Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: VHB tape and solar panels (Read 544 times) previous topic - next topic

VHB tape and solar panels

Would 3M VHB tape be appropriate for installing solar panel frames on the roof of an RV? And the associated wiring?

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."

Re: VHB tape and solar panels

Reply #1 –
Craig,

It might be OK but you will need a space between the panel and roof to keep panels cool.  Also remember that up there there is a lot of weather, how will the tape be after a few years and constant 65mph wind?  A few mechanical fasteners would be in order I think.

Here is the data on this tape if you don't have it.

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?66666UuZjcFSLXTtnxMtLXs6EVuQEcuZgVs6EVs6E666666--

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: VHB tape and solar panels

Reply #2 –
RE: installing solar panel mounting feet with 3M tape.

The tape sticks real well to the surface of the roof.

The question is how well does the surface of the roof stick to the next layer of the roof, which is usually gel-coat or paint.

Re: VHB tape and solar panels

Reply #3 –
Unless there is a defect in layup, the gelcoat is chemically linked to the fiberglass resin below.  The gelcoat is pigmented resin, so it becomes part of the fiberglass beyond simple adhesion like paint.  Now if it's a painted roof, it is much more open to speculation. 

While some want the belt and suspenders approach, I would be much more concerned about damage from  driving mechanical fasteners thru the roof.  One experience with removing something bonded with vhb tape will make a believer out of you. 

Chuck
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS
 

Re: VHB tape and solar panels

Reply #4 –
Quote from: wa_desert_rat –
Would 3M VHB tape be appropriate for installing solar panel frames on the roof of an RV? And the associated wiring?

Craig

All of our solar panels are attached by VHB tape to the gel coat, and no problems in 4 years.  AM Solar (whom I got my panels from) told me they had been doing that for 10-15 years with no failures.  I did run a bead of Dicor around the edge or each foot to ensure that no moisture gets into the bond, but not sure that's necessary.
Dave and Nancy
1999/2013 U270 36' Xtreme
Motorcade # 16774
2013 Subaru Outback
KD0NIM