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7
SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION
1. Stainless steel can be subject to a process called “thread
galling” in which bolts can twist off and/or the bolt
threads seize to the nut’s thread. Apply Anti-galling
lubricant available at most hardware or auto-parts stores
to all the stainless steel fasteners before installation.
If anti-galling lubricant is not available, any standard
lubricant will minimize the occurrence of “thread
galling”.
2. Fix the mounting brackets to the frame of the previously
positioned solar panel using the slotted opening and the
¼”-20 x ¾"Flange Bolt, Nylon Locknut and flat washer.
3. Using a 7/16” wrench, tighten the nuts to secure the
mounting brackets to the PV panel. Recommended
tightening torque is 15 lbs.
4. Position the panel with the attached mounting brackets
at the desired location on the RV roof and mark the
position of the desired mounting hole using a suitable
marker by tracing the hole on the mounting bracket.
Please ensure that the mounting surface on the RV roof is
strong enough to support the mounting hardware, solar
panel and wind loads.
5. The centre and end holes on the mounting brackets are
sized to accept the ¼” hardware supplied with the unit. If
the use of larger sized hardware is desired, holes 2 and 4
can be used.
Well Nut for anchoring Solar Panel to RV Roof
6. A Well-Nut is a bushing of tough neoprene rubber with
a flange at the top end and a captive brass nut mounted
within the bore at the bottom end (fig. 7.3). Tightening a
conventional machine bolt or screw engages the captive
nut thereby causing the bushing to expand outwards.
This fastens securely to thinner RV roofs by bulging up
and against the bottom surface of the roof (fig. 7.6). If
used in a blind hole in a solid surface material, the rubber
will expand outwards to create a secure fastening (fig.
7.7). The neoprene and brass resist most environmental
conditions. Additionally, the Well-Nut seals the drilled
hole effectively against air and liquid leakage.
Typical Installation of a Well-Nut
solar module
1/4” -20x3/4” flange bolt
1/4” flat washer
1/4” locknut
mounting bracket
RV roof
1/4” holes
3/8” holes
flange
1/2” diameter
1/4” captive brass nut
Fig. 7.2. 5-Hole Mounting Bracket.
Fig. 7.3. Construction of a Well Nut
flange
1/2” diameter
1/4” captive brass nut
Fig. 7.4. Well-Nut is inserted into
a pre-drilled hole with its flange
against the outter surface. There
is no need for access to the
inner side.
flange
1/2” diameter
1/4” captive brass nut
Fig. 7.5. The 5-hole mounting
bracket is placed against the flange
of the Well-Nut and is secured
by the bolt engaging the captive
brass nut.
flange
1/2” diameter
1/4” captive brass nut
Fig. 7.6 . As the bolt is tightened, the
neoprene body of the Well-Nut is
compressed and expanded, forcing
it tightly into the bolt's threads and
against the inner surface of the thin RV
roof material.
flange
1/2” diameter
1/4” captive brass nut
Fig. 7.7. Installed in a blind
hole in a solid material, the
body of the Well-Nut expands
tightly against the walls of
the hole, effecting a secure,
dependable fastening.
Fig. 7.1. Attaching solar panel to 5-hole mounting bracket.
