advise with installing a solar panel on hatch

[Duncancw]

Hi,

I have a 100w semi flexible solar panel that I would like to install on the hatch way of my Bavaria 32. The hatch has anti-slip and the Bavaria emblem moulded in, which is slightly raised - see attached picture.

I have thought about using foam back board between the panel and the hatch an I need to occasionally walk on the panel and this will give it a smooth surface to mount the panel and give it a little bit of a cushion to negate the slight ridge. (the panel I've purchase has an aluminium backing and states that you can walk on it) However, I don't know if that is possible as there would be no air gap, although I never actually seen a solar panel that mounted on the hatch with an air gap, all the ones that I've actually seen seem to be glued down.

I also concerned how I would remove the panel if I used an adhesive such as CT1 or Sikaflex. Would 3M VMB tape or even Velcro (not sure if that will hold) be better?

Any suggestion would be gratefully appreciated

 

[johnalison]

I think that if you are installing the panel on the hatch you should be prepared never to walk on it. I have a semi-flexible panel on my boat in the same place and I never put any weight on it. As a result it appears to be in good condition after ten years while a friend’s identical panel looked damaged after only three or four.

 

[CharlesCollinson]

I would never walk on on the panel. Maybe consider rare earth magnets. Somehow secure a set to the hatch and the panel and then you can remove it when you want, etc.

 

[[70521]]

How often do you walk/sit/jump/dance on your hatch?

 

[CJ13]

We have a semi flexible on the foredeck fixed using Sikaflex- still in place after 11 years. We try not to walk on it!
The location you’re proposing will be almost always subject to (partial ) shading, so in practice you’ll get very little energy from it.