Mounting Renogy Solar Z-Brackets on Thule Tracks?

[BrianW]

I'm looking to mount my two Renogy 100w panels on my Penthouse roof, and would like to mount them to Thule tracks using the Renogy "Z Brackets."

The mounts: https://www.renogy.com/renogy-solar-...cket-set-of-4/

Has anybody here mounted these brackets on a Thule or Yakima track? Any hints? I know there are other third-party mounts that work well on the tracks, but they cost a lot more money (like 3x the cost) and if I can use the Renogy ones that would be my preference.

I haven't ordered them yet, so I don't have them on hand to try, or else I wouldn't be asking :-)

By the way, I did e-mail Renogy (twice) with this question, but haven't heard back yet. In any event, I prefer real-world experience feedback whenever possible.

[JoeH]

Smart Feet from the RV solar store worked pretty good for me. Yakima tracks in my case but I doubt Thule would be much different.
https://rvsolarstore.com/index.php?r...product_id=109

[BrianW]

Figures, just after I posted this I heard from Renogy: "The Z-brackets are designed for mounting on a flat roof and are not compatible with this type of rack"

The Smart Feet are what I was trying to avoid having to buy, since they are $30 for a set of 4, vs. $13 for the Renogy brackets. And I need enough for two panels (so $60 vs $26). Sigh.

Originally Posted by JoeH

Smart Feet from the RV solar store worked pretty good for me.
https://rvsolarstore.com/index.php?r...product_id=109

[86Scotty]

Warning, the Renogy Z brackets are really thin and cheap. I like them but won't use them again. The guy who bought my van had one break and fold a panel back in high wind. No bueno.

[bemerritt]

you could use something like these. I just used them to mount my maxtraxx to my yakima racks

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LWOIMIN?psc=1

[BrianW]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

Warning, the Renogy Z brackets are really thin and cheap. I like them but won't use them again. The guy who bought my van had one break and fold a panel back in high wind. No bueno.

Yikes! Good to know. They do look kinda thin...

[JoeH]

The Smart Feet are expensive but they do have a degree of up and down adjustability to them which I found convenient. I can tilt the panel and bit forward so that rain or snow drains off. And I don't know about anyone else, but my penthouse roof is far from flat. There's a swale toward the front. Also, the newer panels (in my case a Kyocera) are stronger and you can mount them toward the ends. There's no need to have brackets like you see on earlier installations that have to penetrate inside the canvas and mounting to the tracks works just fine. Just my 2cents.

[86Scotty]

Those look like the ticket for round bars!

Here's my solution for flat (Thule) bars, just go straight through the bar and the panel with stainless hardware. Bulletproof.




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[86Scotty]

Brian, do you have any of these? They're the older style landing pad bases for Yakima tracks. Seems like you could use longer bolts with them and go straight through the bottom flange of the panel to your tracks.





Looks like the newer style are 4 for $42.

This would give you a nice, low profile solar mount if the spacing on your panels works out.

https://www.amazon.com/Yakima-Landin...pad&th=1&psc=1

[Bbasso]

While I don't have a penthouse or even a flat roof I do have a fiberglass high top. I mounted thule crossbars and my solar panels with easy. Might not be the prettiest setup but it has stood up well over time.
I'm at work and can't get pics, but later I should be able to.
The good thing is both panels are on the same plane to maximize efficiency and input.