Zippity Feet Z-Mount for Small Off-Grid Solar Panels

A:  The panels I installed were 48 “ long x about 30”. I used 3 brackets on each of the 48” side. Drilled our own holes into the edge of the panels for the additional two being they only came with holes for 2 brackets per side. The brackets are plenty strong to hold up any solar panel and if you have doubts just order some extras as I did. 

A:  Hello, Yes, the Z mount can be used with a panel of this size. Grape Solar's Zippity Feet kit includes 4 mounting brackets and all required fasteners, so it can be used for a wide variety of panel sizes.

A:  I used a deep cycle marine battery and it works great.

A:  I used two 6 volt AGM batteries and they worked just fine. I would have used lithium batteries if I could have afforded them

A:  Depending on what you are running, I would recommend 2 ea 6V deep cycle golf cart batteries in series. This will create a very substantial 12V power source. Avoid single 12V deep cycle batteries, they don't hold their charge as long.

A:  12 volt deep cycle battery or you can use two 6 volt golf cart batteries in series. You need a charge controller. These panels operate at 30 volts so the charge controller converts the voltage and prevents overcharging. I believe you could also go with a 24 volt system depending on the charge controller ( two 12 volt deep cycle batteries in series or four 6 volt batteries in series.

A:  You can use a lead acid battery. deep cycle batteries are best. Have 2 6v 200ah golf cart batteries that I am using with my grape solar panels. just make sure that the charge controller that you are going to use work with your batteries. I am in the middle of switching over to LifePo4 batteries and it will be a direct swap. thought they are more expensive they will out last and out perform any lead acid battery around.

A:  Easily mounted to a vertical brick wall. No issue with wind if you are confident in your bolts in the wall.

A:  No, you can't mount solar panels vertically. It drastically reduces their output. In the continental US, ideal panel angle is between 20 and 40 degrees from horizontal, depending on location and desired production curves (summer vs. winter).

A:  Yes these could be used, you will have to use a screw such as a Tapcon to fasten them to the brick. Once installed flex will be a non issue even in high wind areas. The aluminum frame of the panel is very sturdy. I live in tornado alley and have had no issues.

A:  You would need to use expanding inserts in the brick work. If the brick are concrete, probably ok. If it's fired clay, use caution, don't "break"the brick when drilling or tightening the bolt.

A:  I used them to mount two panels to the top of my camper, which is a converted cargo trailer. I used 1" 14g square steel tubing for the brackets which I welded together, it could have been bolted. I have just been on a six state trip with the camper and had no problems with the mounting.

A:  It's difficult to make any determination without knowing the specifications of your ladder rack. Get in touch with Grape Solar tech support for more help with this issue.

A:  Yes, possibly with the bolts provided or with longer ones of your own.