Sticky solar panel

[Darcar]

I’m totally sure that the modern adhesives are fantastic when used properly in the right environment & within there operating parameters,
but as so much of a self build is on the hoof for me I’m much happier with a mechanical fixing... sickaflex for the sealing around the holes
Then I can sleep easy

 

[HTF]

I'm traumatized about sticking a solar panel with adhesives. My boss asked me to install a pair of 100w on his Hymer. These were the only that would fit on his crowded roof. The only space available was in front next to the auto sat dish and had to be mounted side by side but in offset. He bought the panels and mounting hardware at a specialised dealer and they assured him that special adhesive they supplied was the way to go. I followed the instructions and degreased the fiberglass roof where the supports would go, 4 each corner and 2 on the sides. I sanded the fiberglass to remove the thin layer of sunburn, dirt and grime and stuck the panels on.
He went for a few trips but one day, while returning from a trip, he took the motorway. He was doing 120kph and heard a noise. Looking in the mirror he saw something. He stopped and had the panel hanging by the cables. Very lucky nobody was hurt except my pride, when he called me . Had to buy a new panel, remove the other one's glued supports and use a more secure method. I used a piece of stainless sheet to make a base support. The front one was bent in a wedge shape to deflect the wind over the panels and the back just a strip. The original supports were screwed to the sheets with countersunk screws and lock nuts, these supports were then glued to the roof and someanchors and screws were added to be safe.

On my build I think I went over the top. Better safe than sorry

 

[Squiffy]

At 75mph he's lucky they were hanging on it's wire. Glass fibre is a very odd material. You have to use etching primer for paint to stick to it, otherwise it will just peel off after a short time. You should also use etching primer on Glass fibre if you use adhesive sealer for the same reason. If you want to colour Glass fibre the only sure way is to add colour to the resin in its manufacture, but etching primer is still necessary for adhesive glue to stick correctly on coloured Glass fibre. Phil

 

[HTF]

On my van, I tried to make sure the 450W, 2 square meter panel stayed put . 8 anchor points with total 48 m6 rivet nuts and bolts, 4 aluminium cross beams and some aluminium angle brackets with bolts and lock nuts. I don't think it will go anywhere

 

[SquirrellCook]

I just replaced some flexible panels held on by double sided butyl tape.
To say it was hell to remove them would be an understatement.
Less tape used for the replacements.

Mark

 

[Squiffy]

Mark, as I've stated before, when ever I have to remove any item that's been stuck down it has been Hell!! To remove I really fail to see how items that have been correctly stuck to roofs can become loose even in the highest winds. My 85cm dish was only stuck down and boy did we have some high winds on my journey around the English coast line in the last month. Phil.

 

[trevskoda]

I'm traumatized about sticking a solar panel with adhesives. My boss asked me to install a pair of 100w on his Hymer. These were the only that would fit on his crowded roof. The only space available was in front next to the auto sat dish and had to be mounted side by side but in offset. He bought the panels and mounting hardware at a specialised dealer and they assured him that special adhesive they supplied was the way to go. I followed the instructions and degreased the fiberglass roof where the supports would go, 4 each corner and 2 on the sides. I sanded the fiberglass to remove the thin layer of sunburn, dirt and grime and stuck the panels on.
He went for a few trips but one day, while returning from a trip, he took the motorway. He was doing 120kph and heard a noise. Looking in the mirror he saw something. He stopped and had the panel hanging by the cables. Very lucky nobody was hurt except my pride, when he called me . Had to buy a new panel, remove the other one's glued supports and use a more secure method. I used a piece of stainless sheet to make a base support. The front one was bent in a wedge shape to deflect the wind over the panels and the back just a strip. The original supports were screwed to the sheets with countersunk screws and lock nuts, these supports were then glued to the roof and someanchors and screws were added to be safe.

On my build I think I went over the top. Better safe than sorry

There has to be an air gap under the panels to keep cool and better power, a deflector is ok but doing so also causes suction on the top which will try and lift the panel, aircraft wings work like this in a small part, thin deflected air over the top and thick less compressed air under them, you did the right thing in my mind, any glues i have used are no match for bolt and braces in my eyes, i know some are good but folk using it may not read the info on the pack regarding limitations and temps.
Mind you the wood construction of ww2 mossie fighter wings was glue and they did 400mph.

 

[Squiffy]

There has to be an air gap under the panels to keep cool and better power, a deflector is ok but doing so also causes suction on the top which will try and lift the panel, aircraft wings work like this in a small part, thin deflected air over the top and thick less compressed air under them, you did the right thing in my mind, any glues i have used are no match for bolt and braces in my eyes, i know some are good but folk using it may not read the info on the pack regarding limitations and temps.
Mind you the wood construction of ww2 mossie fighter wings was glue and they did 400mph.

Bollocks to those that say they have seen solar panels and other associated bits scattered down motways that are caused by glued down items on RV roofs.
I have travelled more than most here and on the continent and never have I seen bits lying on motorways or motorway verges that have come off motorhome roofs, either I have been most unfortunate or folks that see such carnage are fortunate, either way it must be millions to one to see such a thing. Besides which unless folk actually stop and analyse the wreckage, then how can they possibly tell if it has been stuck or badly bolted to a roof, as I say bollocks!! I've now had 20 years of gluing solar and dishes + domes to motorhomes without any problems. Phil

 

[mistericeman]

Bollocks to those that say they have seen solar panels and other associated bits scattered down motways that are caused by glued down items on RV roofs.
I have travelled more than most here and on the continent and never have I seen bits lying on motorways or motorway verges that have come off motorhome roofs, either I have been most unfortunate or folks that see such carnage are fortunate, either way it must be millions to one to see such a thing. Besides which unless folk actually stop and analyse the wreckage, then how can they possibly tell if it has been stuck or badly bolted to a roof, as I say bollocks!! I've now had 20 years of gluing solar and dishes + domes to motorhomes without any problems. Phil

I've seen 3 panels at the side this year ...

And no I didn't stop to check bolted/stuck ...

BUT my betting would be stuck only rather than the chances of 4 fixings letting go at once ...

So bollocks to you ...I'll stick to belts AND braces thanks .

 

[SquirrellCook]

Bollocks to those that say they have seen solar panels and other associated bits scattered down motways that are caused by glued down items on RV roofs.
I have travelled more than most here and on the continent and never have I seen bits lying on motorways or motorway verges that have come off motorhome roofs, either I have been most unfortunate or folks that see such carnage are fortunate, either way it must be millions to one to see such a thing. Besides which unless folk actually stop and analyse the wreckage, then how can they possibly tell if it has been stuck or badly bolted to a roof, as I say bollocks!! I've now had 20 years of gluing solar and dishes + domes to motorhomes without any problems. Phil

M18 J4 heading towards Sheffield, I think the solar panel is still there on the exit slip Road.

Mark