Solar panel framing idea needed

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.I'm wanting to make a aluminum frame instead of wood, below are pictures of a wood solar panel.Does anyone have any ideas on what I need to do or buy to construct an  aluminum frame?I'm wanting to work with someone who wants to go solar as a joint project, I'm an electrician and I need some help with this aluminum framing project.If you have these skills and would like to go solar or just want to pick up an extra job.Does anyone know where I can go to and get this project done?  I'm wanting to build several of these.Please e-mail me off list [email protected]  with ideas, I don't want to take up space here on the forum with this.. Attached ImagesLast edited by easytim; 08-01-2008 at 06:32 PM.
Reply:I've done this before several decades ago when Solar Panels were just being introduced to the public. Your best bet and easiest way to get the Alum frame you seek is to take one of these panels to your local Glass Company and let them match up a "store-front" alum. frame to fit the panel thickness. The width and length of the panel really doesn't matter since the glass company can cut the frame to the desired dimensions. The critical part is the thickness in this case. Even though you can fab one yourself or have someone custom make a frame, this would be an quicker route for you to take. If you are installing the panels on the roof, it is not too hard to mount the system over your existing roof. A couple of "L" brackets screwed onto the side face of the frame and attached to the roof should do the trick. Just be sure to seal the roof bolts!If you are wanting to mount the panels at ground level, then you need to have a extra frame made to keep the panels high enough above anything that could possibly jump onto it, like cats and kids.  You don't have to wory about taking up thread space on weldingweb.com, thats what it is there for!  Good luck with your project and keep us updated!
Reply:Unomike, I like that idea. I would never have thought about it but it makes good sense. Sometimes just looking at it from another persepective helps.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWUnomike, I like that idea. I would never have thought about it but it makes good sense. Sometimes just looking at it from another persepective helps.
Reply:Originally Posted by UnomikeThanks DSW, I hope EASYTIM's project goes smooth. Sometimes the danger is that one can take a simple project and in an attempt to perfect it, makes it more complicated than it needs to be. Another set of eyes does help. BTW - I emailed  Easytim ... came back as undeliverable.Ummm ... Speaking of making a project more complicated, I think I've did this to my truck bed-seat project ....
Reply:Originally Posted by easytimI got your message, I WANT TO THANK YOU for your input.THANKS