Panel spacing on ground mount pergola style frame

[SeaGal]

Planning on installing more panels on a wooden frame...

Is it OK to mount panels immediately adjacent to each other so as to form a (largely) waterproof roof?

Or, should there be some spacing between panels to allow for expansion under heat?

Thinking of about 15 panels in a 5 x 3 configuration in total.

So, a bit like @tmprof's lovely setup, (https://diysolarforum.com/attachments/20231007_150202-jpg.173020/) but without the tidy garden, decking, Jacuzzi and dog

 

[MarkSolar]

My panels listed the required spacing in the data sheet. As I recall it was about 1/4". I would have expected them to give a value based on your climate and max temp range, but they just gave one value.

 

[SeaGal]

Thanks - you were spot on... I just checked the installation manual for my existing panels and it says.. "A minimum clearance of 6.5 mm (0.25 in) between modules is required to allow for thermal expansion of the frames"

Should have checked there first! LOL.

 

[tmprof]

Planning on installing more panels on a wooden frame...

Is it OK to mount panels immediately adjacent to each other so as to form a (largely) waterproof roof?

Or, should there be some spacing between panels to allow for expansion under heat?

Thinking of about 15 panels in a 5 x 3 configuration in total.

So, a bit like @tmprof's lovely setup, (https://diysolarforum.com/attachments/20231007_150202-jpg.173020/) but without the tidy garden, decking, Jacuzzi and dog

Thanks for the nice comment I used silicone between each panel so it blocks the water. Seems to work well!

 

[SeaGal]

That sounds like a plan then! Any hints on tips for applying it, though? Guess you have to do it as you go or you won't reach the inner joins (but will still have to reach 1m across). Or did you somehow manage to apply it from below?

 

[Q-Dog]

Stuff a foam backer rod between the panels then lay a bead of caulk on top of that. Or ...