DIY Portable Solar Panel Stand Mount Very Affordable

[@greatguy4076]

If you haven't bought your panels yet, one thing that will save you even more money is to buy better panels. Flexible panels have lower output, are less reliable, and don't last as long as fixed panels. Fixed panels are HALF the cost of flexible panels. You can buy "smaller" fixed panels in just about any physical size. Bonus - they are much easier to mount, as they already have a stable frame. Put your money into the panels, where you actually get something (power).

[@theyoungnative93]

My fixed panels don’t have any holes to mount them, what do you do to secure them?

[@fishhuntadventure]

@@theyoungnative93 There should be holes on the backside for Z brackets or the nicer Bouge RV and Rich Solar brackets. If you truly don’t have the holes, look up pics of the WindyNation or Rich Solar panels. That will show you. If you have to drill: - Don’t drill from the face! Some panels have conductors or wires hidden under the extrusion. - use a piece of 16ga behind where you drill as a protector plate so you don’t damage the panels with the drill bit. - measure a half inch out from the inner periphery and be precise with your spacing to make your install look good and be easier to set up

[@leguirerj]

Thanks for the idea. I used the eco-worthy 41in solar panel stand and two 96 in slotted angles. I made it for my ecoflow 400 watt portable solar panels. Once setup, it was very sturdy and it is easy to use the panels now. Gonna make 4.

[@thesurvivalist.]

I'll be upgrading so, both with the stand and a bag for my panels! Thanks!

[@chrisumali9841]

Thanks for the demo and info, this is great. Since you mentioned it, maybe mark the groves where the solar panel would go, so you know the exact distance between panels. Have a great day

[@reprosser]

Just got my Titan 1000 package and have everything hooked up and working. I purchased the stuff for one stand to see how I like it (will be ordering another set soon :) ) The only (trivial) issue I ran into is that the holes in the stands are not evenly spaced the whole length -there is a section with a wider spacing, so I had to re-assemble one stand to match the holes (for adjusting angle) of the other stand. Other than that, this went together easily and it all works well.

[@minutemanprep]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@jezalison3615]

This video was exactly what I wanted to build identical to your project,thankyou so much.Jez from Eastern Tennessee. P.S. I did a screenshot of the material list.

[@itmaslanka]

Reminds me of the Erector Set !

[@darrylbinkley1207]

Your videos are always so simple and informative. Keep up the the great work and thanks for sharing!

[@minutemanprep]

Thank you very much! That's what I'm going for.

[@1GREATDANE]

I used 10 foot angle iron for Top & Bottom, laid them out and drilled Clearance holes for 10-32 Stainless Fasteners and Washers and Locking Nuts. $32.00 EBay SOLAR ARRAY Angle Kit and Mount It anywhere You wish.

[@hardtruth2039]

This looks like a good idea for my Ecoflow folding 400w panels. I’d use 3-4 of the panel supports.

[@trippinwithtracy687]

Thank you. Very helpful as a place to start. Point Zero Energy is shipping flex panels by Rich Solar currently, and they are 27.2” wide. This puts a five-panel array at 11’4” wide, thus requiring two six foot sections of slotted angle with an 8” overlap in the center.

[@TrekkerPlanet]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Extremely informative. I will be duplicating that stand this coming weekend.

[@minutemanprep]

That's awesome! I'm glad to hear it was helpful. I have been using that exact stand for over a year now and it's still in perfect condition. No rusting, start knobs have not degraded in the sun etc... It really is a great stand.

[@carlpabst6506]

@@minutemanprep do you have a link to get those start knobs?

[@minutemanprep]

@@carlpabst6506 This is the only one currently in stock: amzn.to/3h8m1JM If you have any place like Tacoma Screw store or even ACE Hardware they often carry star knobs too.

[@LoneSigma369]

Excellent presentation and very informative. Stay with what your doing, it's working brother! Thank you.

[@minutemanprep]

Thanks! Will do.

[@CamppattonFamilyCompound]

Good information Ben. Thanks for sharing.

[@davekemerer2566]

Thanks man, super helpful to see the design concepts before making a purchase. I’ll be heading to your site soon to make some final decisions on my purchase

[@minutemanprep]

Thanks! I appreciate it.

[@ninaburke474]

I have flex panels and want to set on side of my garden shed. Love your video. Am wondering why the panels look flexed at the bottom? Is there a piece to buy (for the ends) long enough for the panels to be straight? Also my panels have 3 holes for attaching on each side so I want to put the middle support beam. This is also the reason I want to eliminate the buckle on my panels. I really need help to purchase the exact right size metal pieces. Thank you.

[@minutemanprep]

You can add a center crossbeam that you secure the panels to in order to take some of the band out of it. You would just get two more crossbeam sections and add them to the legs then secure the panels to the beam.

[@lawhoff9581]

Wow - I have been trying to figure how I am going to set up 5 panels and have it be somewhat portable to take in at night. I have a Bluetti AC200 and 5 of their (sunpower) 120w panels coming soon. I am totally unfamiliar with all of this - I don't know if I could build this stand, but I am going to give it a try. Then just need to figure out how to serial connect the panels ha!

[@nathaliewilson1817]

How did it work out for you as it is now over a year since you last posted your comment?

[@relentlessmoutz]

Thank you Ben for another great and informative video. You explain things so well! You are helping me tremendously with deciding on getting my Titan solar set up. Keep up the great work. You deserve all the praise.

[@minutemanprep]

Hey Chris, thank you very much that's very nice of you to say. I will keep putting out videos and try to help where I can. Whenever you're ready to get your Titan be sure to get it from poweredportablesolar.com/shop/ =)

[@relentlessmoutz]

@@minutemanprep I actually sent you an email through your site for shipping to Canada. Lmk if you got it and reply back to the email when you can. I have an order in my cart for the Titan+1500 Flexx kit with a couple of extra accessories. :)

[@minutemanprep]

@@relentlessmoutz I sure will, thank you. We just need your shipping info to calculate actual shipping costs to you from our warehouse. I should get to the email tomorrow =)

[@relentlessmoutz]

@@minutemanprep Perfect! Thank you

[@pedroamador7806]

Love your channel! Greetings from Puerto Rico!

[@minutemanprep]

Thanks!

[@paulrobinson4609]

Great way to set up a stand, I noticed that there was no link to get the setup stands of 1 or 2 that you had mentioned.

[@jasonbrown467]

i built a stand that can hold 3 100 watt panels using 1/2 inch pvc pipe. it holds the panels up out of the grass by about 8 inches off the ground. but havent figured out how to make it break down easily while being able to move it around and be sturdy at the same time. i have about $25 in plastic pipe and fittings. its also white which i dont like

[@HiddenValleyHomestead]

Gil from Camppatton Family Compound sent me over!!

[@minutemanprep]

Awesome. Gil is a great guy.

[@darthr01g41]

What an incredibly helpful video! Thanks! I was thinking maybe use hook & loop tape to hold the panels to the stand. Tape the loop part on the cross members of the stand and the hook part on the bottom and top of the panels. Just a thought. Thanks a lot!

[@Cryo837]

Would it be possible to add a 3rd angle stand 1/2 way and a couple mid cross beams to prevent bowing of the panels?

[@nowakezoneforever6021]

Smufter16 just back from HD after buying all components. I planned mine to do just what you said because I have four rigid panels. Assembling it now.

[@nowakezoneforever6021]

Smufter16 Update... I have four 100 watt Renogy “compact” size, roughly 42x20x1.3. I bought ten 4’ pieces, and three 3’ pieces which I will likely cut down but maybe not. I made two triangles first like those in the video then added a top and bottom piece for the panels to sit on and lean against. Nothing touches the ground. Once that’s finished it’s just a matter of making the third triangle, and adding another top and bottom piece. So four panels are about 80” wide. Using 4’ pieces allows for plenty of room between panels and they are not close to the fasteners. I used 5/16” wing nuts and bolts with all the wing nuts outside where I could easily turn them. You’ll see what works for you but it’s really solid and perfectly supports the four panels without having the bottom edge on the ground.

[@chrismacdonald3179]

Great video! I’m not seeing the links you mentioned.

[@randywilson1134]

Newbie, thanks ordered end pieces will order cross bars from amazon thanks Randy

[@tulipsmoran5197]

I'm not understanding the comments here along with your comments about taking panels inside. If you're camping or traveling I get it, but for prepping and emergency use I maximize as much sun energy as possible to power my battery bank so that when I need to power my two freezers and refrigerator I can and will not loose any of my fresh preps.

[@minutemanprep]

We mention taking the panels inside at night so people don't steal them.

[@LC-iz2eh]

I'm revisiting this video from a year ago because I'm ready to hit the road in my RV & my 2-battery Titan and I want to capture as much sun as I can. I'm confident this setup won't be that troublesome in setting up/tearing down while RVing. I went to HD to get the crossbeams...there were so many choices in gauge and width. Would you be able to recommend a Home Depot part # or which combination of gauge and width to get. Everything else was pretty clear. Your videos have made a huge impact on whether to buy the Titan or not; thanks! I'll also be buying your "favorite carrying case" for my 10 flex solar panels. I was tempted to get the Gator for its protection factor, but you assured us that's not necessary (I hope not! hahaha).

[@Moes_Prep_and_Tech]

How about Bolting this to the Ground? What steps would you take?

[@PD_Kansas]

Wonderful video! What would you recommend as a center vertical base for the middle. I had to use 8' long angle, and it seems to sag in the middle.

[@superchickensuperchicken7939]

Minute Man Prep, instead of using all those solar panels, can you use just two panels that are equivalent to the same max voltage snd wattage charge, say each panel is 1000 watts run parallel at the same max voltage and 1000 watts for two battery banks?

[@minutemanprep]

Absolutely. You can use any solar panel or solar panel configuration as long as you stay within the parameters of each solar input port which are 35 - 145v and 30a.

[@kyjaffe9629]

Could you please show a way of putting wheels on a frame with rigid panels to allow easier moving?

[@minutemanprep]

I would just get caster wheels from Amazon or Home Depot and attach them =)

[@PaulLadendorf]

Thanks for the vid. I love the simplicity of this setup but I don't think that will work for rigid panels without at least one brace in the middle.

[@neilwani1178]

How much power do these flex panels produce? Like are each producing 300 Watts? And do rigid panels this size produce more per panel? Why do people purchase these flex panels?

[@leelawrence913]

good video..my concern is 50 mph plus winds......i live in west texas high desert.....we can have some serious winds......i think i would need something much stronger and durable

[@randybobandy9828]

Well obviously. Most people never have to worry about 50mph winds.

[@rrodriguez1958]

Do you think the Titan generator , can use to hook up to the house plugged into the Titan RV 30 amp to a same Outlets to the house for just use important functions like lighting other functions of the house, I know you can't use the washer and dryer other High voltage appliances.If I had a 2 battery pack.

[@minutemanprep]

Absolutely. Just 120v power just like a gas generator it works great.

[@valoriesmith8875]

The star knobs are no longer available on Amazon. If I try elsewhere, would I ask for 30 count, 1/4" thread and 1/2" length? Also were all the star knobs used the same sizes?. Thank you to anyone that can let me know.

[@tarichar8]

Thank you for this. This is a great and helpful video. What are the ball bungees for?

[@minutemanprep]

The ball bungees are another way of attaching the solar panels to the frame.

[@RecceCampers]

You can save tons on stands just about anywhere. If you pay 500$ for a stand for five panels you are out of your mind (Unless you got a permanent home stand that tracks the sun). You can get premade stands from 30$ a panel.

[@regresniterapie6639]

Hi great video thank you! There is no bag under the link to the second bag in the video. I was very interested in the bag, what is the price and where can I buy it? Can you provide a current link? Thank you very much.

[@minutemanprep]

Thank you. The listing for the solar panel carry case can be found here: poweredportablesolar.com/product/solar-panel-carry-case/ We now have an official carry case that is perfectly made for the 100w solar panels.

[@PennsylvaniaPrepper]

Is there a problem with the bottom of the panels touching the ground?

[@minutemanprep]

As far as damage to the panels or anything like that I have had zero issues at all. The only thing to be aware of is if the grass is really tall or something is there that can cast shade onto the solar cells that it could reduce power output from the solar panels. If my grass is really tall I will lay down some cardboard or something under the bottom of the panels to make sure no shade is on the cells at all. Great question I didn't even think to mention that in the video.

[@katsshibainus3258]

So in the summer we should lower the panels flatter and in the winter have the panels up? If we have the firm panels do we have to worry about the wind and turning the panels to face the wind? Does the cross bar go in front or behind the panels? Is that middle panel at 10:00, the size used with the titan 4000 generator? Seth was recommending to use the firm panels. We have winds up to 35mph. I am planning on placing the panels out in our flat field permanently.

[@minutemanprep]

Yes during the summer they should be lower to the ground, then opposite during the winter. The rigid panels are much more sturdy in the wind and those are definitely what we recommend. At 10:00 that middle size is what the size of the Titan 4000 kit panels are like. They're very efficient so they're smaller than other panels. If they're going to be placed permanently out in a field then I recommend securing them properly to the ground that way they don't ever have any wind issues.

[@katsshibainus3258]

@@minutemanprep So we don't need to rotate them towards the wind if staked down?

[@minutemanprep]

@@katsshibainus3258 If the panels are secured to the stand, and the stand is secured to the ground, no you don't need to face them into the wind.

[@GypsyBrokenwings]

I would like to see it with rigid panels.

[@minutemanprep]

It's the exact same stand. It works for either the flexx or rigid.

[@recumbentrevolution6540]

How many rigid 100 W panels will fit in that 50" gator case. I am intrested in that to store 6 panels

[@minutemanprep]

About 3

[@Ralfi_PoELA]

You can easily tell a Vet... but that Simple Green all purpose cleaner just screams HIGH SPEED VET. Lolz

[@northcoastinsuranceservice9482]

Which do you prefer . . . The rigid or the flexible panels ?

[@minutemanprep]

Rigid for sure.

[@BlackTreasureMap]

I bought 4 Renogy Mono solid 100w panels. I hinged 2 together and am wondering if 2 panels hinged would fit in this bag and not ruin the bag. Any thoughts? Thanks

[@minutemanprep]

If the Renogy Panels are 42" long they will fit great. If they are longer then you will have to use the Standard Panel Carry Case:poweredportablesolar.com/shop/

[@BlackTreasureMap]

@@minutemanprep Thanks for getting back to me. The panels are 41.6 x 20.7 x 1.4 in

[@BlackTreasureMap]

got cut off. on the last post. I would need 3.5 inches off interior width to get 2 panels in and the Eco Friendly Tilt mount. If someone can confirm this I would buy 2 to start. The other dimensions seem fine. The panels and stand would also weigh 34 lbs, is this an issue with this bag? Thank You

[@minutemanprep]

@@BlackTreasureMap Seems all good to me from what I can tell.

[@jaccourt9531]

You still using the flex panels

[@stevekrejsa3928]

I’m looking to support only 3 flex panels, so I would need just 6’ rails. Do you think I could get by with one rail along the top and stake down the leg kit? Also, my panels have .3” grommets, the ball bungee loops are .2” diameter - think I can jam the loop through the hole? Thanks much for sharing your design and tips!

[@minutemanprep]

I would still do a top and bottom crossbeam. The bungees should work. I still prefer the star knobs.

[@berilevi3177]

Would this mount work with rigid 400W - 500W panels?

[@minutemanprep]

No it only works with 100w panels. But I are developing a new stand that will work with any solar panel including large solar panels.

[@pulesjet]

LOL, Being a Cheap Skate, I'll be using 2 x 4 timbers. Good Idea for sure. Need previsions for two sets of 4 panels.

[@minutemanprep]

That definitely works too. It's just not as portable or compactable but will definitely work. That's what it's all about, finding a solution that works for you.

[@cutweldngrind]

Cheap Skate, I used a pile of dirt to mount my panels. JK..I have 2x100w panels on 2x4s as well.

[@pulesjet]

@@cutweldngrind I like to look at it as Frugal. When your existing on a $1075 SSI check you learn to cut many corners.

[@cutweldngrind]

@@pulesjet its difficult if your main source is SS check and barely gets you going. I actually built an A frame with lumber to hold 2 panels. I contacted the manufacturer yesterday to find out they discontinued that model. I wanted to have all the same size but at least the specs are close for series connections.

[@pulesjet]

@@cutweldngrind Yea, we find ways to get chit done if you want it bad enough, eaaaa? I'm up to 8 panels now. Thinking I need at least 4 more to do what needs done. But you know how that works. I started out with a 20W panel and a Boat Battery . I'm up to some 10Kwh of battery now.

[@Marcosworld77]

i was thinking about getting 310 watt panels but they weigh 61 Lbs. I like this design but what do you think about putting caster wheels that are lockable. I was thinking of the wheels because of hurricanes. This way i could roll them into the garage when that happens. What do you think MMP?

[@allenlange5475]

Could you put wheels on the stand with ridgit solar panels.

[@minutemanprep]

Yes some caster wheels work well. I know of people who have done that and really like it. The bigger the wheels the easier it is to move.

[@allenlange5475]

Ok Thanke

[@bobross8314]

HD Item desc. or Amazon link?. Not easy to find searching bracket, angle bracket, shelf bracket, mount bracket etc...

[@EliseGeiman]

I have both 100 watt and 200 watts panels. Will this stand work for the 200 watt panels as well? Last year I wanted to purchase everything, but everything was not all in stock. Now most of it is in stock except for the crossbeams. I can only find 6 feet. (72 inches). I looked on Home Depot , Lowes, and Amazon and none have 5 feet Will two 6 feet work for rigid panels? I am only going to purchase enough for one stand to see if it works.

[@minutemanprep]

You should wait another month or so. I have a new and much improved system that should cost less too.

[@EliseGeiman]

@@minutemanprep Thank you. I have so many solar panels I need to get up, and most of them are 200 watts. I have some 100 watt panels for AC200MAX, but the majority is the 200 watts for the two AC300 with two batteries for each. I don't want to purchase anymore panels until I can get these ones up.

[@stevemizera3891]

Can I use the Titan to charger my model 3 Tesla? How many panels should I use?" Thanks

[@minutemanprep]

how many watts does your wall charger use, what voltage is the wall charger, and how many watt-hours is the model 3 battery?

[@javieralejandro8144]

Excelente video and excelente idea

[@Eric-qs3lr]

Can the panels be higher than the 41

[@MarcFain]

Thanks for the links to the parts for the stand and carry cases. Would be useful to have links to the solar panels as well, especially the lightweight panels since light weight is a big feature of this setup.

[@tjmooney4181]

Thanks

[@andersoninnovations7471]

My kit has 20 panels... Just build 4 of these? Or do you have advice for longer/double decking?

[@minutemanprep]

Yup just build 4. That's what I did.

[@randybobandy9828]

All but one of your solar panel links are still available.

[@deverm00]

great set up, can you add wheels to the frame?

[@minutemanprep]

Yes just find castor wheels that have bolt shafts to bolt onto the frame.

[@stacyhazelwood4033]

How long is the crossbeam that you use to adjust the angle of the solar array? It looks to be about 2 ft. long.

[@minutemanprep]

I believe it's 18" long. It comes with the solar panel leg kit.

[@Goalatio]

I wish you could add batteries without stacking them, like be able to lay them out flat and connect with a cable. It limits what you can do in an enclosed space (rv, travel trailer) otherwise I’d be all over this. Cheaper than battleborn batteries and very plugnplay.

[@minutemanprep]

Actually you can! =) I will be showing it in a new video but there's a cable that allows you to connect Titan batteries or any other battery without having to stack them.

[@Goalatio]

Minute Man Prep could you stack them and then link them too? Like 2 groups of 2 batteries? If so that’s pretty amazing. Thanks for taking the time to reply!

[@minutemanprep]

@@Goalatio Yes that should be no problem.

[@LC-iz2eh]

@@minutemanprep Did you get the above mentioned video done showing how to lay the batteries/controller out flat to fit in tight spaces?

[@Flahunter12]

Hi, looking for a link you mentiones to buy the kit

[@minutemanprep]

Click the "Show More" button below the description of the video and it will show you all the links.

[@johnhoward7298]

I have a two legged " RAT " problem !!!! Any suggestions geared towards security ?

[@minutemanprep]

Dang that's hard. Truly the best option is to put them away at night in the garage or something.

[@johnhoward7298]

@@minutemanprep I won't have a garage ( just building about a 28x28 ft. small house ) .

[@paulrobinson4609]

My bad, didn"t expand the show more.

[@kartiktrivedi3523]

How much total expense happen ? Do we need 3 to store power ?

[@minutemanprep]

I don't understand your question fully. Can you please rephrase it for me so I can help?

[@kuzushisakuraba2719]

hey the panel stand crossbeams from your link says ....4020BC Slotted Steel Angle, 1-1/2 by 48-Inch, Galvanzed in website , is this the 5 and 6 feet crossbeam you recommend ? because because 5 feet is 60 inches not 48?

[@minutemanprep]

I prefer the 6ft (72inches) but the 5ft (60inches) is the minimum

[@kuzushisakuraba2719]

@@minutemanprep Hey i am trying to look for the 5 feet and 6 feet crossbeam for my Titan but i can't find it , can you tell me where to look for it .

[@minutemanprep]

@@kuzushisakuraba2719 It looks like the old link isn't working anymore. Here is the right one: amzn.to/2JYZiEo I definitely prefer the 72" pieces (6ft) because they have more overlap in the middle which makes the stand even stronger.

[@ooz8748]

This bracket is good. But it's not suitable for rainy and windy weather. Otherwise the cell will break inside.

[@romanamerlene8554]

With Avasva plans doing something like that was easy.

[@eddiet3026]

Why would you buy a kit at all instead of making the legs out of more unistrut?

[@minutemanprep]

Because it's easier to buy it all done and have be lightweight. There's no reason you can't make it out of more slotted angle iron

[@banditdog1338]

This arrangement would never work in my area they require engineered drawing with wind loads and what you have with high winds is a danger.

[@TheBigfoot567]

That is an extremely WIMPY PV panel rack. You must never get wind in your area. Otherwise, good video.

[@minutemanprep]

I've tested it in 40mph winds with no problems.

[@fishhuntadventure]

Ya, that wouldn’t make it a week maybe not even a day in 40mph gusts

[@BloodyKnives66]

Heck just in the past month I've had 3 wind advisory warnings.

[@cutweldngrind]

5....................Huuuuuuuuuunnnnndddddrrrrreeeeeddd dollars. Ok, I'm listening

[@christiankulmann3325]

My DIY Solartracker ➡️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmHPnox8rLSkabc

[@JayDee25895]

yo

[@fishhuntadventure]

Three observations- 1) that isn’t strut, that’s slotted angle. Strut is $25ish for 10’ 2) those aluminum adjustable stands are $30- $60, not $100 LOL 3) if one is concerned with the cost of the stand ($100 or $30 no matter) then why on earth would you buy “flexible” panels that cost a lot and don’t last 1/4 as long as commodity rigid panels? Those three points pretty much sum it up. I quit at 3:19 in cuz I don’t see the point in any of this.