Need your big brains please

[mattlago]

I need to fab some simple frames around some glass solar panels. Then from the frame I will weld on some tabs for attachment. I originally thought about just some simple angle iron but dont want any lift or shift and thought maybe it would be best to just cut some C channel.

My local steel supply sells 1 inch C channel but doesnt list the ID. I need 11/16th to fit in there and I am wondering if:
I will need a shim? If so, recommendations?
should I put a bead of silicone around the interior?

I am going to weld two L's or U's and then bolt together in case I need to disassemble.

Dont worry, I am going to have someone else install. I am just trying to cut cost.

 

[kd3pc]

AL for a multitude of reasons...and for sure some sort of gasketing material to set them in.

Mounts are made for light weight, but if someone else is going to do that....

 

[iajonesy]

Using that channel will give you 3/4" inside. That's a 1/16" clearance that you could fill with sealant.

Mike

 

[gorilla]

Aluminum would be a good choice because you don't need to coat it to prevent rust. Extruded aluminum channel has almost square profile in the lower corners if that matters to you.

 

[mattlago]

Hadnt thought about AL. My Tig skills ****, but this would be a good time to get better. Not like I am going to have people on my roof judging welds.

Thank you on the insight to the ID. I am betting some silicone might be the ticket to get a snug and secure fit.

 

[sweet victory]

I'd wager that PV panels and the associated mounts are all standardized sizes. Not sure what size cells you have, but frames look pretty cheap on ebay. Wouldn't be worth my time unless you have specific requirements for a completely custom install.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Solar-Pane...5-inch-for-use-with-1-x-6-cells-/191282880622

 

[laser3kw]

I'd wager that PV panels and the associated mounts are all standardized sizes.

And... I would venture a guess they are all metric.
So your tape measure is out the window.

 

[mattlago]

These panels are square, not rectangular so I imagine they don't fit the "standard" size we are all used to seeing. However, the idea is still a better one than mine. I would imagine I can modify them far easier and cheaper than I can buy the materials. This seems to be the new thing. If you want it cheap and easy buy it. If you want it to outlive your kids, build it and pay double. Thats a great idea so thank you. I just looked online and they are cheap!

Re the metric tape measure.... I live close to mexico and was down there and needed to measure something. They obviously only sold metric. Gotta tell ya,,, metric is way easier,,, I seem to use that one more than my old "i think its just shy of 11/16ths" tape.

 

[rsanter]

how are they supposed to mount per manufacture/
we have glass panels here on the building at work and they are clamped in using an aluminum clamp with rubber insulator. that attaches to a rail that bolts to the roof

if I was you I would be looking at this type of system

 

[racingtadpole]

Buy a commercial mounting system, it will work out cheaper and faster and aesthetically will look less intrusive than anything you are likely to come up with.
This style of thing is generally my go to for these types of applications
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CZ653XG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If you do build your own.. remember that you are building a sail that catches wind and adding it your roof

Edit.

I’ve just opened the picture on a larger screen not my phone.
Ignore the above now I can see what you are doing.
Have a look at aluminium suppliers for extrusions similar to what a window uses, that’s how they are usually done commercially.

From the looks of the pictures they are recovered from a previous site, I would test Voc and Isc of them all in full sun before doing anything else with them.