Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Airstream Forums > Airstream Restoration, Repair & Parts Forums > Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar > Generators & Solar Power
Click Here to Login
Register Vendors FAQ Community Calendar Today's Posts Search Log in

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 05-28-2017, 12:11 AM   #1
New Member
 
San Francisco , California
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 3
How to mount panels to a '67 airstream?

[sorry for the double post, reposting with a more specific subject line]

I'm helping someone install solar panels on the roof of her 1967 Airstream. She expects to live in it full time for a few months a year, so she wants something reasonably powerful, probably in the 500 to 600 watt range.

I've done a bit of searching through the posts here and I'm not seeing any systems that powerful, though granted I could have searched harder. Hopefully I'm not overlooking anything obvious.

Ideally I'd love to use grid-tied type panels, meaning 250 to 300 watts, about 36 volts each. Obviously we'll be using an MPPT charge controller. For aesthetics and weight, I was thinking maybe frameless panels might be a good idea? Note that that's different than flexible panels, they're just regular panels minus the frame.

We're very knowledgeable about solar in general, just stumped on mounting it all to the Airstream's curved and (I think) fragile roof. I've read that the skin on the Airstream is .032" (0.8mm) thick. So:

- how to attach the panels?

- use the frame (rivet lines) I'm guessing?

- any particular mounting hardware that works well on an Airstream?

- any tips on where to run the wires into the trailer?

- or maybe she should consider flexible? If so, are there some good high powered flexible panels to consider? Given their relatively short warranty period I'm guessing they're not very robust, but if that's the only option, any tips on brands?

- I've read that the rivet line has a 250 pound weight limit, is that true with the '67 too?

Thanks for any help.
wrybread is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Stud Mount TV Mount on Shower Wall??? BASE729 Audio, Video & TV 7 01-30-2024 08:42 PM
Adding panels on top of panels instead of replacing? The-Marco Ribs, Skins & Rivets 18 08-02-2014 04:53 PM
1986 airstream limited 34ft located in mount tremblant eBay Watch Airstreams on eBay 0 12-01-2009 10:10 PM
1986 airstream limited 34ft located in mount tremblant eBay Watch Airstreams on eBay 0 11-13-2009 06:40 PM
Flush Mount or Surface Mount Zac&Kristin Water Heaters, Filters & Pumps 10 01-13-2008 06:59 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:42 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.