Mounting a solar panel

[gotoPzero]

I have 2 x solar panels that I want to mount on my garage wall. (individually)

My idea so far is as follows. (I have looked online to see if there is any product like this and cant find one)

There are 2 holes on each side of the panel frame about 150mm apart.
Cut / buy material that spans the gap. Drill 2 holes on each side then bolt to the frame - inside the "U" using low profile stainless hex bolts.
Then use this to hang onto some sort of female of this design thats bolted to the wall. In theory the weight of the panel will keep it engaged in the slot.

Now, my question is - what material should I use?
Marine ply would be easier for me to work with as I can cut it to size and drill it easily.
Ali is my next option - 3mm? Or 4?
Or finally stainless steel but its the most expensive option.

The panel is about 26kg.

[andy43]

I’d just use whatever existing proprietary system would work best - these people show options for flat roof, angled ally frames, steel roof fixing etc
https://www.pluginsolar.co.uk/?product_cat=plug-in...

[gotoPzero]

Thats the problem there is very little out there for wall mount.

You can get them but they are basically just regular brackets and they look a mess, IMO of course.

I would rather something hidden a bit like hanging a mirror on the wall, IYSWIM.

[Peter911]

They won’t be very efficient, hung vertically.

[Russet Grange]

I made a mount using 15mm copper pipe and a few soldered elbows. Hung the panel on it and then just used a bracket I had lying around (bent to the right shape) to hold the bottom of the panel against the wall.

[OutInTheShed]

Russet Grange said:

I made a mount using 15mm copper pipe and a few soldered elbows. Hung the panel on it and then just used a bracket I had lying around (bent to the right shape) to hold the bottom of the panel against the wall.

Great idea, when you can't generate electricity from the sun, the electrolysis between the copper pipe and ali frame acts like a cheap battery. :-)

Seriously, using whatever comes to hand is fine, but maybe isolate different metals or use anti-corrosion paste.

There are various fixings marketed for boats and camper vans.

I have some small panels mounted to the handrails of my boat using cable cleats and pipe clips.
I might get around to 3D printing some neater brackets.

What you need depends on the size of the panel and exposure to wind, and whether you're trying to angle the panel for best gain.

[gotoPzero]

So I guess my question is should I used marine ply or ali to make the bracket on the back.... I am thinking ali might be best now tbh

[andy43]

gotoPzero said:

Thats the problem there is very little out there for wall mount.

You can get them but they are basically just regular brackets and they look a mess, IMO of course.

I would rather something hidden a bit like hanging a mirror on the wall, IYSWIM.

Basic diy type 90 degree angle brackets would work?

[gmasterfunk]

Peter911 said:

They won t be very efficient, hung vertically.

They'll be exactly the same efficiency?


Getting that out of the way they will suffer from the angle of incidence of the irradiance

I have some verticals on my fence i went bottom support with timber stretcher with some hooks under the top lip.

Edited by gmasterfunk on Saturday 20th September 19:07

[Simpo Two]

If you're looking for a metal frame to hold the panels at an angle, they're often used on narrowboats. Maybe have a look in that area.

[gotoPzero]

Cheers have ordered some ali flat bar and will make up some brackets that hopefully make it sit flush with the brackets not visible.

[Chris Type R]

I used Unistrut to mount panels to the house wall. These accomodate standard solar panel bracket/bolts. Massively stronger than necessary.