Best way to mount roof top solar on Mini Lite

[drburns]

I do not like the idea of putting holes in the roof of a brand new RV...so have been investigating 'screw less' options.

The one I currently like is made by ECO-WORTHY

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQF8BL1...v_ov_lig_dp_it


It uses plastic brackets (6) and Sikaflex-252 adhesive.

Would like to know what you folks think...and I am open to alternatives. :-)

[Lins]

Flexible or rigid solar panel?

[babock]

If you have a rubber roof, any adhesive type mounting will rip the rubber right off the roof.

You already have a LOT of holes in your roof. I didn't give it a second thought.

[SlowrideHD]

They put a lot of holes in at the factory, fans, vents, skylights, screw holes. Most of us continue to do it as we make changes and/or improvements. With just a bit of care and planning, some dicor and eternabond, it's usually a fairly painless and uneventful process.

[Mike134]

Curious myself, following the thread

[Mike134]

Originally Posted by babock

If you have a rubber roof, any adhesive type mounting will rip the rubber right off the roof.

You already have a LOT of holes in your roof. I didn't give it a second thought.

Did you go solid or flex panels? Wiring down the outside in back then under the TT?

[babock]

Originally Posted by Mike134

Did you go solid or flex panels? Wiring down the outside in back then under the TT?

Solid. Flex panels don't last and their output is low because of temperature issues

Brought the wires down a channel in an entertainment center that was already being used for wires going up to the antenna. They go under the TT and then up through the floor where the controller is mounted.

I have pictures of my install if interested.

[drburns]

Thanks for the feedback.

My plan is to use solid panels. Have seen some negative feedback on the flexible ones over heating.

Are you using well nuts with bolts?

[aeblank]

I used this style nut with a thin plywood foot/spacer.

Glarks 30Pcs 6x52MM Heavy Duty Zinc Plated Steel Molly Bolt Hollow Drive Wall Anchor Screws Set for Drywall, Plaster and Tile (M6x52) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HK8W8G1..._MOV-DbF1053S3

2 per foot, 4 feet per panel, 4 panels. Used butyl tape and dicor.

There's 20 screws holding down my roof vent.... What's the difference?

[babock]

I screw mine into the roof rafters. Mine are wood but on your Rockwood, you likely have aluminum rafters.

The problem with only going into the roof sheeting, it's very thin and I would be worried that fasteners would pull out. You should at least try to hit the rafters with screws for the mounts near the front of the panels.

[Mike134]

Originally Posted by babock

I have pictures of my install if interested.

Yes if you get a chance to post would like to see pics

[babock]

Originally Posted by Mike134

Yes if you get a chance to post would like to see pics

Here you go. Don't have pictures where it dropped through the roof. I have the Hitec panels. Mine are 175W but you can get 200W now in same size. I made my own brackets but would likely buy th eones you can get at the same place that sells the panels. I have 4 175W for a total of 700W. Victron 100/50 solar controller and Victron BMV-712 monitor. 2 100AH Battleborn lithium batteries.

https://www.continuousresources.com/...panel-5-busbar
https://www.continuousresources.com/...nels-160w-210w
https://www.continuousresources.com/...ar-mppt-100-50
https://www.continuousresources.com/...54792cc8&_ss=r

[CincyGus]

Babock,

Very nice system and thanks so much for posting the pics. Is there a thread you posted in when you did this? Would like to know more about your system as it's in the neighborhood of what I think I want to put in my Toy Hauler once we get real close to Full Timing.

I don't want to ask too many questions that might already be answered in a project thread somewhere so I'll limit it to just one additional one.

How is the 700 watts doing in recharging the lithium batteries? I know a lot of that depends on a multitude of factors like how low are the batteries in the morning, is a Sunny, Partly Sunny or cloudy day, etc. I guess what I'm asking is the 700 watts enough that you're happy with the recovery it gives you on less than ideal conditions (shorter winter day with some clouds, some sun or a summer mostly cloudy day) or would you go more wattage if you were to do over?

[babock]

Originally Posted by CincyGus

Babock,

Very nice system and thanks so much for posting the pics. Is there a thread you posted in when you did this? Would like to know more about your system as it's in the neighborhood of what I think I want to put in my Toy Hauler once we get real close to Full Timing.

I don't want to ask too many questions that might already be answered in a project thread somewhere so I'll limit it to just one additional one.

How is the 700 watts doing in recharging the lithium batteries? I know a lot of that depends on a multitude of factors like how low are the batteries in the morning, is a Sunny, Partly Sunny or cloudy day, etc. I guess what I'm asking is the 700 watts enough that you're happy with the recovery it gives you on less than ideal conditions (shorter winter day with some clouds, some sun or a summer mostly cloudy day) or would you go more wattage if you were to do over?

I never see 700W since it is flat mounted. Most I have ever seen is around 600W which is kinda what I expected. You typically lose 20% to 30% with flat mounted systems.

What I have is plenty to recharge after a day or 2 of no sun. That is why I sized it more than I knew I was going to need.

If you would like more info, you can always private message me.

[drburns]

Thanks for all of the feedback.

For screwing the mounts into a Rockwood Mini Lite roof, are people using standard metal screws or well nuts?

Example of the well nut that could be used.

https://www.amazon.com/Well-Nuts-1-0...2ZZ91SAVMFH7T2

[tomkatb]

In many years as a roof consultant you need to know roof membrane leaks are rare. It is always improperly installed penetrations. Or lack of maintenance of those penetrations.

Less holes in the roof is better. The purpose of the roof is to keep rain off of your behind, not provide an easy platform to screw stuff into. The more holes you have in your roof the less number of years it will last.

As many advocate, find out what you need first.

If just curious, then get a suitcase system and check it out.

[aeblank]

Originally Posted by drburns

Thanks for all of the feedback.



For screwing the mounts into a Rockwood Mini Lite roof, are people using standard metal screws or well nuts?



Example of the well nut that could be used.



https://www.amazon.com/Well-Nuts-1-0...2ZZ91SAVMFH7T2

I used this style, which has a much larger footprint.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HK8W8G1..._MOV-DbF1053S3

[drburns]

Thanks for the feedback. :-)

[Fiddler Dan]

I tried to attach brackets brackets to my 2104 MiniLite. The first hole to attach proved that is a bad idea. The entire roof is foam and will in no way hold a panel that Is catching the wind there are aluminum cross beams but drilling holes in them will weaken them. I contacted Forest River and they said no way. I settled for a Zamp portable and it eliminates the need to wire a controller.

[clintbonnie73]

Going from past experience, I would suggest making the solar panel "portable". I use to have mine mounted on the roof and hated it.. seems like I was always parked in the shade.. On my newest RV, just adding about 25 ft of solar wire from panel sitting on the ground and plugged it in to RV.. I moved the panel a couple of times during the day to following the sun. Before retiring at nite, I would place the panel pointing East to catch the morning sun while still in bed ..This is the most efficient way to get the most power into your controller/batteries.
Here is a nice solar kit:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B8L6EFA...v_ov_lig_dp_it