Author Topic: Attaching Solar Panels to Roof (Read 8821 times)

THDLink · « **on:** January 14, 2015, 09:10:38 PM »

How does one attach a solar panel to a roof without making it leak?

If anyone has some resources they could point me to that would be greatly appreciated; all I can find are consulting sites.

gww · « **Reply #1 on:** January 14, 2015, 09:33:09 PM »

Have you looked on You tube. every time something on my car goes bad I go there first and watch the repair being done. I actually pick up a good ideal once in a while.
gww

THDLink · « **Reply #2 on:** January 14, 2015, 10:40:50 PM »

Not sure why I didn't think of that. I get it now, fill the screw hole with silicone. Thanks gww

gww · « **Reply #3 on:** January 14, 2015, 11:05:36 PM »

I have seen them use flashing and when the cable guy puts up a satilite dish the use those little blocks of tar like stuff under the feet.
Good luck
gww

SparWeb · « **Reply #4 on:** January 15, 2015, 12:50:52 AM »

Roofing tar is better than silicone.
And those conical supports with a sheet of flashing that slips under the shingles are even better.

TomT · « **Reply #5 on:** January 15, 2015, 02:02:41 AM »

When I mounted my panels .
I used large diameter flat washers inside and outside. And I filled the hole with silicone.

MattM · « **Reply #6 on:** January 15, 2015, 07:17:08 AM »

Use a caulking product called Firestone S-20 "water block". Gooey forever. Use disposable towels to clean up wicks as it will stretch miles. Firestone Water Block Seal (2-20) is designed to provide a seal when used in compression.

Mary B · « **Reply #7 on:** January 15, 2015, 05:12:32 PM »

pitch pad under each roof penetration http://www.amazon.com/Ambient-Weather-EZ-46-3-Tripod-Installation/dp/B003EB3C4S they last 20+ years. I pulled a tripod off my roof that had been up there for 35 years and the pitch [ads were still sticking well to both the tripod leg brackets and the shingles. I had to cut them with a knife to remove the tripod.

THDLink · « **Reply #8 on:** January 16, 2015, 07:51:41 AM »

I'm looking to put a panel on a east-west roof (not south facing) any suggestions on a simple structure design? I've seen one so far on you tube looks like there is too much metal being used.. or not.. I'll post a link
Thanks everyone for comments.

THDLink · « **Reply #9 on:** January 16, 2015, 06:01:19 PM »

Well now I can't find it.. any DOS and don'ts ? It's just one panel. I know one dont.. don't fall of the roof.

Mary B · « **Reply #10 on:** January 16, 2015, 06:29:07 PM »

Adult erector sets called unistrut http://www.menards.com/main/electrical/rough-electrical/strut-supports/strut-channel-12-gauge-pre-galvanized-10/p-1628628-c-12477.htm

They make several type of nuts that slide into the channel

THDLink · « **Reply #11 on:** January 17, 2015, 06:28:03 PM »

Yes! This is what I am looking for

Mary B · « **Reply #12 on:** January 18, 2015, 03:42:51 AM »

I didn't buy the slide in nuts because the slot pattern lined up with my solar panel z-brackets... next set I will buy them. Will be much simpler to use!

THDLink · « **Reply #13 on:** January 18, 2015, 12:03:22 PM »

Nice setup Mary B. I might borrow that design there

Mary B · « **Reply #14 on:** January 18, 2015, 06:12:06 PM »

It has survived 90mph winds and the typical 3-4 day long 45mph++ snowstorm winds I get. I believe in overkill design!

Jason Wilkinson · « **Reply #15 on:** January 18, 2015, 10:03:56 PM »

Is that corn behind the panels ?

Mary B · « **Reply #16 on:** January 18, 2015, 11:16:22 PM »

Yep the year I took that was corn in that field, can be soybeans or wheat too. Organic and when it is wheat I buy a bunch to make my own flour.

THDLink · « **Reply #17 on:** January 22, 2015, 03:40:45 PM »

It works in testing !

22 Volts Closed circuit voltage
Drops to 13 volts when loaded with 1 battery & inverter with 50 watt fan
Yay!

Check out my youtube video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm_c1v0K4XM

DamonHD · « **Reply #18 on:** January 22, 2015, 04:15:19 PM »

Good man!

I like a good test with the outcome that I was hoping for.

(I also get character from the ones involving release of magic smoke...)

Rgds

Damon

thirteen · « **Reply #19 on:** January 22, 2015, 11:09:40 PM »

Did you use unistrut for all the panels? 13

THDLink · « **Reply #20 on:** January 23, 2015, 03:03:29 PM »

Quote from: DamonHD on January 22, 2015, 04:15:19 PM

Good man!

I like a good test with the outcome that I was hoping for.

(I also get character from the ones involving release of magic smoke...)

Rgds

Damon

I think I'll need more panels, this turbine is an expensive lawn ornament so far

THDLink · « **Reply #21 on:** January 23, 2015, 11:40:35 PM »

OK exaggeration.. it's not windy. But I'll need a junction box for more panels.. till later.

News:

Author Topic: Attaching Solar Panels to Roof (Read 8821 times)