Solar panel arrangement

[GlennWest]

I am likely going with 400ish watt panels new. They will fit two different ways. They can lay long way across the roof sideways. This would leave 11" on each side to edge. I could run a bridge of aluminum to support them lengthways. Lay panels on it and bolt. Neat. Other way is run panels long length lengthways with Teton. Leaving 21" walkway in middle. Individual brackets for support. 5 on each side. My cassette is serviced from inside. Only reason needed for roof access would be refrigerant lines maybe. Might could get from the inside, might. But if that comes just remove a panel for access. Either way I go a panel would have to be lifted at least for this. I will have 2 strings with no combiner box. Go down sewer vent.About all I can do in my current location is build a rack and mount. Too much constant wind here to install solar panels. They would fly away. So your thoughts. https://ramblingrvrat.blogspot.com/2019/11/freedom-from-grid-rambling-rv-rats.html?m=1        Here is an example of it. Now mine wouldn't be that tall. Maybe 8". 

Edited May 9, 2021 by GlennWest

[GlennWest]

More I think on this the less I like it. Panels are 25 year warranty and Teton keeper unless highway accident. I think just use individual mounts. Still the down middle or on each side decision. 

[Chad Heiser]

For me personally, I wouldn’t build a raised mount system like that unless I had a reason to.  That reason would only be to go over top of air conditioners.  If that is not an issue, then I wouldn’t go down that road.  It just adds weight and complexity to the installation.  Most regular “Z” bracket type adjustable mounts will allow you to mount panels over small obstacles like vent pipes and similar things.  That is the route I would go.  As to whether to mount them parallel or perpendicular to the roof, that is really personal choice.  I personally prefer to have the walkway down the center of the roof, so I tend to mount panels side by side parallel to the roof.  To make things fit, I have also mounted panels perpendicular.  My current panels are mounted in both orientations on my current 5er, but I had to work around three air conditioners and a satellite antenna.

[RV_]

Glenn, since many eagerly await the Starlink Truck and RV version, if you might be thinking about it think about its placement too.

[GlennWest]

I will need to be a little higher than I am finding z brackets. My cassette is boxed in on top and I need just shy of 8" to clear. I can use them but need to get them higher. Been looking for taller z mounts but not found any.

Edited May 9, 2021 by GlennWest

[GlennWest]

2 minutes ago, RV_ said:

Glenn, since many eagerly await the Starlink Truck and RV version, if you might be thinking about it think about its placement too.

Have no interest in Starlink. Now it might be the kitty's meow. We have been streaming for years now with our Verzion wifi. Also I would never mount a sat receiver on top of my Teton. 

[Randyretired]

I would prefer the isle down the middle.  Keeping panels clean can make a big difference in performance.  Walking down 11" on the edge sounds dangerous. 

[GlennWest]

5 minutes ago, Randyretired said:

I would prefer the isle down the middle.  Keeping panels clean can make a big difference in performance.  Walking down 11" on the edge sounds dangerous. 

Well, I use a ladder to gain access to roof. Removed rv ladder. I was thinking a extended pole for cleaning. Have to give this some thought. Both has advantages. But running 2 rows the natural slope of roof will provide tilt for water run off. Going crossways I would have to have different height brackets. Now do ya'll see a problem with going over cassette and then dropping down to 2'ish? Back half of my Teton has nothing up there.

[Randyretired]

Dropping down would seem to be good as long as there isn't a large enough step to shade a panel.  More than 3-4" drop could cause some shading on adjacent panels at times.  The slightly raised edges on panels tend to hold water.  I usually just use window cleaner to wipe my panels down but that may be overkill.

[GlennWest]

so a gradular drop then. got it.