Frame weight

[longwolf]

I'm trying to decide how thick the aluminum frame needs to be.
I'm thinking of getting 1/16 thick, 1 by 1 inch angle and braising the corners.
Does that sound heave enough?

Oh, this will be going on a van.

[Mike90250]

Well, if it breaks, I guess it wasn't strong enough.

Beware of either pressurizing the underside of the PV or creating a vacuum. The glass is not rated to take that kind of a load, and will break. Likely need a partial vented front and rear, and open sides.

[longwolf]

Well, if it breaks, I guess it wasn't strong enough.

Well that was a lot of help, lol

Beware of either pressurizing the underside of the PV or creating a vacuum. The glass is not rated to take that kind of a load, and will break. Likely need a partial vented front and rear, and open sides.

The glass will be siliconed to the frame with clips about every foot.
The cells will be encapsulated to the glass, nothing else will go on the back until the Clear Seal is good and dry.
In other words, the back of the panel will be open.

[Mike90250]

......In other words, the back of the panel will be open.

Right, but you don't want air pressure from the moving vehicle, to build up, either on top, or below, while driving. It will either suck the glass up, or press it down. When parked, not a problem.

[longwolf]

Right, but you don't want air pressure from the moving vehicle, to build up, either on top, or below, while driving.

Got it now, I hadn't had my caffeine this AM

I don't think it will be a problem. There will be plywood about a half inch below it and a bar, that should work as an air dam, in front of it.
But I'll keep an eye on it.

[Mike90250]

Got it now, I hadn't had my caffeine this AM

I don't think it will be a problem. There will be plywood about a half inch below it and a bar, that should work as an air dam, in front of it.
But I'll keep an eye on it.

Right, and that will break it. The Air Dam will create low pressure UNDER the panel, and suck it into the roof. Something like a 50% perforated metal to allow equal air flow is what you need. Mock it up with a sheet of saran wrap or something (1/8" luan plywood) and drive, with a car next to you to observe the action. Unless you have access to a wind tunnel. You need a "non spoiler" at the top of the windshield, and some way to verify things will be fine when you install the glass.