I think i would just not worry about the 2 - 90 inch spans being connected in the center. I'd treat them like 2 seperate kits that hold 2 panels. I'd space the 4 legs further out on a longer 4x6 so not only would they center better along the cross span piece but i'd have the extra inch sticking out towards the center gap so that i could get a 5th panel between the outer 2. The center one would only need to grab onto the inch that sticks out. The panel frame itself could support its own glass without the span under it. I wouldn't bother with the extension kit at all.
I understand what you're trying to say, but, I think you might not be putting into consideration the solar panel clamps. The clamps for the solar panel at the very end needs at least 1 inch for rail space. Then the clamps in between two panels needs at least 3/4 inch. The 90 inch rail will be short a couple of inches to hold two panels with all the clamps in place. This is why EG4 sells the extension rail kit to add 5 inches to fit 4 panels perfectly. This is not an issue for panels that are less than 44.5 inches wide. Thank you for your input.
I was thinking exactly the same thing. I saw another video where the guy spread them apart enough to add a 5th panel. I am putting two kits side by side and like you say treat them as separate and span the gaps with a panel.
@@RockhollowCNCServices Yeah I guess the pop in screw clips take up some room though. I guess maybe if little clamps were used on the back side of panel then that extra space could be eliminated to gain that extra few inches.
Is there enough room to drill 2 more holes a bit further back for the vertical parts like the older design? And use the two new holes just for the vertical member?
Man, the new version looks substantially inferior to the old version. The new way of doing things is to make it cheaper and raise the price! Then they try to convince you its better and was done for your benefit.
Thanks! I was planning the same with 10 REC panels (40" wide). I saw a video where the guy left a gap between the rails to allow for 5 panels on each mount kit. This only works for 5 panels where the center panel mounts across the rail gap. I still am working on a way to get the 4x6 about 2 feet off the ground to alow better winter angles.
i asked a few weeks ago about why the price has gone up on them and they mentioned that they had made some changes to the kit which is what caused the increase. Hopefully you got the better price at least
No, I paid the current price of $310. The prices were the same from both Signature Solar and Shop Solar. I just thought that the prices had gone up due to supply and demand, but I guess that wasn't the case.
I see that. Also, as of today (Feb. 1, 2025) Shopsolar also have none in stock. I don't know if they're selling out fast coz of the expected tariff price increases. I just hope that they make and sell the extension rail kits soon so I can complete my project.
Thanks! Good info. I won't be buying this design. When you get greedy and cut cost to make more profit there nothing separating you from all the other garbage out there. What drew me to eg4 was the quality. It also looks like the thickness of the aluminum is much thinner it even sounds tinny.
thank you. i have six of the generation 2 Bright mounts. my panels are 44.6" wide so i had to make my own extension as they were not yet being offered. even so i would still use mine because they are much better and cheaper. i will not be buying these mounts again. they are now no good.
I own both v1 and v2 of these mounts and am SO disappointed in V2! I put them all together over new years and I took some side by side pic of the different parts and you will not believe the difference in thickens and detail, and to put insult to injury they went up $40 on the price! I hope they are not cutting corners like this on their v2 chargeveters and batteries really makes you wonder what their up to! SAME CONCEPT BUT DEFINITIONALLY NOT THE SAME MOUNTS! VERY CHEAPLY MADE!
I think i would just not worry about the 2 - 90 inch spans being connected in the center. I'd treat them like 2 seperate kits that hold 2 panels. I'd space the 4 legs further out on a longer 4x6 so not only would they center better along the cross span piece but i'd have the extra inch sticking out towards the center gap so that i could get a 5th panel between the outer 2. The center one would only need to grab onto the inch that sticks out. The panel frame itself could support its own glass without the span under it. I wouldn't bother with the extension kit at all.
I understand what you're trying to say, but, I think you might not be putting into consideration the solar panel clamps. The clamps for the solar panel at the very end needs at least 1 inch for rail space. Then the clamps in between two panels needs at least 3/4 inch. The 90 inch rail will be short a couple of inches to hold two panels with all the clamps in place. This is why EG4 sells the extension rail kit to add 5 inches to fit 4 panels perfectly. This is not an issue for panels that are less than 44.5 inches wide. Thank you for your input.
I was thinking exactly the same thing. I saw another video where the guy spread them apart enough to add a 5th panel. I am putting two kits side by side and like you say treat them as separate and span the gaps with a panel.
@@RockhollowCNCServices Yeah I guess the pop in screw clips take up some room though. I guess maybe if little clamps were used on the back side of panel then that extra space could be eliminated to gain that extra few inches.
Is there enough room to drill 2 more holes a bit further back for the vertical parts like the older design? And use the two new holes just for the vertical member?
Man, the new version looks substantially inferior to the old version. The new way of doing things is to make it cheaper and raise the price! Then they try to convince you its better and was done for your benefit.
Great video, very informative. What is the length of the 6x6?
I used a 4x6 which is perfect for it and is 12 ft long. The 4x4 crossbars are 6 ft each.
Greatly appreciated!
Thanks! I was planning the same with 10 REC panels (40" wide). I saw a video where the guy left a gap between the rails to allow for 5 panels on each mount kit. This only works for 5 panels where the center panel mounts across the rail gap. I still am working on a way to get the 4x6 about 2 feet off the ground to alow better winter angles.
Yes, I believe I've seen that video as well. I think it only works on the narrower panels like yours or even smaller panels.
Thank you for watching.
Good info. Thanks! It's ridiculous that they require the extension kit. Plus not even having the kit available.
It is ridiculous and definitely is frustrating. Thank you for watching.
You could still use 4x4 with u-bolts. I would also drill some holes in the 4x4 and drive some rebar 3 to 4 foot into ground.
Those are good ideas. Thank you.
i asked a few weeks ago about why the price has gone up on them and they mentioned that they had made some changes to the kit which is what caused the increase. Hopefully you got the better price at least
No, I paid the current price of $310. The prices were the same from both Signature Solar and Shop Solar. I just thought that the prices had gone up due to supply and demand, but I guess that wasn't the case.
Looks like signature solar has removed the brightmount cat1 from website. It must have been a disaster.
I see that. Also, as of today (Feb. 1, 2025) Shopsolar also have none in stock. I don't know if they're selling out fast coz of the expected tariff price increases. I just hope that they make and sell the extension rail kits soon so I can complete my project.
Thanks! Good info. I won't be buying this design. When you get greedy and cut cost to make more profit there nothing separating you from all the other garbage out there. What drew me to eg4 was the quality. It also looks like the thickness of the aluminum is much thinner it even sounds tinny.
You're welcome. I'm glad this video was useful to you.
thank you. i have six of the generation 2 Bright mounts. my panels are 44.6" wide so i had to make my own extension as they were not yet being offered. even so i would still use mine because they are much better and cheaper. i will not be buying these mounts again. they are now no good.
Yeah, if I only owned an older version I would have been able to compare much better. Thank you for watching.
you did a great job comparing
I own both v1 and v2 of these mounts and am SO disappointed in V2! I put them all together over new years and I took some side by side pic of the different parts and you will not believe the difference in thickens and detail, and to put insult to injury they went up $40 on the price! I hope they are not cutting corners like this on their v2 chargeveters and batteries really makes you wonder what their up to! SAME CONCEPT BUT DEFINITIONALLY NOT THE SAME MOUNTS! VERY CHEAPLY MADE!
More$$ of couse