21DS Solar installation

[LarryLenz]

Hi. I have a 2020 21DS TT. I have 2-200 watt solar panels to put on the roof. My question is: How do I find the aluminum frame to screw down the solar panels or can I just screw into the plywood top with no problem. I'm sure that a stud finder will not find the aluminum frame. Has anyone done this?

[SeaDog]

A stud finder will show the aluminum frame they work on density of material not the makeup of material.

[LarryLenz]

Thanks, SeaDog. I didn't realize that. So you are saying to definitely use the aluminum frame to attach my solar panels?

[drburns]

It is going to be near impossible to get all of your screws into the alum studs...I did not even try, other than to position my panels close enough to the side to leverage the stud there.

I used size 14 Truss head screws. It is key to pre drill the holes, then use a manual screwdriver to not over tighten the screws.

I put EternaBond tape under the mounts, and then lots of self leveling lap sealant on top.

With 4 mounts per panel, with 2 screws each in them, my six panels are going nowhere.



I have a Mini Lite 2509s.

I hope this helps.

[LarryLenz]

Thanks so much, David. The picture helps. You used 6-100watt panels I'm guessing. I have 2-200watt panels which are much heavier. I was thinking of using 8 mounting brackets to mount each panel. Using the same brackets you did. 8 from Bouge, rated for 300watt panels, and 8 from Renogy, which are only rated for 150watt panels. So I was going to mix and match. 4-good ones on each panel and 4 smaller ones on each panel as well. Do you think that is a good idea or is it just overkill?
Thanks for responding. I really appreciate the help. How did you integrate your solar into your internal electrical system?

#14 Truss Head Screws - How long were they?

[drburns]

It is hard to say if 8 mounts is too much or not...depending on the shape of the panels, 6 may work. Only issue with 'too many'...is that many more holes in the roof. :-)

Here are details on my solar install - https://diysolarforum.com/threads/rv...atteries.6773/

Feel free to ask any questions about it.

[LarryLenz]

Since our RV roofs are basically the same, what was the length of your #14 Screws?

[drburns]

Screws are 1” long. 3/4” might have been fine...but, I figured 1” would not cause any issues...

[LarryLenz]

Thanks, David. Most appreciated. I'll use 1" ones myself then. I can't wait to start the installation and getting everything working.

[drburns]

Glad to help.

I was planning on doing 400 watts of panels myself, but when I discovered I had room for 6 panels...and they were only $75 each...I figured why not...would help me on cloudy days or if I am parked in the shade.

[NaturalRVer]

Originally Posted by drburns

Glad to help.

I was planning on doing 400 watts of panels myself, but when I discovered I had room for 6 panels...and they were only $75 each...I figured why not...would help me on cloudy days or if I am parked in the shade.

What brand are your panels?

[drburns]

Here you go, these are the ones I am using...and I am very happy with them.

HQST 100 Watt 12 Volt Polycrystalline Solar Panels

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1