glue solar panels to teak decking

[trondhindenes]

I'm looking to add more solar panels to my boat, and try and avoid fitting a solar arch. One place I could fit panels would be at the bow area of the boat. However, since the boat has a teak deck and the panels are likely to see a fair bit of wear and tear in this location, I'm trying to figure out a way to fasten the panels that wouldn't permanently damage the deck. One alternative would be to use Sikaflex or similar, but will I be able to remove it without damaging the teak? I'd be fine with lightly sanding the deck to recover it, but trying to avoid and "deep" damage to it (mostly thinking about not reducing its value for a potential next owner down the road who might not want solar panels etc). Anyone else fitted solar panels on their teak decks?

 

[geem]

I'm looking to add more solar panels to my boat, and try and avoid fitting a solar arch. One place I could fit panels would be at the bow area of the boat. However, since the boat has a teak deck and the panels are likely to see a fair bit of wear and tear in this location, I'm trying to figure out a way to fasten the panels that wouldn't permanently damage the deck. One alternative would be to use Sikaflex or similar, but will I be able to remove it without damaging the teak? I'd be fine with lightly sanding the deck to recover it, but trying to avoid and "deep" damage to it (mostly thinking about not reducing its value for a potential next owner down the road who might not want solar panels etc). Anyone else fitted solar panels on their teak decks?

Don't do it! They are slippy when wet. They won't like the salt water sluicing they will get. They don't perform well when hot. Far better with air flow beneath. When you need to remove them, you will damage the deck.
Put them on the guardrails. Easily removed with no damage

 

[Refueler]

Anything else please ... not to teak deck !!

I may not agree with 'geem' often - but I agree with him on this ...

If you must do it - then I know it sounds terrible - but small screws would be less damaging than any 'glue' based fixing. Teak also is an 'oily' wood - that does not take adhesives well ... so would expect your panel to lift within a short period ... unless of course you use a strong teak compatible adhesive such as what fixes your deck to boat ! Then damage to the teak later when removing panel will be done.
But small screws - holes can always be filled with 'stopper'.

 

[Gsailor]

I once glued a solar panel.

Regretted it.

I was later told by a mate that he would have fabricated brackets for me.

 

[William_H]

Panels on fore deck are asking for damage from big feet. Keep it all clear. I mount my small panel on bungees on the main sail cover and remove for sailing. ol'will

 

[[70521]]

I believe they have banned keel hauling!

Have you considered putting panels on the pushpit/guard wires?

 

[lustyd]

Don't do it! They are slippy when wet. They won't like the salt water sluicing they will get. They don't perform well when hot. Far better with air flow beneath. When you need to remove them, you will damage the deck.
Put them on the guardrails. Easily removed with no damage

I sort of agree, but very important to distinguish between flexi panels and walk on panels. I went on deck of Hugo Boss a while ago and pretty much the whole deck is a solar panel which is grippy enough for his use in big seas and suffers no damage (other than from his usual shenanigans). This is a world away from bodging some Renogy flexi's down with sika and praying.

 

[trondhindenes]

thanks for all your input!!

 

[KAM]

I use small solar panels in various locations glued down with sikaflex. Mine are on GRP. The trick is to use maybe 6 thick blobs. These can easily be cut through to remove the panels without damage if necessary without a total mess and allows water to drain from underneath. They still seem able to withstand walking on. You could try it and see how it goes but you may have problems with the water teak combination under the panels.

 

[Baggywrinkle]

I glued ETFE coated marine flexible panels to an aluminum carrier for the roof of my VW Camper with sikaflex. When one of the panels failed - which they will do at some point - it was a complete b@$tard to remove. It would have totally destroyed a softer substrate like wood.

If you have no space anywhere to put them then consider either an arch, on the guardrails (the suggestion from @geem) or on top of the bimini if you have one. If possible use rigid panels, they are more reliable than flexible.

Backstays are also getting popular ...