Meshtastic / MeshCore Solar Panel Bracket & Mount
Print Profile(3)
Description
I designed this mount while building solar-powered nodes and wanted to avoid drilling additional holes in my junction boxes. This model offers flexibility for different junction box sizes (see listed dimensions below) and allows mounting a solar panel to the back of the box. It was originally made for the SoShine Solar Panel but also fits the FlexSolar Panel.
The hirth joint between the panel bracket and enclosure mount lets you lock in a customizable tilt angle for optimal sun exposure.
Update: Added profiles for KBT Solar Panels and Custom [Printable] Pole Mounts compatible with 150mm and 100mm wide junction boxes.
For different mounting orientations, use the Top Mount Solar Panel Bracket to attach the panel from above, or the Bottom Mount Solar Panel Bracket for a lower mounting position.
Equipment Used
| Solar Panels | Hardware Solar Panel to Panel Bracket | Hardware Panel Bracket to Enclosure (Junction Box) Mount |
| SoShine Solar Panel (2-Pack) | M6x14 screws (x4) nuts (x4) washers (x4) | M6x25 (x1) threaded knurled thumbscrew, or regular screw nut (x1) |
| FlexSolar Panel (2-Pack) | M6x14 screws (x4) nuts (x4) washers (x4) | M6x25 (x1) threaded knurled thumbscrew, or regular screw nut (x1) |
| KBT Solar Panel (2-Pack) | M5x14 screws (x4) nuts (x4) washers (x8) | M6x25 (x1) threaded knurled thumbscrew, or regular screw nut (x1) |
| Junction Boxes (HxWxD) | Pole Mount Kits | Hardware (Ports / Connectors) |
| 200x100x70mm (7.9"x3.9"x2.8") | Universal Wall Mounting Bracket - Used the shorter screws that came with the enclosure but needed to add washers; while this only connects to two of the holes on the enclosure, it has proven to be stable. Installing is a little awkward, which is the reason for designing the custom pole mounts. | |
| 150x100x70mm (5.9"x3.9"x2.8") | ||
| 150x150x90mm (5.9"x5.9"x3.5") | Stainless Steel Pole Mount Bracket - Used the screws that comes with this kit along with the spacer in the model. Great sturdy option, but the smallest option I could find only fit the 150mm wide boxes. |
| Associated Models (Internal Mounting Plates) | ||
| 200x100x70mm | 150x100x70mm | 150x150x90mm |
| Coming Soon | WaveShare Solar Power Manager & XIAO nRF52840 & Wio-SX1252 (Here) | WaveShare Solar Power Manager (D) & WisBlock / WisMesh 1W (Here) |
- Custom Pole Mounts
- These are designed to fit 100mm and 150mm (wide) junction boxes and use the longer screws supplied with the box.
- The notched version is shaped to fit over the enclosure (junction box) mount for a secure fit.
- The mounts are intentionally thick to provide extra strength because….well, they’re plastic.
- In testing, they handled more tightening force (with hose clamps) than was realistically needed to hold the entire unit in place. So feel free to snug them down firmly, just don’t overdo it.
- These are designed to fit 100mm and 150mm (wide) junction boxes and use the longer screws supplied with the box.
License
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