Community Forums

Excesses · 09-29-2019, 06:09 PM

I’ve looked everywhere. Google. Irv2 search engine. So, I’m appealing to the wise experienced folks here.

I recovered my edpm roof with Henry elastomeric (highly recommend). As part of the job, I loosened the bolts that tightened down the solar panels to apply some underneath (glad I did), fully expecting an easy re-install. Unfortunately, as per usual for me, a 20 minute job turns into a 2-3 hour job. Of 8 threaded screws with hidden nuts, supposedly underneath, I’ve only been able to tighten 3 of the 8. The other 5 just spin, so I’m assuming the small cylindrical nuts have fallen inside.

As I said, I’ve searched far and wide. I tried some metal collapsing drywall type screws/inserts. Might try larger ones. Even thought about the plastic ones which go wider as the screw is inserted. Nope.
Look up Rivnuts, but am not sure they are the answer as I’m not sure they old be long enough for my application.

One possible solution I saw on yooootoob is to lay down some aluminium to the short side of panels with pre- drilled holes and sandwiched between eternabond tape. Then screw into the roof with some substantial screws 8-10-12. The plywood under the dicor is about 3/4” I would imagine and there’s about 1.25 “ of insulation, so I’m not worried about using a 1 1/4” length screw. Then dicor the screw heads. I’m not crazy about drilling more holes in the roof, but if I do it right I should be able to eliminate potential damage. I don’t want the solar panels ripping off and damaging the roof and other things up there.

Anything I’ve not thought of? Any other solutions out there?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers 🍷

DJ

Excesses · 09-30-2019, 08:46 AM

The solar panels are 75 w Siemens panels and they work great,

Thanks

DJ

TOM GUY · 09-30-2019, 09:16 AM

OK, I just re-read your post and understand the question better.

That is tough. I mounted the panels on my last coach using 1/4" stainless lag bolts through the roof. I was very apprehensive, but it worked fine and is still leak free with the current owner.

I would use Eternabond on the surface, drill a pilot hole, and coat the screw with Dicor all along the length of the screw. The Dicor will mush out all over everything so just smear any excess over the heads to enclose them completely.

If you have any holes under there that you have to leave, be sure to cover them with Eternabond. (When you apply Eternabond, be SURE you don't stretch it; place it where you need it and press it down firmly for the entire area. If it's stretched it will start to pull away from the surface. BTDT.)

Maybe this will help.

Good luck,

Tom

Excesses · 09-30-2019, 07:42 PM

Thank you Tom! Never considered lag bolts but will give it a look!

Cheers 🍷

DJ

shootist · 09-30-2019, 08:57 PM

3m,5200 was used by a friend of mine to just glue down his panels. He did the calcs, made corner plates that fit the roof contour , pre mount the panel to them and glued it down. No problem with them staying put. I would have run an air dam in front of them. He didn't.

pumper9x9 · 10-01-2019, 07:53 AM

Give AM Solar in Eugene OR a call. They use 3M double sided tape. I'm not sure which specific type but they swear by it. We've had ours for a year now and have driven in high winds at highway speeds and have not had any issues. Good Luck. PS patch your previous holes.

dieselclacker · 10-01-2019, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pumper9x9

Give AM Solar in Eugene OR a call. They use 3M double sided tape. I'm not sure which specific type but they swear by it. We've had ours for a year now and have driven in high winds at highway speeds and have not had any issues. Good Luck. PS patch your previous holes.

OP just installed a new elastomeric roof covering. I would question using 3M method for attaching panels to it. The 3M is strong enough, but is the roof covering? Would it tear? The 3M from AM Solar was used to install the solar panels to my FIBERGLASS roof about 10 years ago, still holding.

TajMahal · 10-01-2019, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shootist

3m,5200 was used by a friend of mine to just glue down his panels. He did the calcs, made corner plates that fit the roof contour , pre mount the panel to them and glued it down. No problem with them staying put. I would have run an air dam in front of them. He didn't.

I would love to see pictures of that!