Have You Tried This? Mount Solar Panel using RIVNUTS

How to mount solar panel brackets using RIVNUTS. I use this technique on my RV solar installation with 1/4" x 20 stainless steel bolts and it is solid. Use the link in the video to watch the entire installation process.

Here is what you will need:
(1) Rivnut tool
(2) Rivnut inserts that match the bolt size you are using
(3) Drill bits and drill

How to install the Rivnuts:
(1) Inspect under the solar panel to identify where on the panel frame you can drill without damaging the solar cell layers
(2) Align your solar panel bracket and mark the location of your mounting hole
(3) Drill a hole that matches the diameter of your Rivnut insert
(4) Thread a rivnut on the rivnut tool
(5) Insert the rivnut into the hole and squeeze the handles together
(6) Twist the knob counter clockwise to remove the tool from the insert
(7) You can now thread your bolt into the rivnut insert and secure your bracket.

#rvsolar #solarpanels #rvwithtito

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[thehollics]

Rivnut, rivet nut, or nutsert. It has several names. Great tool though. Comes in handy.

[shawnandkellypollard]

I just bought a bunch of rivnuts to do the same thing. I am mounting the panels via the strut channel, but want my panels to be above the sides of my awning etc. it’s 7 inches that the top of the panel would have to be mounted from the roof. Any ideas or suggestions on a 4” bracket?

[RogueOntheRoad]

That would be fun. I'm planning to bolt them on the underside of the frame though.

[kellstat]

Always, and I mean always add thread locker and/or lock washers to all threads, especially on roof tops. Adding a rubber or like vibration dampening between is a swell method as well. Did you create enough of a air gap between roof and panels to breathe and the ot over heat?

[lordhosk]

Cool, I can buy a $60 rivnut tool, in order to install $1 rivnuts.

Or I can just lift the solar panel up 2 inches and put a 15 cent nut on the backside, put the bolt through the hole and bracket and mount it to the panel first before I mount it to the RV saving money and I don't have to have an extra tool.

[pauphiips]

Rivnuts are great when you don't have access to the back on the panel. Nut and bolt would be stronger in this situation.

[RaceBanner_]

Drilling cold into the side of an expensive panel. Seems legit.

[alanhat]

4.8mm (3/16") pop rivets are strong enough for this

[DavidBrand-yw]

Drilling solar panels voids the warranty. They should be clamped

[joewolters]

Buy a set of transfer punches. You'll thank me later.

[ZeelanBasha-zuwf]

This type waste money and time clamps is best

[eugenew]

That is not smart. PV cells are very fragile as well a risk of breaking the laminations or damaging wiring.