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gitpicker2009's avatar
gitpicker2009
Explorer
Sep 15, 2020

butyly tape for solar panel install question

I'm about to install two 200 watt solar panels on my AF1150. The Northwood rep I spoke with said to make sure I use "butyl tape". I had already intended to completely cover the screws holding the panels down, but he made it sound like I should be doing something else and recommended the butyl tape. I was wondering if maybe I should use the tape between the solar panel leg and the roof of the coach, maybe to help seal around the screw. Sort of driving the screw through the patch of tape, then also covering it with some self leveling sealant. Any experience/advice?
Truck Campers

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  • Bert_the_Welder's avatar
    Bert_the_Welder
    Explorer II
    Sep 15, 2020
    When it comes to RV's, just like you'll never complain about too much truck, you won't complain about having double the water proofing.
    Belt and braces.
    Hell, go double stick Eternabond, then regular Eternabond over top, then Dicor as the icing on the cake.
  • Bert_the_Welder's avatar
    Bert_the_Welder
    Explorer II
    Sep 15, 2020
    srschang wrote:
    I used Eternabond Doublestick between the feet and roof surface, then Dicor over the foot, screw, etc. I contacted Rex Willet, owner of Northstar campers (my camper), and he said they use Eternabond Doublestick on their solar installs. And I removed Eternabond from a previous camper when doing a total recaulk. Wow, does that stuff stick!!

    Scott


    Ha ha ha!!! Yep. Definitely get it right the first time cause a do-over is a super PITA!!
  • Fishbreath's avatar
    Fishbreath
    Explorer II
    Sep 15, 2020
    I used 3m VHB tape between my panel legs and the roof. No screws.
    5 years and still holding.
  • thedavidzoo's avatar
    thedavidzoo
    Explorer II
    Sep 15, 2020
    Oops, mine is probably NOT butyl tape, but Eternabond also. Bill from TCW in NH installed mine.
  • srschang's avatar
    srschang
    Nomad
    Sep 15, 2020
    I used Eternabond Doublestick between the feet and roof surface, then Dicor over the foot, screw, etc. I contacted Rex Willet, owner of Northstar campers (my camper), and he said they use Eternabond Doublestick on their solar installs. And I removed Eternabond from a previous camper when doing a total recaulk. Wow, does that stuff stick!!

    Scott
  • thedavidzoo's avatar
    thedavidzoo
    Explorer II
    Sep 15, 2020
    Mine have butyl tape under the "feet", screws through all that, and self-leveling dicor over everything.

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