Solar panels taped to floating roof?

[srogers]

Has anyone used VHB tape or similar to secure framed/rigid solar panels to their floating fiberglass roof? I'd be concerned that the floating-ness would make for a possibly unstable panel mount but I'd like to be wrong, since avoiding screws in the roof is always preferred

[Willee]

If you want to install solar panels on your roof without using aluminum framed rigid solar panels and screwing them to your roof, then you need to install the flexible panels made by Global Solar.

Global Solar | Flexible Solar Panels
Look up mobil panels for the rv panels.

These panels are adhesive mounted directly to the fiberglas roof. The panels will conform to the shape of your roof. A huge plus is that you can walk on them! You wash them just like you wash your roof (brush & soapy water). They can be installed by you or you can have someone else do it.

I installed 4 100 watt panels on a previous coach (07 Allure), by myself, in 2 days, several years ago. Now having done it once, if I did it again, it would only take 1 day. My current CC Affinity came with factory installed rigid panels and I will say I miss the Global Solar panels.

I highly recommend these panels and wouldn't go with any other system. And, I have no connection with the company, other than being a happy customer.

[deandec]

I used screws about 6 years ago for my 100W panel. It still works, and my "floating roof" still floats.

[BrianGlenn]

I would not describe our fibreglass roofs as floating. Adding four or six screws on a firm Z-bracket supported solar panel - with a good Dicor self levelling lap sealant coverage over screw head/bracket is more preferable than tape. IMHO.

[srogers]

We had originally thought we would install flexible panels, we love them. We have 2 100w flexible panels that are on diy portable frames for moving around out in the sun. Our research, however, pointed to flexible panels having some durability and delamination issues when adhered directly to a roof. They would also not be tiltable.

Thinking we'll do 6x190w w/tilting frames & can't decide whether to tape or screw mount them. I guess it can't hurt to install the first one with tape and see how it holds, then put screws through if it doesn't seem stable enough.

[neub]

Originally Posted by srogers

Has anyone used VHB tape or similar to secure framed/rigid solar panels to their floating fiberglass roof? I'd be concerned that the floating-ness would make for a possibly unstable panel mount but I'd like to be wrong, since avoiding screws in the roof is always preferred

I have instalked six 100 watt renogy rigid panels (each with their mounting kit) on our winnebago journey which has a fiberglass roof. Cleaned the roof and the mounting feet with acetone, applied 3m vhb tape and firmly aplied pressure. Then applied a 6 inch of eternabond tape over the feet onto the roof. Got these instructions from numerous other posts.

[F451degrees]

than no screws?

[Monaco Wolfy]

No screw install on Fiberglass roof.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f56/new-i...re-459941.html

[srogers]

Originally Posted by Monaco Wolfy

No screw install on Fiberglass roof.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f56/new-i...re-459941.html

Thanks for the link. Those are the panels we bought, delivering tomorrow.

[Monaco Wolfy]

So far, I've been very happy with the rich solar panels. Yesterday morning, boondocking, are batteries or at 75%. With the ten panels and the Magnum PT 100, it was putting in 86 amps. Our 800 amp hour batteries we're at 100% by 11am. I'm very happy with the setup I'm glad that I made my own brackets for more surface area sticking the Vhb tape down.

[DirtRider]

Originally Posted by Monaco Wolfy

So far, I've been very happy with the rich solar panels. Yesterday morning, boondocking, are batteries or at 75%. With the ten panels and the Magnum PT 100, it was putting in 86 amps. Our 800 amp hour batteries we're at 100% by 11am. I'm very happy with the setup I'm glad that I made my own brackets for more surface area sticking the Vhb tape down.

You're saying 86 amps at 12V, correct? So a bit over half your rated panel power? Have you tried out the AC stuff yet? Nice install, by the way!

[Monaco Wolfy]

We've been running the microwave, Aqua Hot, fan, blender and TVs. I haven't wired the soft start into the AC yet. That will be next when we get back from this trip. We haven't needed the AC the last few days it's been kind of cool outside here in Washington State.

[C.Martin]

https://amsolar.com/rv-mounting-accessories/91m-35ms

Use Rocker Feet...or fabricate some on your own.

The advantages...

Tiltable...
- easy access to wiring
- easy access to diode compartment
- easy access to clean roof
- better yield during winter months if tilted toward the sun

Lifted
- better cooling (panels do have a heat coefficient which negatively affect yield)

Time
- These things save you a ton of time. Basically, attach feet...move panel to desired location. Prop panel off roof on one side...clean with maroon scotchbrite and alcohol...prime with 3m primer...peel and stick. Apply pressure to ensure a good bond. Do the other side.

[Monaco Wolfy]

Those rocker feet do not have much surface area for the tape. I would opt to make your own brackets