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Old 11-07-2015, 08:25 PM   #1
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Solar Panel Sizes

My solar panel is 41 x 20.75 x 1.75
Can anyone verify for me that it is a 90 watt panel ?

And is the 150 watt panel 58 x 26 ?

Am I correctly thinking that the 150 watter can have the mounting bolts in the cupboards?
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Old 11-08-2015, 02:41 AM   #2
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The dimensions are going to depend on the manufacturer. My 150w panel is 58.75 x 26.75

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item...d=272008199222

It would be wide enough to have end brackets inside the cupboards on a 19'. I didn't like the way it overhangs the roof ridge in the 19, so I decided to go with two 100 watt panels at the front and center of the 19' that better align with the roof "bulge." They are 39-1/2 by 26-1/4 polycrystalline. There are some nice mono crystalline ones available that are just a bit narrower in the shorter dimension. Mine came from here:

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item...d=151698687764

The brackets on these smaller panels fall between the cabinets, but I have the front headliner pulled anyways.

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Old 11-08-2015, 09:50 PM   #3
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I like the price on the 150watt and as you say it looks like the mounts would be in the cabinets.

I guess 6 inch or so standoffs to clear the roof buldge are the real problem.
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Old 11-08-2015, 10:11 PM   #4
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I like the price on the 150watt and as you say it looks like the mounts would be in the cabinets.

I guess 6 inch or so standoffs to clear the roof buldge are the real problem.
I've looked at that and anything I do would certainly have the through bolts going into the cabinets. I was thinking of two cells, side by side. I did put a straight edge across to see how high the supports would have to be. Can't remember exactly, but much less than 6". I'm thinking about 3 - 3 1/2 inches, not a deal killer. I'll check again tomorrow when I put the trailer cover on.

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Old 11-09-2015, 12:59 AM   #5
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Your right Ron.
I checked my notes and it is 6 inches to the face of the solar panel.
And the panel is 1.75
So 4.25inch standoffs approx for me.
I'm sort of thinking something along the lines of roof racks.
With bars that go from side to side and the panel attaches to the bars.
And the bars are attached to standoffs.
But the bars need to be aluminium probably.
And the standoffs maybe stainless..

There is a TV antenna that I never use in the way.
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Old 11-09-2015, 01:10 AM   #6
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And the guy at the solar panel place told me the 58 x 26 is pretty much a standard size, or one of the standard sizes, to fit the racking they use on house roofs.
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Old 11-09-2015, 01:18 AM   #7
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Two pieces of this bolted together to form a Z bar for the standoffs.

H. Paulin | Papc 1/8x1x4 Aluminum Angles | Home Depot Canada
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Old 11-09-2015, 10:29 AM   #8
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Quote:
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I'm sort of thinking something along the lines of roof racks.
With bars that go from side to side and the panel attaches to the bars.
And the bars are attached to standoffs.
But the bars need to be aluminium probably.
And the standoffs maybe stainless..
That's pretty much what I plan on doing. A side to side rack for the panel.

I was thinking of using aluminum angle with the flange upright so that the panel could sit in it.

If you're planning on buying any metal check out Metal Supermarket. The prices are better and they'll cut what you need.

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Old 11-09-2015, 09:58 PM   #9
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If you're planning on buying any metal check out Metal Supermarket. The prices are better and they'll cut what you need.
Another alternative to building supply stores - depending on where you live - is Princess Auto... although they sell only whole lengths and in this case are almost the same price as Home Depot.
1 x 1 x 1/8 in. Aluminum Angle SKU: 1450188

Many years ago I needed some small aluminum angle, before building centres carried this kind of stuff, and I got it from a local aluminum window manufacturer. For small bits of steel, I have purchased scrap-sized bits from a fabrication shop. This type of transaction works best with cash.
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Old 11-10-2015, 09:14 AM   #10
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Almost every larger city will have a wholesale metal distributor like russel steel or drummond mcall etc, you shud be ablecto buy there.
ken
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Old 11-10-2015, 11:31 AM   #11
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Almost every larger city will have a wholesale metal distributor like russel steel or drummond mcall etc, you shud be ablecto buy there.
ken
I build a huge variety of "stuff". Although I have a lot of scrap and leftovers I always seem to need the one size that I don't have. For years it was annoying to have to deal with large outfits and their minimum purchases. Love metal supermarket. They'll cut what you need and their prices are reasonable.

Back to the solar cell support, I've also considered using channel, on it's side, to make a "roof rack" that would allow the panels to slide in and out. On the other hand, ones that can at least be inclined has an appeal also.

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Old 11-10-2015, 09:34 PM   #12
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Almost every larger city will have a wholesale metal distributor like russel steel or drummond mcall etc, you shud be ablecto buy there.
ken
If you can buy small quantities from a supplier, and they are open when you are not at work, and they sell in small quantities, then you're set. I think people list sources which are practical for them, and industrial suppliers (of any type of material, from steel stock, to nuts and bolts, to electrical and plumbing parts) are often impractical sources for most people.

In the specific case of Russell Metals, I contacted one of their locations today with this question:
Quote:
What hours are you open for retail sales?
... and this was the response:
Quote:
We are open from 8.00 to 4.30 but if you are picking up an order you need to here by 3.00pm. We also have a $500.00 minimum order charge
I then asked about weekends, and was informed that they are open Monday to Friday only. The hours are awkward at best for many people, but the minimum order makes it irrelevant anyway for just about anything but the steel for a complete new trailer frame. Now I know why I have not used them before...
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Old 11-10-2015, 09:37 PM   #13
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For years it was annoying to have to deal with large outfits and their minimum purchases. Love metal supermarket. They'll cut what you need and their prices are reasonable.
Metal Supermarkets - no minimum, and open Saturday (at least my closest location)... now that's a useful supplier.
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