StreetSleeper
Forum Member
My first job will be to drill the holes so the solar panels can be bolted together when they are on the roof. I find the easiest way to match up the holes is to clamp the two panels together and mark accordingly.
Three holes are required, per side, so the first mark will be in the centre and then half between the centre and the outer edge.
I make the marks in pencil and then use a set square and a scriber to mark across the framework; doing both at the same time.
I then measure from the outer edge, on both panels, and mark accordingly.
A sharp centre punch and a light tap with a hammer and the job's ready for drilling.
The holes are drilled three times, these panels are double skinned so I started off with a very small drill and worked my way up to the correct size for the bolt.
Do they all line up? I would think so and no elongating the holes.
The bit that matters; if this doesn't line up everything will be out of square. Need to order some angle so I can do the cross supports.
Next job is to try and find a way to stick the framework on the existing tubular framework that comes as standard with the van.
Fairly straight forward; the tubing is 7/8ths in old money or 22mm so it's going to be motorcycle handlebar mirror clamps at the rear of the solar panel. At the front they are slightly bigger, 1 inch or 25mm; not a problem there. Old British bikes and Harley Davidsons use inch handle bars so they'll be the clamps I'll be using. The other problem, if you look closely, at the front the tubes go slightly inwards, I have opted to use rose joints as they can be moved to line up the bolts. Another reason that I'm using rose joints is I fully intend, at some point, to make a mechanism up so that I can tilt the solar panel forward to get maximum efficiency or certainly better efficiency from them being laid flat.
This is the anchoring kit; consisting of one handle bar clamp, one rose joint and one wing mirror mounting.
Here we have them in situation. Ran a string line through, just to make sure they lined up. Please remember, at the far end, the bolt will be going though a rose joint and that is why a space has been left.
Measuring up the roof, where the tape ends is where the solar panel will stop.
As you can see, I don't have a lot to play with and I don't fancy moving the chimney but I will have to raise it just to make sure that, when the heating is on, it doesn't affect the solar panel.
If all my measuring is correct the solar panels should almost be touching the cross rail, which means I can secure the solar panels with another two wing mirror clamps.
Chimney extension fitted so that's another job out the way.
Rae
Three holes are required, per side, so the first mark will be in the centre and then half between the centre and the outer edge.
I make the marks in pencil and then use a set square and a scriber to mark across the framework; doing both at the same time.
I then measure from the outer edge, on both panels, and mark accordingly.
A sharp centre punch and a light tap with a hammer and the job's ready for drilling.
The holes are drilled three times, these panels are double skinned so I started off with a very small drill and worked my way up to the correct size for the bolt.
Do they all line up? I would think so and no elongating the holes.
The bit that matters; if this doesn't line up everything will be out of square. Need to order some angle so I can do the cross supports.
Next job is to try and find a way to stick the framework on the existing tubular framework that comes as standard with the van.
Fairly straight forward; the tubing is 7/8ths in old money or 22mm so it's going to be motorcycle handlebar mirror clamps at the rear of the solar panel. At the front they are slightly bigger, 1 inch or 25mm; not a problem there. Old British bikes and Harley Davidsons use inch handle bars so they'll be the clamps I'll be using. The other problem, if you look closely, at the front the tubes go slightly inwards, I have opted to use rose joints as they can be moved to line up the bolts. Another reason that I'm using rose joints is I fully intend, at some point, to make a mechanism up so that I can tilt the solar panel forward to get maximum efficiency or certainly better efficiency from them being laid flat.
This is the anchoring kit; consisting of one handle bar clamp, one rose joint and one wing mirror mounting.
Here we have them in situation. Ran a string line through, just to make sure they lined up. Please remember, at the far end, the bolt will be going though a rose joint and that is why a space has been left.
Measuring up the roof, where the tape ends is where the solar panel will stop.
As you can see, I don't have a lot to play with and I don't fancy moving the chimney but I will have to raise it just to make sure that, when the heating is on, it doesn't affect the solar panel.
If all my measuring is correct the solar panels should almost be touching the cross rail, which means I can secure the solar panels with another two wing mirror clamps.
Chimney extension fitted so that's another job out the way.
Rae
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