Solar Panel Mounts

[Dan B]

I was disappointed to hear that AM Solar is evidently out of business. I used their mounting hardware for an adhesive mount -- I didn't want to drill into the roof -- and I now want to install one more panel.

What are folks using for no-drill mounting hardware now that they are out of business?

I see plastic mounting hardware on Amazon but it's not clear that it would work given the curvature of the roof.

Thanks in advance.

Dan

[Dan B]

Originally Posted by Dan B

I was disappointed to hear that AM Solar is evidently out of business. I used their mounting hardware for an adhesive mount -- I didn't want to drill into the roof -- and I now want to install one more panel.

What are folks using for no-drill mounting hardware now that they are out of business?

I see plastic mounting hardware on Amazon but it's not clear that it would work given the curvature of the roof.

Thanks in advance.

Dan

BTW, it occurs to me to use some 2-inch by 2-inch aluminum angle for the mounting. Anyone see problems with that?

[waninae39]

use 3m VHB taps to mount
and silfex tape atop

that is what most people use without the need to drill

[billrector]

Originally Posted by waninae39

use 3m VHB taps to mount
and silfex tape atop

that is what most people use without the need to drill

He still needs the stainless steel mounts that he's looking for....

[OrangeCrush]

I have some AM solar mounts I removed and can give you a set. What length do you need? Also, we are planning to go through Fruita in a little over a week.

[Mollysdad]

I'd give Ronnie Dennis a call or PM. aka GMFL (here) aka Airstream Nuts and Bolts. I seem to recall he has a special bracket that follows the roof curve. I also think he uses the 3M tape.

[Dan B]

Thanks very much Orangecrush. That’s very kind and generous of you. Please call and let me know when you are coming thru Fruita. 970 846 4128

[gypsydad]

Also, anyone who has done or is doing DIY solar, please post pics and info on mounting.😉 Going thru this "adventure now!

[fran&frank]

Serch for my post titled "Franks solar upgrade on a 2016 FC 27" and you can see how I used aluminum angle.--Frank

[NeahBay]

Originally Posted by Dan B

I was disappointed to hear that AM Solar is evidently out of business.
Dan

AMSOLAR is NOT out of business, just a change in web address:


Current address: https://amsolar.my/


Address was: amsolar.com



Bob

[OrangeCrush]

Originally Posted by NeahBay

AMSOLAR is NOT out of business, just a change in web address:


Current address: https://amsolar.my/


Address was: amsolar.com



Bob

That is not AM Solar as it is in Malaysia.

[gblackburn]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Also, anyone who has done or is doing DIY solar, please post pics and info on mounting.😉 Going thru this "adventure now!

Everyone,

AM Solar was an awesome Oregon company and knew what they were doing.
There website is no longer available BUT their YouTube Channel is still available.

For all of you who want some awesome advice on how to DIY your Solar installation search for AM Solar on YouTube.

Here is one on Solar Panel installation.

https://youtu.be/BuD2Hg328dY?si=bJDXqsE-WlkRBzWj

Good Luck

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by gblackburn

Everyone,

AM Solar was an awesome Oregon company and knew what they were doing.
There website is no longer available BUT their YouTube Channel is still available.

For all of you who want some awesome advice on how to DIY your Solar installation search for AM Solar on YouTube.

Here is one on Solar Panel installation.

https://youtu.be/BuD2Hg328dY?si=bJDXqsE-WlkRBzWj

Good Luck

thanks; good mounting instructions for the panels. Running the wires is next question? What other hardware is needed and where do you connect the wires from the panels?

[gblackburn]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

thanks; good mounting instructions for the panels. Running the wires is next question? What other hardware is needed and where do you connect the wires from the panels?

gypsydad,

Are you just adding solar panels or are you also adding a Solar MPPT, Lithium batts, and an Inverter, etc.? I have wiring diagrams from AM Solar and ones I made up of what I installed for my 27FBT. These will be slightly different than your 28'

Can you let us know what your goals are and what you are adding?

[Dan B]

Thanks for all the posts and the information -- very helpful. I think I am squared away now with what I need to mount my panel...

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by gblackburn

gypsydad,

Are you just adding solar panels or are you also adding a Solar MPPT, Lithium batts, and an Inverter, etc.? I have wiring diagrams from AM Solar and ones I made up of what I installed for my 27FBT. These will be slightly different than your 28'

Can you let us know what your goals are and what you are adding?

My 28' was supposed to be "Solar Ready" before I had them install a Maxxair cover for the Fantastic fan and they had to cover the connections up. I am hoping I can use that connection for the panels. I installed LiTime 12V Group24 Bluetooth enabled batteries last week, and I also replaced the Converter. Batteries are working fine; need to get Solar panels now, and complete the project. Not sure what else I will need?

Looking at this $321 : Renogy 400 Watt Solar Panels High-Efficiency 4PCS 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel PV Module Power Charger for RV Marine Rooftop. and the LiTime 30AMPPT controller at $115.

Any input appreciated!

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

My 28' was supposed to be "Solar Ready" before I had them install a Maxxair cover for the Fantastic fan and they had to cover the connections up. I am hoping I can use that connection for the panels. I installed LiTime 12V Group24 Bluetooth enabled batteries last week, and I also replaced the Converter. Batteries are working fine; need to get Solar panels now, and complete the project. Not sure what else I will need?

Looking at this $321 : Renogy 400 Watt Solar Panels High-Efficiency 4PCS 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel PV Module Power Charger for RV Marine Rooftop. and the LiTime 30AMPPT controller at $115.

Any input appreciated!

OK; I ordered the 200W kit (2-100W panels) with MPPT 40 controller, mounting H/W and connectors. Was a bit confusing considering the additional H/W, and this seems like it was priced as pretty good deal at $275. I can add a 3rd panel later I am thinking. Need to look again at the hardware/mounting on the AS video...hope I can use the HW that comes with this kit. Renogy tech folks helped me a lot today. Supposed to arrive Monday. Now, just have to find those 2 wires by the gray power panel in the AS!

[gblackburn]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

OK; I ordered the 200W kit (2-100W panels) with MPPT 40 controller, mounting H/W and connectors. Was a bit confusing considering the additional H/W, and this seems like it was priced as pretty good deal at $275. I can add a 3rd panel later I am thinking. Need to look again at the hardware/mounting on the AS video...hope I can use the HW that comes with this kit. Renogy tech folks helped me a lot today. Supposed to arrive Monday. Now, just have to find those 2 wires by the gray power panel in the AS!

Attached are instructions from AM Solar gave me to install my equipment with links to DYI YouTube videos.

Something to keep in mind is that solar panels can be installed in several different configurations which depends on the Voltage and Amperage that the panels produce as well as the Solar MPPT controller you are using.

I installed 4 Obsidian 100-watt panels using 10g wire to a combiner box located on the roof, then 4ga wire going from the combiner box down the refrigerator vent inside to a Blue Sea disconnect switch, to the MPPT controller, to a 60a breaker, then to a 250a terminal block connected to the batteries.

Running the wire from the roof inside was a little challenging but doable. I removed the refrigerator which was not that bad. See YouTube video from Journeyman. https://youtu.be/WQDBur7ItHo?si=DS900nnNIdOC4mdU
I did not drill any holes in my roof.

I think I have another drawing I need to locate that will help with the wiring details.

One other thing that you might consider is installing a Victron Cyrix-Li-ct battery combiner that prevents that higher voltage Lithium Ion batteries in the AS from trying to charge the lower voltage batteries in the TV. See page 7 of the installation instructions.

Good Luck

[gblackburn]

Everyone,

I thought I would list out some links to very helpful YouTube Videos from AM Solar. These are time well spent if you are doing a DYI Solar project.

Garret, we miss you guys!!

https://www.youtube.com/@GarretTowneAMS

Mounting Hardware
https://youtu.be/fOwIb7GTZXI?si=W-zzhTkuGgidaqHH

Installation of Solar panels on an Airstream
https://youtu.be/BuD2Hg328dY?si=3Kj8v0-rXUBwXev4

How to use a Hammer Crimp so you can make you own cables
https://youtu.be/fV9dnU4RoNU?si=unpg3hYlMf1X9wor

Rooftop Combiner Box installation
https://youtu.be/-YEmb-eBr4A?si=TmbHRUGtzdvj6aKU

Panel Specs
https://youtu.be/i9t5XRwp9rw?si=K8I1E_jxCMHUi3iz

How to route cables to the roof if you want to drill holes (sometimes easier)
https://youtu.be/ZzEZTkfol_c?si=F35vkzQojsEgivRe

Panel Installation - Series vs Parallel installation
https://youtu.be/Z1ur3kSHuBU?si=jY8BWUbjKUmxki-n

Victron BMV-712 Battery Monitor
https://youtu.be/tV055vmZgvY?si=TH-7o0-E7VUNMexy

I hope this helps.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by gblackburn

Attached are instructions from AM Solar gave me to install my equipment with links to DYI YouTube videos.

Something to keep in mind is that solar panels can be installed in several different configurations which depends on the Voltage and Amperage that the panels produce as well as the Solar MPPT controller you are using.

I installed 4 Obsidian 100-watt panels using 10g wire to a combiner box located on the roof, then 4ga wire going from the combiner box down the refrigerator vent inside to a Blue Sea disconnect switch, to the MPPT controller, to a 60a breaker, then to a 250a terminal block connected to the batteries.

Running the wire from the roof inside was a little challenging but doable. I removed the refrigerator which was not that bad. See YouTube video from Journeyman. https://youtu.be/WQDBur7ItHo?si=DS900nnNIdOC4mdU
I did not drill any holes in my roof.

I think I have another drawing I need to locate that will help with the wiring details.

One other thing that you might consider is installing a Victron Cyrix-Li-ct battery combiner that prevents that higher voltage Lithium Ion batteries in the AS from trying to charge the lower voltage batteries in the TV. See page 7 of the installation instructions.

Good Luck

Thanks. I will keep this in my folder. I got a bit concerned after I ordered the Renogy 100W panels yesterday, after talking with the AS folks about mounting "options" for the panels, so I canceled the order. They use similar channel mounts, but not as robust as the ones I saw on the Youtube above: https://youtu.be/BuD2Hg328dY?si=bJDXqsE-WlkRBzWj. My Logic being, we are leaving for Sedelia Rally in couple weeks, and I have to install the Maxxair vent this week, upgrade my Fiamma (finally), and no one here to help me on the solar panel install, so I am going to postpone that till I get back to TX. Still, the LiTime 100A Bluetooth batteries are working great; I also found out yesterday, that the solar connection in my AS, are only rated for 300W max. Anyway, lets me study the mounting a bit more.