attaching rooftop solar

[PapaDave]

I want to mount a solar panel or two to my Rockwood Roo 19. Roof construction is 4" of vacuum bonded Luan and foam. Only metal element available is 2" aluminum truss around the roof perimeter. I have asked a Forest River factory rep "what to mount to?" The truss is good for only two sides of the panel. He suggested a Alpha glue product and a flexible panel, but I want a rigid panel.
Suggestions? Thanks

[Smitty77]

Hey PapaDave - If that Post Count is correct, welcome! (Though I see 2017 join date too.)

Do a search under this Going Green. Maybe the word 'mount' or 'bracket', etc. - should bring up lots of threads on different mounting techniques.

Here is a link to AMSOLAR. With the Brackets they have.

https://amsolar.com/rv-solar-panel-k...ng-accessories

I've seen many just use these brackets to attach to the roofs, with only the double sided tape. I've also seen some that add a good glop of sealant (Dycor, or 3M 5200 Adhesive, or even Home Depot Marine RTV Sealant, etc.) over the top of the L bracket attachment to the roof. And I've seen the some also just use the double tape and then over the top lf the L bracket right angle on the roof, use a strip of Eternabond Tape as extra security. And then again, their are some that drill a hole, even two, in the bottom right angle of the L bracket, pre drill an undersize hole in the roof, shoot sealant into the hole, put the L bracket down with the tape while also making sure the screw, or screws, find the pre-drilled holes in the roof. Then push the L bracket down securely, snug up the screws, and then a dab of sealant on top of screw heads too.

And all kinds of different mixes of all of the above)!

Four brackets for a solar panel. A good cleaning with say acetone on the roof area where the adhesive is going down, will go a long way on safely securing the brackets that hold the panels. Me? I'd probably just go with the double side tape, and then as an extra safety, add a 4" x 2" strip of Eternabond. That would IMO, be all that is needed. And why drill more holes when not needed!

If you also do a google search for RV and Solar Panels - some shots will come up showing how others have attached.

Best of luck to you,
Smitty

https://amsolar.com/rv-solar-panel-k...ng-accessories

[rarebear.nm]

Some other people with a Roo have used hallow wall anchors to hold the brackets down. I would go with six brackets per panel for 50% more weight distribution and anchoring. I'd use a layer of Ethabond tape on the roof, a squeeze of Dicore sealant, the bracket and anchors and then smother the whole area with more Dicore. Same way the factory seals all of the cuts they make for vents, etc.

There's not much structure in those roofs. As you said a rubber membrane, 1/4 luan 4" foam and another 1/4 ply for the inside ceiling. No cross members to support anything.

Think twice about using flexible solar panels on a RV if there any other way of doing it.

[vsheetz]

High Bond Tape is ok for fiberglass roof. If other than fiberglass use screws.

I have 15 panels Renogy brand with Renogy mounting brackets and accompanying screws. Put down a puddle of Dicore. Place the mounting bracket in the puddle and run in the screws. Put more Dicor over the screws.