Bonding semi flexible solar panels to deck - which adhesive?

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KAL

KAL

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I used CT1 last time I did this, but am about to install two new panels and would appreciate the forum’s suggestions as to which adhesive to use. Photonic universe say that it must be weatherproof (obvs!) and also UV resistant.

Does anyone have any marked preference? Some kind of Sikaflex? CT1 or equivalent?

Edit: just seen an old thread about using 3M Velcro or screwing the things down, rather than bonding. It’s going on treadmaster, so I doubt that tape would hold. Any advice?

Much appreciated.
 
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I just used butyl strip applied around the perimeter of panel so I could just slice through it if I need to remove.
 
First time I fitted panels to the deck, I used Sikflex or similar. Never again. When time came to replace the panels, they were a pain to remove and equally cleaning up the remnants of the gloop was a pain. All panels (4 of them) are now screwed down with self tappers at each corner: quick, simple and easy to remove/replace as needed.
 
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Duncan, I'm with you on this. Always use nuts and bolts or screws. Many recommend Velcro but you've still got to fix it down somehow. Glueing always leaves a mess which has to be scraped off when they ultimately have to be removed.
 
I used self adhesive velcro and my panel has been in p!ace for two years now, exposed to all weathers. No problems and the reason I used it was simply because I had some 50mm wide stuff available.
At that width it may work on Treadmaster.
 
afterpegassus said:
I used self adhesive velcro and my panel has been in p!ace for two years now, exposed to all weathers. No problems and the reason I used it was simply because I had some 50mm wide stuff available.
At that width it may work on Treadmaster.
Click to expand...

My yacht is still under construction but I'm getting to the stage when I must consider solar panels. I was envisaging aluminum mounts bolted to the deck etc but this seem like the way to go. I have several wide rolls of self adhesive Velcro and have great faith in its' strength.
 
As well as 'hook to eye' bonding strength you need to consider Velcro to deck and Velcro to panel strength. I must say if I were having a new boat built, I'd have a bolt through solution built in.
coopec said:
My yacht is still under construction but I'm getting to the stage when I must consider solar panels. I was envisaging aluminum mounts bolted to the deck etc but this seem like the way to go. I have several wide rolls of self adhesive Velcro and have great faith in its' strength.
Click to expand...
 
ghostlymoron said:
As well as 'hook to eye' bonding strength you need to consider Velcro to deck and Velcro to panel strength. I must say if I were having a new boat built, I'd have a bolt through solution built in.
Click to expand...

Well I do have X8 bolts sticking up from the aft cabin which I planned to attach aluminum strips and then attach the panels somehow to those strips so it is still an option.

I'll take your advice on board too. Thanks
 
ghostlymoron said:
Duncan, I'm with you on this. Always use nuts and bolts or screws. Many recommend Velcro but you've still got to fix it down somehow. Glueing always leaves a mess which has to be scraped off when they ultimately have to be removed.
Click to expand...

I did this with self tappers and a dab of sika like any deck fitting. Have bought a roll of butyl tape so would use this next time. Never sika down the whole thing as it makes it near impossible to remove
 
I have just fitted a 60w panel and used the 3m dual lock tape method recommended on these forums to good effect. Cut tape to make six sets of pads 25mm x 50mm.

This stuff would probably also stick to treadmaster.
 
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