[VAC] Re: Solar panel mounting ideas

[Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

David, 

If you haven't touched base with Noel Kirkby at RV Solar Electric, that
would be a good start. He has extensive experience installing solar panels
on Airstreams. He has created special brackets for them.

Go to = http://www.rvsolarelectric.com

Use "brackets" in the search window, then choose "solar panel
specifications" and double click. There is a picture of an Airstream roof
with the brackets. 

His brackets are being used on 2 of our 3 Airstreams. They make a classy
looking installation. His business is in Scottsdale, AZ beside the airport.
One winter, we arrived Sunday afternoon, parked in back and were at his door
Monday morning for the appointment. His family are accomodating people and
very competent.  

We have used the tilt feature when collecting serious solar power on BLM
land in the desert. Most of the time we leave them flat on the roof.

A 1300 watt inverter is in both the '77 and '67 Airstream. I have the black
box to install (so all 120 volt wall outlets will be live),  but haven't
done it yet.  

His book is a gold mine of easily understandable directions, pictures and
explanations.  If stumped during the installation, a cell phone call to him
while laying on top of your Airstream can work like a charm. Keep track of
time zones so your call will occur when he's open. This Easterner forgot to
do that - once. 

Terry
mailto:tylerbears@mac.com
'77 31' Airstream Excella 500 - 3 deep marine batteries and 3 solar panels
'67 22' Airstream Safari - 2 deep cycle marine batteries and 2 solar panels
'63 22' Airstream Flying Cloud - a restoration in progress