Fixing solar panel to coachroof

[jakeroyd]

A simple question I hope.

I need to fix a semi flexible solar panel to my coachroof.
the coachroof is grp about 6mm thick.
no balsa core etc.

I will be stuck on with something like sika 291i but also secured at corners.

Do I use short screws that do not penetrate all through and therefore need just the right cote size to screw into the grp or do I drill right through and seal up the holes with sealant.

What has the forums experience been.

I have used self tappers in grp and am aware you have to get the core size exactly right.
too big and you just pull the threads out too small and the screw fails to penetrate or the head can break off.

TIA

 

[bluerm166]

You don't need to fix it mechanically if it's a Spectra type panel and you are not exceeding the allowed bending radius.I've fixed them twice successfully using Sikaflex dabs ,3 at each side.You don't need any in the middle.Using dabs will allow you pass a hacksaw blade underneath if for any reason you later wanted to remove.It's a very strong fixing and screws would make it harder.Use heavy weights on side battens to hold it down til it goes off.Masking tape will control the spread of the sikaflex.
If that helps.

 

[zikzik]

Forget drilling holes. High grip 50mm wide velcro. Be sure you are satisfied with the location first though. I have a 60W semi flexible panel on the coachroof of my Contessa 26. But not stuck down yet until I am sure it is ok there (just tied on to the grab rails currently at the four corners). Another identical panel is velcro'd onto the fibreglass elevating roof of my VW camper. No movement at legal speed limits over the last months or perhaps a year.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Forget drilling holes. High grip 50mm wide velcro.

Agreed. I have two panels held down with velcro and they are going nowhere.

 

[LittleSister]

Agreed. I have two panels held down with velcro and they are going nowhere.

Ah, but what is the Velcro held on with?

 

[JumbleDuck]

Ah, but what is the Velcro held on with?

Six inch nails, hammered through and bent over inside.

 

[zikzik]

Both hook and loop are heavy duty tape backed. One half sticks on the rear of the solar panel, the other to the coach roof.

 

[Cloven]

Forget drilling holes. High grip 50mm wide velcro.

Agree with the use of double sided adhesive 50mm Velcro. I have used this to hold down a felt backed stair carpet as recommended by the supplier with great success. If it will hold that it will surely hold a solar panel.

 

[Hadenough]

Six inch nails, hammered through and bent over inside.

But he'll need to use a muckle big dunter :encouragement:

 

[EU_Cruiser]

I have bought a set of these http://www.makro.co.za/home-and-catering/topray-10-pack-solar-mounting-pads-263122EA the bases of which will be stuck to the coachroof with double sided adhesive tape, for removal with fishing line if required. The top piece of each bracket is removable so that the panel can be stored if necessary, without having to remove the bases.

 

[[3889]]

Forget drilling holes. High grip 50mm wide velcro.

Yes - 3M dual-lock acrylic has kept my panel on the foredeck all season.

Ah, but what is the Velcro held on with?

The adhesive on the tape - just make sure surfaces are cleaned with acetone before application.

 

[wully1]

I've got a 60 watt semi flexible panel fitted to my hatch garage. It's secured with loops of bungie cord knotted through plastic cable loops that are held in place by the stainless steel screws that hold the hatch garage on.

I am very allergic to drilling holes anywhere on my boat...

next season I will have an additional two 60 watt panels built into my new spray hood - no need for any nasty holes in my boat.

 

[KAM]

Can you actually remove a semi flexible panel which has been attached with Velcro without damaging the panel by bending it too much.

 

[duncan99210]

We had panels secured by Sikaflex and it was a right pain to clean up when they needed removing after they'd finally died. The new panels are secured using self tapper as large as will fit at each corner so that they're both secure and easy to remove. Simple enough to fill the holes with gel coat repair if required. Don't forget a dab of sealent in each screw hole before fitting the screw.

 

[jakeroyd]

Thanks for the replies folks.
I am veering towards the velcro solution

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

Six inch nails, hammered through and bent over inside.

..... but would have to be stainless steel so they dont rust, haha

 

[jakeroyd]

Incidently my panel.
http://www.photonicuniverse.com/en/...lls-for-motorhome-caravan-camper-rv-boat.html

has two thickish cables going in opposite directions from the terminal block so i plan to use side entry cable glands like this to get the cables safely through the coachroof and sealed.

http://www.force4.co.uk/department/...e-side-entry-cable-gland-for-2-7mm-cable.html

I don't have any option here but to drill holes to secure the glands.

 

[jakeroyd]

like the look of the 3m dual lock velcro.

 

[Hadenough]

Can you actually remove a semi flexible panel which has been attached with Velcro without damaging the panel by bending it too much.

Thread some fishing line though the joint with a big needle, make the ends off to two bits of dowel, garrotte style and work through to separate the hooks and eyes.

 

[zikzik]

like the look of the 3m dual lock velcro.

Yes, that's the stuff I used. Pricey though!