Adhesive for Securing Flexible Solar Panels

[otrfun]

Have plans to install some flexible solar panels on the roof of our fiberglass NL truck camper. Don't want to drill/screw into the roof. Looking for a strong adhesive that can also be removed without damaging the fiberglass finish in the event I have to replace/remove a panel. Recommendations? Thanks!

[free_radical]

I have no personal experience but acording to Will Prowse these Flexible solar panels are very strong and heat resistant

https://youtu.be/Cvo6y1fg_y4

[otrfun]

2oldman wrote:
I used this to secure a flexible panel over the top of a deceased regular panel.

Northern Lite uses 3M 4000 to seal a lot of their exterior seams at the factory. I've used it to reseal a few spots. Good stuff! Thanks.

[2oldman]

I used this to secure a flexible panel over the top of a deceased regular panel.

[otrfun]

FWC wrote:
VHB tape works well. Even if you just put it around the edge, there is a ton of surface area to work with, so it is relatively easy to get a good bond.

The flexible panels are less durable than the rigid ones, but there are still good reasons to use them. If the panels you are looking at have grommets in the them you can also consider using glue on studs for the mounting with some Sika:
https://duckworks.com/glue-on-studs/
http://www.weldmountsystems.com/products-fasteners-stainless-studs.php

That way it is dead easy to replace the panel. Even if you just VHB around the edge of the panel, it will be a chore to remove them.

Thanks! Appreciate the links for the glue-on studs.

[FWC]

VHB tape works well. Even if you just put it around the edge, there is a ton of surface area to work with, so it is relatively easy to get a good bond.

The flexible panels are less durable than the rigid ones, but there are still good reasons to use them. If the panels you are looking at have grommets in the them you can also consider using glue on studs for the mounting with some Sika:
https://duckworks.com/glue-on-studs/
http://www.weldmountsystems.com/products-fasteners-stainless-studs.php

That way it is dead easy to replace the panel. Even if you just VHB around the edge of the panel, it will be a chore to remove them.

[otrfun]

Rover_Bill wrote:
You might want to check this out Clicky

Thanks! Very helpful. I like the way he used those T-tracks. Allows for easy removal/replacement of the flex panels after the fact. He used Sikaflex and double-sided eternabond tape to attach the T-tracks to the roof. He also mentioned 3M VHB as another option. All 3 seem to be excellent adhesive solutions. The only question I would have is how well that polycarbonate corrugated material holds up to the heat.

[Rover_Bill]

You might want to check this out Clicky

[Ivylog]

Some glue the metal mounting brackets to the roof. Not sure why screws worry you...seal over the top of them.

[otrfun]

Thanks everyone, message received: Do not use flexible panels. Excess heat will damage the underlying roof.

However, for those who may elect to forge ahead with flexibles anyhow, can anyone recommend an adhesive that's fiberglass friendly? Thanks.

[ajriding]

#1 there are numerous post. Use the search function before starting YET another thread on the same subject.

#2 Do not use the flexible panels unless it is absolutely the only way you can have solar. They are inferior in every way except flexing, and the flexing can cause internal damage, even though they are supposed to be flexible. They will not last as long as a glass panel.

#3 NEVER, under any circumstances, EVER, Never lay these panels directly on the surface of the roof!!!!

NEVER

You will burn the roof.
The panels will degrade and become damaged from the heat!!

You can mount these to something that is slightly elevated so that air can circulate under the system and keep the panel cool.

Best to just never use a flexible panel!!!

You can mount it to some thin roof or wall surface that is thin and has lots of air flow under or behind it as to keep the panels and the mounting surface cool.

Best to never use a flexible panel, just dont do it.

#4 If someone advise you to use a flexible panel then never ask them for advice again, and don't ever take their advice.

There are flexible solar cells, but the flexible panels available for sale are not any good.
Don't do it!

[Lwiddis]

That's the biggest issue to me regarding surface mounted panels...the heat they transfer to the RV. Makes a big difference. And why I don't use them.

[navigator2346]

Yup, those things get hot. A friend surface mounted a couple and they got so hot, it ruined the fiberglass roof underneath

[2oldman]

Be aware of how hot those things get before attaching directly to the roof.