fastjedi
Well-Known Member
How do flexible solar panels fix to the non slip surface on the coach roof?….. I may loose interest if it involves drilling holes!
Fixing flexible solar panel to the coachroof
- Thread starter fastjedi
- Start date
geem
Well-Known Member
We had flexible panels on our coachroof. They lasted about 2 years due to corrosion. I will never go flexi again. Useless compared to framed panels with regard to power output and durability
Gwylan
Well-Known Member
We use very wide velcro tape. Clean the surfaces with acetone to get the velcro to stick.
No problems after 4 seasons.
No problems after 4 seasons.
Ningaloo
Well-Known Member
I just replaced a defective flex panel (not damaged through corrosion) which I had fitted using a mastic. Panel was destroyed in the process of removal and deck was left with mastic everywhere but this cane off ok using antifoul thinners.
But, this was on the sliding coachtoof "garage" which was smooth and not non-slip.
If you buy a quality panel it should last and I'd consider using mastic.
My new panel is from Portable Power Tech and I am very impressed with the quality. It is slightly thicker and stiffer than the previous panel and is sold as srmi-flexible with the advice that it should only be flexed once on fitment.
It is a mono-crystalline panel and has excellent power rating for the size. 100W which is smaller than the previous 80W. No connection to the company but do far very happy with product and service.
But, this was on the sliding coachtoof "garage" which was smooth and not non-slip.
If you buy a quality panel it should last and I'd consider using mastic.
My new panel is from Portable Power Tech and I am very impressed with the quality. It is slightly thicker and stiffer than the previous panel and is sold as srmi-flexible with the advice that it should only be flexed once on fitment.
It is a mono-crystalline panel and has excellent power rating for the size. 100W which is smaller than the previous 80W. No connection to the company but do far very happy with product and service.
ghostlymoron
Well-Known Member
I've fitted semi flexibles to four boats and always used stainless bolts. I felt that this was the most secure method and could easily removed if there was a problem (which there wasn't). I think some folks worry unnecessarily about drilling small holes in the grp. They can be filled easily and aren't going to cause leaks.
Achosenman
Well-Known Member
There are panels and then there are panels. Buying good quality marine panels mean you will pay a significant price, but they last and do what they say on the tin.
I have 4 SunWare 20 series stuck to the nonslip and a SunWare TX series on the spray hood. They work.
peteK
Well-Known Member
I used butyl strip round the circumference of the panel so can be easily removed if needed by cutting through the butyl.
JumbleDuck
Well-Known Member
Same here. I think it is important to fix the edges down uniformly - if I was screwing the panel down I would put battens on top to spread the loads. But velcro works very well.
ronsurf
Well-Known Member
Mine's fixed with four stainless bolts. They don't leak and the panel's been there for years.
You have to drill a hole for the cable anyway.
You have to drill a hole for the cable anyway.
CJ13
Well-Known Member
Mine is simply Sikaflexed in place. It’s been fine for 10 years. Having said that the panel produces very little power. Much better to go for rigid panels on a gantry.
coveman
Well-Known Member
I've been recommended 3M Dual Lock as a better alternative to Velcro, but have not used any yet.........
geem
Well-Known Member
My first set were good quality marine panels. Output was ok but not as good as the framed mono panels. They took a lot of salt water over them and corroded. My second set were cheap panels. Terrible output but they didnt get chance to corrode as I gave them away.
We now just have mono frame panels on the top guardwire with strut to keep them up. Works well, doesnt get in the way and we sail with them deployed. We use four 180w panels. We have high freeboard
Poignard
Well-Known Member
Would a Lift-a-Dot fastener in each corner not do? It would be very easy to remove or replace the panel when needed
PaulRainbow
Well-Known Member
The panel really needs to be flat, lift a dot would likely cause cracking at the corners. If you were going to screw lift a dots to the deck, may as well use a screw.
Poignard
Well-Known Member
OK, it was just a thought.
johnalison
Well-Known Member
I'm not sure how long my single flexible panel has been fitted, maybe 12-15 yrs. I just screwed it at each corner and it still looks and works fine but it is ahead of the screen and I purposely avoid stepping on it. I can see that a velcro-type fixing could be good for those who don't possess a screwdriver.
FlyingGoose
Well-Known Member
About to put 200 watts on my coach roof and am going with Dual lock after the mostly enlighting Discussion on this exact forum not so long ago 
I never new velcro could cause such a thread
I will let every one know how I get on , but as for holes I have to many on my boat the less holes the better for me
I never new velcro could cause such a thread
I will let every one know how I get on , but as for holes I have to many on my boat the less holes the better for me
PaulRainbow
Well-Known Member
About to put 200 watts on my coach roof and am going with Dual lock after the mostly enlighting Discussion on this exact forum not so long ago
I never new velcro could cause such a thread
I will let every one know how I get on , but as for holes I have to many on my boat the less holes the better for me
A 1" square of Dual Lock anywhere you'd put a screw will hold it nicely. No need for big long strips. :encouragement:
FlyingGoose
Well-Known Member
Cool TY for this as usual brain had not got to how I was doing this , just doing it
Tammany
Well-Known Member
Fitted my 2 with screws & screw caps to spread the load. As long as you use sealant not an issue. Walk on them occasionally with no issues. Been on 2 years now with no problems whatsoever.
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