solar panel installation

lorry, I will give you another reason to leave a gap, other than if the panel sits direct on the roof it causes destruction to either the panel or the roof....
Leave a gap that's large enough to: allow cleaning of the roof and underneith the panel, removal of spider webs, and air flow to allow cooling.

I think a gap of only 10mm is too small to allow the above practices to be carried out effectively.
However the $5 brackets would be worth a really serious look at :-)
I use a twin bar roof rack and have about 6 cm gap under the panel.

Another important question is how do you safely get the power lead from the solar panel to the battery/s ??

We are mounting a 60watt panel on the aluminium roof of a camper. We are thinking of using a hinge on one side of the mount to allow for cleaning and/or following the sun Does anyone know if this would be feasable.

Rosy, would it be feasible to mount.. yes, probably?
but would it work as an effective solar panel.. No way!!
with a 60 Watt panel I think I would be leaving it either loose and throwing it on a bed when travelling, but it won't be working and charging anything, so not a realistic option :-(
or
mount it on the roof, via another method, and as I no longer do psychic readings lol, I won’t suggest how, other than to say a hinge on one side would definitely not be my first choice, simply because of the method of attachment of the hinge to the van aluminium roof would probably be suspect due to waterproofing and actual strength as there is a lot of wind pressure on the leading edge of the panel at 95 kph (hence my panel has an angled leading edge) and also the van would always have to be parked facing the correct (same) direction for the panel to lift up to be in facing contact with the sun, and I don’t believe that will be possible every time you stop.
Good idea to be able to clean under it though.
Can you ask your van manufacturer how they would remedy the situation?

Rosy suggest you email the store bought my solar gear from
solarpanel@dodo.com.au
the guy has all the bits and pieces and correct advice you will need
was a pleasure to deal with such a professional outlet
http://members.dodo.net.au/~landline/solarkits.htm

Volante,

So specifically how _&_ where are the $5 brackets used ?

How are they actually attached to the aluminium van roof ?