Solution
Tilted and Pole Mounting
Get the angle back — fixed 30° on a pole, or an adjustable roof mount on a vehicle.
The problem
Why This Approach Exists
A flat panel on a vehicle roof or a horizontal surface gives up a large share of its potential output in winter and at higher latitudes. Two different answers apply depending on whether anyone will ever be there to adjust it.
Method
How It Is Done Step by Step
1 — Decide if anyone will adjust it
At an unattended site, assume nobody will. On a vehicle that is parked for long periods, assume someone will.
2 — Unattended: fixed tilt on a pole
The L-style arm sets a fixed 30 degrees on a 555 mm arm and supports all brands of 5 W, 10 W and 20 W panels.
3 — Attended: adjustable roof mount
The BS090030 adjustable RV mount fits several of the larger 12 V panels and lets the angle be changed after installation.
4 — Check the array size
A single pole mount carries six to eight panels at most. Beyond that, add mounts.
5 — Secure the cable run
Route and clamp the cable down the pole so it cannot chafe or be pulled out of the junction box.
Outcome
What You Get
A fixed 30° tilt without a tracker or moving parts
Panel lifted clear of vegetation, snow and ground-level interference
Adjustable option for vehicles that sit in one place for days at a time
Aluminium and stainless construction that needs no maintenance
Products used
Hardware for This Solution
BS09001L Style Solar Panel Pole Mounting System
A 555 mm aluminium arm that sets a 5–20 W panel at a fixed 30° on a pole, for remote and unattended sites.
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BS090030Adjustable RV Solar Roof Mount
A tilting roof mount for the larger 12 V panels used on RVs, marine and motorhome installations.
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BSM005P-TBSM005P-T 5 W Multicrystalline Solar Module
A 5 W 12 V multicrystalline module for battery maintenance, remote gates and garden lighting.
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BSM020P-TBSM020P-T 20 W Multicrystalline Solar Module
A 20 W 12 V multicrystalline module, 10.0 % efficient, with a 36-cell 2 × 18 layout.
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BSM020P-NBSM020P-N 20 W Multicrystalline Solar Module
The 24 V nominal 20 W module — 68 cells, 41.3 V open circuit, 10.38 % efficient.
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BSM020MBSM020M 20 W Monocrystalline Solar Module
A 20 W 12 V monocrystalline module at 650 × 306 × 17 mm with a 6063-T5 anodised frame.
View details →Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many panels fit on one pole mount?
Six to eight is the maximum. More than that needs additional mounts, which is the main constraint on scaling a pole-mounted system.
What tilt does the pole mount give?
A fixed 30 degrees from horizontal.
Which panels does the adjustable roof mount fit?
Several of the larger 12 volt panels, including the Kyocera KC85 and KC130, BP and Sharp, and most brands of solar panel.
Is tilting worth the extra hardware on an RV?
Only if you park for long periods and are willing to climb on the roof. For occasional and weekend use, fixed flat is the better trade.
Put This Method to Work
Tell us the surface, the panel and the quantity. We will confirm the part numbers and the adhesive or fastener specification to go with them.