'm glad Winnebago got the info to you. I've always had a good response from them but others complain about not getting responses.

3/8" will work fine for screws even if you can't get into a rafter. I suggest using larger diameter screws, #10 or #12. I've always liked making my own brackets out of aluminum angle stock for a bigger footprint than the typical "Z" brackets. I'm assuming your roof has a slight curve to it so you'll have to allow for that That's easiest to do if the brackets are mounted on the front and back edges of the panels. Here's a photo of the brackets I made for my van. Mine are glued down with VHB tape, but my van roof is fiberglass.

[R1campr]

Winnebago was really good at getting back to me with the info.
I was thinking of using some kind of adjustable brackets so the feet part of them can be permanently mounted. And easy access in case I need to remove the panels.

[BobC]

Originally Posted by R1campr

Winnebago was really good at getting back to me with the info.
I was thinking of using some kind of adjustable brackets so the feet part of them can be permanently mounted. And easy access in case I need to remove the panels.

The way I made mine, it's super easy to remove the panels without disturbing the mounts. I used a Harbor Freight tap and die set (useful to have) so I could use threaded bolts to mount the panels to the L-brackets so they'd be easy to remove and reinstall but sheet metal screws would be fine.

[erstanfo]

I like Nuepowa curved roof mounts from amazon. They are adjustable and can be separated if you need to work on solar panel.

[creativepart]

Originally Posted by erstanfo

I like Nuepowa curved roof mounts from amazon. They are adjustable and can be separated if you need to work on solar panel.

How about a link??? I looked at Amazon but don't know which ones you are talking about.

[No1Hunter]

Originally Posted by creativepart

How about a link??? I looked at Amazon but don't know which ones you are talking about.

Same here. I don't find them either.

EDIT: These might be what he is talking about:

https://www.amazon.com/Newpowa-Mount...08HLL32J9?th=1

Funny how they don't seem to come up searching the Amazon site, but Google it, and it will find them on Amazon! LOL

[No1Hunter]

Looks like Renogy makes them also:

https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Solar-..._t1_B08HLL32J9

[BobC]

These look good. I like that they're made so the panel can be easily removed for service without disturbing the part mounted to the roof. And the fact that they're made to be adjustable to fit curved roofs (in two directions) is another plus.

They are much more expensive at $39 for four vs. about $10 for four, typical Z brackets, so I'll probably continue to make my own as shown in post #6. Mine also have a much larger footprint.

[erstanfo]

Here is the link to curved roof solar panel mounts on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Newpowa-Mount...s%2C273&sr=8-3

[No1Hunter]

Originally Posted by BobC

They are much more expensive at $39 for four vs. about $10 for four, typical Z brackets, so I'll probably continue to make my own as shown in post #6. Mine also have a much larger footprint.

You must be looking at the Renogy mounts. You get 2 sets of the Newpowa mounts for $39 or you can buy one set (of 4) for $20.

[BobC]

Originally Posted by No1Hunter

You must be looking at the Renogy mounts. You get 2 sets of the Newpowa mounts for $39 or you can buy one set (of 4) for $20.

My bad, I think I went back and forth and then quoted the wrong price. These are $38.99 for two sets of four, which is a great deal:

https://www.amazon.com/Newpowa-Mount...08HLL32J9?th=1

[No1Hunter]

So, does anyone use a wind deflector in front of your panels? I know my TT came with one, but I am adding another panel and can't seem to find them. I may have to just manufacture one if I can get my little sheet metal brake back from my son.