Adding solar panels to our 32sa

[NewRV4Us]

We are adding solar panels (Renogy 200W ShadowFlux) to our 32sa. The panels have simple drill and screw-in mounts (Example: Renogy 4 Sets of Solar Panel Mounting Z Brackets Lightweight Aluminum Corrosion-Free Construction for RVs, Trailers, Boats, Yachts, Wall and Other Off Gird Roof Installation, 4 Count - Amazon).

However, Tiffin recommends “gluing” them onto the fiberglass using a SikaFast 3131S adhesive and NOT to drill into the roof because “… The roof is comprised of an Aluminum square tubing skeleton, a layer of foam insulation, a piece of Luon, and then Fiberglass on top“.

The Sikafast is $75 per cartridge and requires a one-time $255 tool to apply, ouch!

Does anyone have a tried and true way to accomplish attaching the panels to a Tiffin roof with out holes or.super expensive adhesive?

[pespe]

I've never drilled a hole or screw into an RV roof - I've always used EternaBond sealant and tape, but that being said I've never put solar panels on my roofs...

Considering the value of the panels, and the possibility of damaging something in the roof structure (wires, ducts, etc), plus the holding strength of a screw into luan plywood, the adhesive doesn't sound too expensive for 4 panels and a much larger loading footprint.

Maybe a friend needs to do some similar work and would spit the cost?

Good luck and let us know how it turns out!

[shepardmike]

Find a mobile tech that already has the tool and pay him to lay it down?

[SafariBen]

There are other adhesives that will work if that's what you want to use. 3M marine adhesives come to mind, but there are others.


If you want to find the "studs" to use mechanical fasteners, you'd want to heat the interior on a cold morning and use a thermal camera before the sun comes up, or possibly you'd see the pattern some days in the dew under the same conditions. If you can find the framing, then that works also, but it's not easy to find, typically.

[zombiewoof]

Don’t drill holes. John Bohannon installed my solar panels and used a 3M panel bond adhesive. It’s bulletproof. It will tear holes in your roof before the adhesive lets go. One word of advice is to use elevated mounting feet to get the panels up off the roof. This reduces the effect of shading on the panels and allows you to clean underneath them.

Panel bond with applicator is $156. Look it up on Amazon. 3M Panel Bonding Adhesive, 08115, OEM Recommended, Two-Part Epoxy Manual Cartridge Applicator, 08571, Accurately Dispense Materials, Steady Application, 200 ml