Anyone know where I can get cheaper ones if these?

[Wanted]

Solar brackets

 

http://www.littlechimneycompany.co.uk/solar-panel-brackets/4582025815

 

I need 6 pairs but I am sure I have seen them for so much cheaper than £45. Any clues?

[X Alan W]

Look into companys dealing in solar kit for motor home/camping cars, a copy of a MH magazine will probably come up with some outlets, or the ever faithful google some thing in the line solar panels for MH"s.

[MtB]

Solar brackets

 

http://www.littlechimneycompany.co.uk/solar-panel-brackets/4582025815

 

I need 6 pairs but I am sure I have seen them for so much cheaper than £45. Any clues?

 

There used to be loads of these on eBay for about £40, a price I thought was also bonkers, but now they all seem to be gone.

 

I'm vaguely wondering about the technicalities of having a batch of these made. I imagine sheet metalworking firms would have a high tech machine to cut out the triangle shape and the holes all in one go straight from a CAD drawing. Does anybody know what this process is called?

 

MtB

[junior]

Sounds like a job for Doodlebug!

[Chalky]

You'd laser/plasma cut the shape and the slot/holes then use a sheet folder to add the bend. Most laser / plasma cutters can deal with common CAD formats so that would keep your setup costs down. It'd be cheaper to make a batch out of a single sheet.

[MtB]

Sounds like a job for Doodlebug!

 

Does actually!

 

"Abrasive water jet cutting" (AWJ) seems to be the process for cutting out the blanks. Then a fold operation.

 

If say 1000 were ordered, 500 pairs, I doubt the cost for the bracket would exceed about a fiver each, and possibly be a lot less.

 

Then the sourcing of some stainless thumbscrews, nuts etc might add perhaps another fiver per pair.

 

Could be quite a good product line for Mr Bug.

 

 

MtB

[Wanted]

I was thinking if making some, will look into it..

[ditchcrawler]

How about this, It looks like double glazing hinges

 

 

Edited June 25, 2014 by ditchcrawler

[Wanted]

Hmmm also interesting..

[Pete & Helen]

And not that expensive either

 

http://www.homesecureshop.co.uk/products/UPVC-Window-Hinges-Friction-Stays.-Standard-Opening.-24%22-Inch.html?gclid=CPWS1t3llL8CFeoJwwodsgEAww

[MtB]

Unidirectional tilt though, the expensive brackets are bidirectional. Still not ideal.

 

Someone here (julynian I think) has panels mounted on huge, fully universal joints!

 

 

MtB

[Wanted]

Yep, a big ball if I remember

[magnetman]

I have used a motorised satellite dish Mount to make a tracker and before that i had tilt and swivel mounts I made from 2x2" alloy angle.

 

Panels are now flat as I am now on mains electric most of the year

 

Another possibility would be a mobility scooter hoist with vertical and horizontal actuators, as long as it has 180' swing.

Sorry op just read you need 6 pairs so you are probably not looking for a tracker setup...

[Wanted]

Yeah, I think a 6 panel auto system might adjust the budget a little... It would look cool though!

 

We are about to invest in 600w Solar which will effectively turn our roof into our generator, I still think the simplest and most elegant (?) solution if the triangle things. Clearly there is a small market for these so I shall price up a batch with our local fabricators. Unless someone else actually wants to make a business out of it and charge a lot less than 45 quid!

[Pete & Helen]

Yeah, I think a 6 panel auto system might adjust the budget a little... It would look cool though!

 

We are about to invest in 600w Solar which will effectively turn our roof into our generator, I still think the simplest and most elegant (?) solution if the triangle things. Clearly there is a small market for these so I shall price up a batch with our local fabricators. Unless someone else actually wants to make a business out of it and charge a lot less than 45 quid!

 

Onboard solar look like they use the same brackets you want, might be worth a phone call to see if they can supply you

 

http://www.onboardsolar.co.uk/timpages/timcontact.php

[Wanted]

 

Onboard solar look like they use the same brackets you want, might be worth a phone call to see if they can supply you

 

http://www.onboardsolar.co.uk/timpages/timcontact.php

Really really useful link for me right now, thank you!

[the barnacle]

if there is a call for these i could easily get them laser cut from stainless and bent for a fraction of the cost.

[chubby]

Well i for one would look to get some of this style of bracket if anyone ever sells them at a more realistic price . I ve got 4 x 100w panels & might get 1 more soon but the best part of £200 on brackets just isn t affordable . So if anyone does make some i d be interested for sure

cheers

[peterboat]

I have just glued down 6 of the nine flexible 100w solar panels I bought. I am very pleased with them and whilst I realise I am losing power by not tilting the fact that wind or thieving scumbags cant remove them gives me a nice warm feeling A real plus is that I will only have half as much roof to paint as well a bonus or what

 

Peter

[Wanted]

Or water trapped underneath...

[the barnacle]

if anyone has a few measurements for the ideal size and the diameter of the fixing handle thread needed i will get a batch made up.

[Wanted]

Hi Barnacle, I am possibly going to get a full solar installation now which includes these brackets, so I probably wouldn't order now. That said, I think there defiantly is. Market for them so good luck. If I find any to measure I'll forward it on.

 

Best

 

Rob

[peterboat]

Or water trapped underneath...

Glued down with sikoflex poly sealant plus edges all sealed after so shouldnt be a problem and I am repainting roof so edges will be painted as well

 

Peter

[George94]

It's best to allow for air to circulate under the panels in order to cool them.

[Wanted]

My understanding is that the hotter the panels the less efficient they are. By holding them off the roof you allow airflow underneath, but I agree, that they are more secure. I guess it's a choice based on what you feel will affect you most.