Whimping out on solar instal

[wagoneer]

OK here goes, I have a 58 1/2 x 26 1/2 inch 12 volt panel that I would like to mount on my 1993 six-pac 96R truck camper roof. Probably large enough where I don't need it to be angled. My problem is getting up on the roof being a bit shaky at 68 and cannot afford an accident. San Francisco has no garage that I know of that would do this. Looking on CL is an option. The camper has a ladder and just enough space to the left rear with the solar panel junction box meeting the refrigerator vent opening and running the wires down that opening to the controller and the batteries next to that completing the solar cycle. Also
not knowing what is under the roof aluminum skin and wanting at least a one inch gap. Even 5 years ago I would not have given it a second thought. Your thoughts please

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

I'm 67, so I fully understand; one gets very conscious about risk/reward.  Can you borrow, beg, or steal a scaffold or a good solid ladder?  Or park tight to a tall retaining wall?

If you are talking about angling forward for airflow and rain runoff, I wouldn't do it.  The front of your camper will push air over the panel (no bugs on leading edge).  Mine are at 3º; not enough for much runoff (pools at bottom).  If angling for maximum sun, both people I know that have adjustable panels on their roof don't bother; too much hassle (and risk of falling again).  If I were to do sun tracking, I would get a remote panel.  Panel flat on roof will give you best output while driving.

Can't help with roof supports, since I don't know your camper (mine's a FWC Grandby with a screwed down roof, so I knew where the supports were).  I cut angle brackets from 2X3 aluminum angle and bolted them down through the roof supports and put washers and nuts on the bottom.  Didn't trust just screws into thin wall aluminum tube.

 -- Spiff

 

[Gary68]

where are those kids of yours?
rtr is not that far off

http://www.idealrvandtrailer.com/Services.html

https://www.google.com/?ion=1&espv=2#q=rv+solar+installation+san+francisco

 

[jimindenver]

With a solid roof and very high bond tape it's much easier to mount a panel than having to use screws. I believe 5% is called for to let water run off.

Good luck, you can always use the panel as a portable until you get it mounted. Please don't get up there if you are uncomfortable with it. (I can't mount mine either)

 

[DannyB1954]

At Christmas time you can always tell where the old people live. Their Christmass lights are never above head high.
Maybe a stereo install shop would be interested. They run all kinds of wires and mount amps and such.

 

[highdesertranger]

here's how I like to mount them on roofs you are unsure of.  mount a piece of aluminum angle on the outside edge,  screw into the edge wood this is usually 2x2,  seal it real good.



use a 2 pieces of aluminum angle to span the RV.  bolt them to the panel.  then using a few pieces of short angles mount the panel assembly to the angles you already mounted to the roof.  you can see it in the pic.






notice the curve of the roof.  this is a good way to mount when you need to work around the design of the RV.  this trailer has a rubber roof so there was no need to put multiple holes all over just 6 holes three on each side.  makes it easy to seal.
as for not wanting to get up on a ladder I understand.  I can lend a hand.  I don't know how to work out the details as I have been shuttling my tools to AZ so I have been busy.  but if you wait until RTR I would be glad to help out.  highdesertranger

 

[BradKW]

I've been bullying my big panels on and off the box roof and they're not much bigger, 72x40, and it hasn't been fun. I'm younger and have done heavy and stupid sh*t on ladders for a living my whole life, and getting those panels set solo was right at the edge of doable. Perhaps you just need a helper who can hop up top on a piece of plywood while you give him instructions? Check the listings under Handyman and you might find someone willing to assist while you provide directions...

 

[wagoneer]

I thank you all for encouragement and will get er done, the 'merican way.

 

[wagoneer]

Amen on the xmas lights my sig other created a tree from bare Manzanita bush and it has been our go to tree for years

 

[wagoneer]

Amen on the xmas lights my sig other created a tree from bare Manzanita bush and it has been our go to tree for years

and YES the "one of these days" is inspired by the PINK FLOYD song of the same name

and I have a fckin tooth ache ah the golden years at least i have a tooth to ache

 

[bigsallysmom]

For me it's not the equipment that's the problem. I've got an awesome ladder that tapers out at the bottom. Solid as a rock. I always make sure the ladder is placed in the correct position. My problem exists between the ears and eyes. Something tells me I'm out of balance when I'm not. Old age I'm guessing.

 

[Hippiechk]

I feel your pain Adrian! I had ALL my teeth out 12 years ago, dentures were okay...at 56 I am getting a wisdom tooth!!!

*Ouch*

Grab up the next kid pawning an electric guitar & amp...they can usually run wires?

Hugs buddy!