installing solar panels without drilling holes

[rdrv831]

I am considering using the following mounts to attached a solar panel to my Class C RV with a rubber roof.



Instapark ZJ03W Drill-free Solar Panel Roof Corner Mount Rack Bracket Kit NEW



And


Instapark ZJ04W Drill-free Solar Panel Roof Mount Rack Rail Bracket Support Kit



Example installation from
RV solar system DIY






Question I have is with a rubber roof that is basically glued down, is their any issues with gluing these mounts to the rubber roof?

Will this work on a rubber roof?

Thanks

[Crabbypatty]

I just installed over rubber a nd used a bracket with lots of Dicor and screwed into the roof. I woudnt glue to a surface that can be peeled off.

[RVWithTito]

Crabbypatty wrote:
I will be installing solar soon on my epdm rubber roof. I am not concerned about leaks. Already I have installed a ladder and utilize Dicor Lap Sealant. Works perfectly. I will be doing the same. I am going to attached the mounts to the panels first and apply sealant to the bottom of mount then place the panel on the roof. Now fasten with a screw gun through the hole oozing in sealant. After apply more sealant over the top. This way sealant is under the bracket and also follows the screw into the hole. The Dicor self levels and makes for a nice neat waterproof install.

Agreed. Dicor is your friend. Don't be afraid to add a few new holes in your roof if you have to. Just seal them up properly as noted and check them a few times a year.

[Crabbypatty]

I will be installing solar soon on my epdm rubber roof. I am not concerned about leaks. Already I have installed a ladder and utilize Dicor Lap Sealant. Works perfectly. I will be doing the same. I am going to attached the mounts to the panels first and apply sealant to the bottom of mount then place the panel on the roof. Now fasten with a screw gun through the hole oozing in sealant. After apply more sealant over the top. This way sealant is under the bracket and also follows the screw into the hole. The Dicor self levels and makes for a nice neat waterproof install.

[DrewE]

I would not go with mounts glued onto a rubber or similar membrane roof. The glues used to hold the rubber down on the wood are not super strong, and localized pulling such as a panel might produce when driving or in windy conditions could easily tear it away from the wood (or tear holes in the rubber).

As with the others, I would strongly prefer a mechanical attachment (i.e. screws or similar), of course with appropriate sealants.

[pconroy328]

He didn't say he was afraid. Geebus. He asked if anyone had any thoughts.

OP did you see the Amazon Reviews?
Not so glowing.

[2oldman]

pigman1 wrote:
Your links don't work

I think his links are the same as those pictures.

[Golden_HVAC]

Why are you concerned about holes in your roof? Do you think that the manufacture built your RV without any holes in it?

Just put in normal brackets, and use rubber roof sealant, and they will not leak. I installed mine back in 1996, and still no leaks. Sure I coated the roof when it got to 11 years old, but no leaks there. The skylight started leaking, but was fixed by coating the roof.

Good luck,

Fred.

[pigman1]

Your links don't work.

I don't know why folks panic about drilling a hole in the roof. We have 6 panels with 8 fasteners on each panel drilled into the roof so the panels can be raised on any axis. Current sealers are excellent. Just use them.

[tpi]

I have strong metal roof and I used 3M 5200 to glue panel down on 8 mounts. But even there, the decision was controversial..had strong advice both ways.

With the rubber roof I'd strongly suggest screwing them down and caulking.

[2oldman]

rdrv831 wrote:
Question I have is with a rubber roof that is basically glued down, is their any issues with gluing these mounts to the rubber roof?

I wouldn't consider that. You're gluing these mounts to a membrane that's just glued to wood, and sometimes not all that well.

Don't be fearful of drilling your roof. There are a lot of holes there already, and, with proper caulking they will never leak and be a good solid foundation for panels.