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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Eric on May 02, 2012, 11:39:24 AM

Title: Solar panel mounting
Post by: Eric on May 02, 2012, 11:39:24 AM
Ok some bought 3 90 watt panels for $200 on c-list today .. And they are awesome lol

Question: does anyone use linear actuators or some other pivoting solution for the best angle?? Or should I just mount em flat?

Eric
Title: Re: Solar panel mounting
Post by: Len Silva on May 02, 2012, 01:04:04 PM
My best guess is that because you never know what the orientation of the bus is going to be, you're probably better off to mount them flat.
Title: Re: Solar panel mounting
Post by: bobofthenorth on May 02, 2012, 01:37:39 PM
I have mine mounted lengthwise and have the ability to manually raise either side about 30 degrees. That let's me park east-west and gain some incident angle advantage. Mine are manual but there's no reason why the same thing couldn't be done remotely with linear actuators.
Title: Re: Solar panel mounting
Post by: HB of CJ on May 02, 2012, 09:10:06 PM
Our Bus Conversions get kinda very hot in the direct sun.  How about providing for remote mounting with mini trackers along with a long appropriately sized power cable?  Also curious as to what kind of PVs did you buy?  Voltage, cell number, etc..  Nosy.  HB of CJ (old coot) :) :) :)
Title: Re: Solar panel mounting
Post by: lvmci on May 02, 2012, 09:16:32 PM
Hi, don't forget to put some kind of insulation under the panels to keep the heat they absorb from transfering to the bus roof, it also will dampen vibration that might break the glass panel cover, lvmci...