Protecting sprayhood from flexible solar panel sharp edges

eebygum

eebygum

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I’ve received the two 100W flexible solar panels I’m planning to install on my Westerly Storm, one of which I’m considering putting on top of the sprayhood.

The edges of the panel are very sharp so I’m worried with time they will rub through the sprayhood; has anybody come up with a clever solution to stop this ?

My thoughts are one or all of…. a rubber edge strip all round, raising the panel slightly to stop the edges touching the fabric or maybe adding reinforcing webbing at the touch points ?
 
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What sort of “flexible” panels are they? Our ones were mounted on something like GRP backing plates - which could be drilled to attach security ropes. Ours had smooth edges but could have been smoothed using a Surform, file or sandpaper.
Also the edges of ours are attached via industrial / 50mm Velcro which means the edges never touch the sprayhood. Been on for 8 years through all weathers and many severe winter storms with no wear.
 
I have also got some folding panels to go on the sprayhood this season. I was planning to make a pad from a sheet of polyethylene closed cell foam which was left over packing material.
 
Pinch the corners from your wifes clothes airer!
1253942_R_Z001A
 
dunedin said:
What sort of “flexible” panels are they? Our ones were mounted on something like GRP backing plates - which could be drilled to attach security ropes. Ours had smooth edges but could have been smoothed using a Surform, file or sandpaper.
Also the edges of ours are attached via industrial / 50mm Velcro which means the edges never touch the sprayhood. Been on for 8 years through all weathers and many severe winter storms with no wear.
Click to expand...
Their Renogy panels like these

100 Watt 12 Volt Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panel

I’m trying to get all the bits I need before I go down to the boat next week as I’m then immediately off cruising for 4 weeks, bringing the boat back from Poole to Anglesey. Knowing my luck, I won’t get much sunshine anyway !
 
eebygum said:
Their Renogy panels like these

100 Watt 12 Volt Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panel

I’m trying to get all the bits I need before I go down to the boat next week as I’m then immediately off cruising for 4 weeks, bringing the boat back from Poole to Anglesey. Knowing my luck, I won’t get much sunshine anyway !
Click to expand...
Difficult to tell precisely from the photos, but I am surprised that the edges would be sharp - and looks like they could just be sanded smooth and any sharp corners removed.
Key issues are
(a) How are you going to attach them to the sprayhood, if fitting there - as noted above we used 50mm Velcro, stuck to panels but needed sewing to sprayhood. We also got small loops added to tie in corners for hurricane proofing
(b) How are you going to route the cables below? Probbaly need deck glands of some type
Assume already have the MPPT controller sorted out
 
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the edges aren't sharp enough to worry a spray hood. If you are worried just run some sandpaper over them. The Plastic is quite soft and you can drill or even melt holes in it to meet your fixing needs.
 
Have a look at the YouTube channel Sailing Madness, they have fitted some solar panels on their sprayhood and are using what looks like some canvas fittings to keep them in place.
 
I folded webbing around the edges and stuck it on with a hot glue gun. Sewed some tabs to the spray hood to tie to the panel.
 
dunedin said:
What sort of “flexible” panels are they? Our ones were mounted on something like GRP backing plates - which could be drilled to attach security ropes. Ours had smooth edges but could have been smoothed using a Surform, file or sandpaper.
Also the edges of ours are attached via industrial / 50mm Velcro which means the edges never touch the sprayhood. Been on for 8 years through all weathers and many severe winter storms with no wear.
Click to expand...
Did you use Velvro all round the perimeter of the panel or a number of short sections? I've seen it available in a 100mm lengths or per metre.
 
You can get furniture corners ..... all sorts of plastic / rubber bits to stick on ...

My idea would be to use rubber push on channel and then tie down ... IMHO - adding protection is not wasted - even if its OK without ..

I have 20m of same stuff 'STEMAR" linked to ... bought to put on hull-deck joint of a boat I have ... but the slot is too narrow - but would be perfect for solar panels.
 
eebygum said:
I’ve received the two 100W flexible solar panels I’m planning to install on my Westerly Storm, one of which I’m considering putting on top of the sprayhood.

The edges of the panel are very sharp so I’m worried with time they will rub through the sprayhood; has anybody come up with a clever solution to stop this ?

My thoughts are one or all of…. a rubber edge strip all round, raising the panel slightly to stop the edges touching the fabric or maybe adding reinforcing webbing at the touch points ?
Click to expand...
I’ve got a Renogy 100W unit too, which has a bit of a burr on the edges. Sandpaper does improve it a lot, but it’s still an edge. Depending on how you mount it may be pressing on the cloth. If you want a robust solution consider this idea:

SOLBIAN-Solar_Solaris50_SR-694Wp_3 - SOLBIAN Solar
 
Dazedkipper said:
Did you use Velvro all round the perimeter of the panel or a number of short sections? I've seen it available in a 100mm lengths or per metre.
Click to expand...
We have the thick Velcro round virtually all of the perimeter. Keeps very secure and ensures zero contact between panel edge and sprayhood. Has worked for 8 years so far, through lots of abuse and stormy Scottish winters, with no issues or wear.
 
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