Adding Flexible Solar Panels to my 250 RDS

[JosieWales]

Lots of great info in the threads on where to mount Controllers etc. but nothing on mounting the panels. I am thinking of putting 4 - 100W Flexible panels on the roof, using Sikaflex-252 on each panel, and attach directly to the roof membrane. Thoughts? Concerns?

[camper8251]

Sounds like a good idea. However and I am no Solar Expert and didnt stay at Holiday Inn express last night... Arent you supposed to want to tilt them depending on angle of sun? Also if you have to remove in the future, what will that entail and would it possibly damage the membrane....

[JosieWales]

Angle isn’t important on my setup. About 30 years of sailing with solar has led me to install multiple panels in parallel with dedicated controllers to eliminate loss.

You bring up a good point regarding future removal. I will have to think about that.

I am also wondering about non-ventilated panels on the roof negatively effecting the roof.

[camper8251]

What is the efficiency of those panels?

[nvs4602]

I would not waste your money on the flexible panels you might get 10 years out of them if you're lucky. The solid panels will last up to 25 years. Plus they are more efficient because air can circulate around the panels and cool them down.

[Yosemite77]

The YouTube channel, RV with Tito, has a video on a way to mount flexible panels without drilling. The method he uses allows for removal. I would be sure to read through the comments as well.
FYI, I believe he has an EPDM roof.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hROYaqY83v4

There is a follow up video as well in which he removes a panel. He did run into a snag.

[JosieWales]

I just came back to the Thread to post your link. Thanks that is the answer.

[camper8251]

So why is the guys name Brian, yet he has a You Tube Channel Named RV with Tito? Oooh I am so confused...........: confused:
Who is Tito and where has he gone? LOL


Dont Forget Part II

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enEHXnfUyhI

[Yosemite77]

I believe he used Red Loctite when he installed the panels. Big mistake! The comments offer some alternatives for attaching the panels. Using jam nuts was the most common suggestion.

[creativepart]

Sikaflex isn’t not the correct sealant to use on your roof. It’s fine on a fiberglass boat hull but you’d be better off using Dicor unless your RV manufacturer advises the use of a different sealant.

And you’ll find flexible panels much more expensive to purchase, not as efficient nor last as long as rigid panels. Don’t sweat the screw holes in your roof for the rigid mounts. Just watch a bunch of YouTube videos to see how to do it properly.

[Cumminsfan]

As a 25RDS owner with 400W of solar on the roof I would suggest you put 200W on the front and 200W on the rear. I have all my 400W up front close to the combiner box and have been caught in a couple situations where only the rear of the TT is getting sun.
Splitting them apart will help in tree'd areas.
Mine are fastened to the roof with aluminum clips. No tilting bars.

JMO but I'd never want to glue down panels to the roof. Chances are you'll need to replace the roof before the panels then you have a mess on your hands.

[egwilly]

Go rigid or go home!

[JosieWales]

Project Done - 4- Flexible panels glued (used Dicor) and taped with VBH to quarter inch backers then through bolted to three quarter inch powder coated Strut-Channel. Really strong, no flutter, easy to remove and light weight. Each corner of the rig has 100 Watts wired in parallel and feeding a dedicated controller. (Yes I know I splurged on the 4 controllers) There is room enough to double the Watts on the roof if it becomes desirable.

Works fantastic in the driveway and looking forward to our run over to the Springs next weekend.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the discussion. It was a great help.

[4S50]

I glued one Renogy 160w flexible panel to the roof of my 21RDS using Eternabond tape and it has been working great for about 6 months and 4000+ miles. FYI