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Topic: Securing Solar Panels to the Roof of an RV (Read 1893 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Securing Solar Panels to the Roof of an RV

Reply #20 –
Quote from: John Haygarth –
Steve, the tape you can buy at a local Auto stre. It is 3M and used for applying the plastic trim to a car etc. It is around $15-20 for a 1/2" wide roll and comes in a plastic package. A good store selling auto paint ,striping etc will have it and it has a red colour protective film.
John

Make sure you're getting the right stuff!  The tape you want has a foam core, it's maybe 1/16" thick.  I'm thinking I paid more on the order of 50.00 a roll for it at the paint shop.  A visit to 3M website might be in order. 

Re: Securing Solar Panels to the Roof of an RV

Reply #21 –
Agreed. The standard double-sided foam tape you buy at the local store is not up to the task.

The vinyl trim I applied to the sides of my fridge had a foam tape with the red protective film. While I was applying it, I tried to lift it to reposition it, and it pulled the walnut veneer from the panelling. That's a different animal.

Still inclined to go with mechanical fasteners at this point. As long as the holes are properly sealed, I have no concerns about anything coming loose. But that's just me...  :)

Steve

Re: Securing Solar Panels to the Roof of an RV

Reply #22 –
Steve, since you applied an EPDM coating, you definitely want to go with mechanical fasteners. The interlaminary strength of EPDM to Gel Coat is inadequate to secure the panel brackets. Also if you cut or sand off the EPDM, you increase the chance of highway speed air getting under the EPDM causing delamination.

Re: Securing Solar Panels to the Roof of an RV

Reply #23 –
my 2 cents---if after removing the |EPDM and taping on the brkts you then put some leveling caulk over the whole area and brkt this would stop any "wind" getting under the coating. The 3M tape  I got at Napa store and was around $18 and I used it to fasten on my wind deflecters I put in front of Panels to help with  (while travelling) wind getting under them. They weigh about 4lbs each and must get quite a buffeting while driving and have not and do not show any signs of movement at all, so the tape and caulk is definitly doing its work. AM Solar techs saw them and figured they are a great idea to stop possible wind etc noises while driving. They DO NOT increase any heat under panels while parked  as I raise the panels and even if left flat they are about3" in front of the brkts so air is free to move around. Sounds like the tape you used that pulled the veneer off maybe the one!! It is used by body shops to hold on side mldgs etc on vehicles.
John H
 

Re: Securing Solar Panels to the Roof of an RV

Reply #24 –
John,
Do you have any pictures and or links to the wind deflectors? That sounds like a very good idea to me and have been wondering about what products might be out there that would fill the bill... Still a ways from adding the solar, but always looking down the road :D
Don
Quote from: John Haygarth –
my 2 cents---if after removing the |EPDM and taping on the brkts you then put some leveling caulk over the whole area and brkt this would stop any "wind" getting under the coating. The 3M tape  I got at Napa store and was around $18 and I used it to fasten on my wind deflecters I put in front of Panels to help with  (while travelling) wind getting under them. They weigh about 4lbs each and must get quite a buffeting while driving and have not and do not show any signs of movement at all, so the tape and caulk is definitly doing its work. AM Solar techs saw them and figured they are a great idea to stop possible wind etc noises while driving. They DO NOT increase any heat under panels while parked  as I raise the panels and even if left flat they are about3" in front of the brkts so air is free to move around. Sounds like the tape you used that pulled the veneer off maybe the one!! It is used by body shops to hold on side mldgs etc on vehicles.
John H