Semi flex solar panel. Screw or bond?

[potentillaCO32]

Pretty much as per the title. I am fitting a photonic universe 60w semi flexible solar panel. The destructions say I can screw, or bolt I guess, it down, or bond it.

I'm in 2 minds. Bonding would be a more consistant way of keeping it on the deck from a stress point of view and less holes in the boat. But would be a right mess if ever it had to be replaced.

Any views amongst the wise and not so wise

 

[thinwater]

Pretty much as per the title. I am fitting a photonic universe 60w semi flexible solar panel. The destructions say I can screw, or bolt I guess, it down, or bond it.

I'm in 2 minds. Bonding would be a more consistant way of keeping it on the deck from a stress point of view and less holes in the boat. But would be a right mess if ever it had to be replaced.

Any views amongst the wise and not so wise

It will have to be replaced. Not if. But 10-15 years if good quality. Unless it gets hit with a hail stone or anchor next week.

I'm in the screw/bolt camp, and I have replaced panels. Either way. Pealing up a huge bead/patch of polyurethane sounds ugly, but the replacement panel is probably over it. Seal/epoxy/redrill the hole if you use screws. You're going to have to deal with a wire pass through anyway.

If you bond you will obviously have to hold it in place with weights and tape (it will want to slide) while it cures.

 

[KompetentKrew]

I've found PU adhesive (Sikafix) to come off relatively nicely on smooth surfaces. Have to use a good scraper.

I have 3 small flexible solar panels secured like this since I owned the boat which are due for removal, but Sikafix is what I will use in due corse to secure their replacements (and maybe a couple more).

 

[Sea Change]

You will eventually have to replace it. I'm not a big fan of flexi panels.
A self tapper in each corner is likely to be the easiest fixing method, that's what I did with mine.
Even easier is a rigid panel with some bungee to secure it down to a couple of lacing hooks. And then you won't have to replace it...

 

[dunedin]

…..
Even easier is a rigid panel with some bungee to secure it down to a couple of lacing hooks. And then you won't have to replace it...

But you might have to replace your skin, knees etc - and a rope may get caught underneath it, and generally can’t walk over a fixed panel.
Fixed panels are flat and sharp edged, whereas decks are generally rounded.
Our semi flex panels are attached to 50mm wide industrial Velcro which holds firm, even in F10+, but can be removed carefully when necessary.

 

[ithet]

Pretty much as per the title. I am fitting a photonic universe 60w semi flexible solar panel. The destructions say I can screw, or bolt I guess, it down, or bond it.

I'm in 2 minds. Bonding would be a more consistant way of keeping it on the deck from a stress point of view and less holes in the boat. But would be a right mess if ever it had to be replaced.

Any views amongst the wise and not so wise

Neither! I have this exact panel and it fixed with 6 pairs of pieces of 25mm 3m double hook tape, each 50mm long. This is not to be confused with velcro - it is much much stronger and has a special waterproof adhesive. I'm six seasons it has not moved.

Edit: It's 3m double lock VHB tape. That last is important as it refers to the exterior grade adhesive.

 

[potentillaCO32]

Neither! I have this exact panel and it fixed with 6 pairs of pieces of 25mm 3m double hook tape, each 50mm long. This is not to be confused with velcro - it is much much stronger and has a special waterproof adhesive. I'm six seasons it has not moved.

Edit: It's 3m double lock VHB tape. That last is important as it refers to the exterior grade adhesive.

Is it strong enough adhesive and hold to hold a curve in the panel?

 

[ithet]

These Photonic Universe semi flex panels are actually quite stiff, they can't be taken around much of a curve.

 

[ithet]

Is it strong enough adhesive and hold to hold a curve in the panel?

These Photonic Universe semi flex panels are actually quite stiff, they can't be taken around much of a curve.

Absolutely can hold any curve you are able to make with these panels.

 

[Minerva]

I’d be avoiding screwing into the deck wherever possible.

The previous owner didn’t heed this advice and I’ve just spent a good number of weekends repairing rotten balsa core. I can tell you with some confidence that trying to glass in woven cloth under the deck, above your head in a confined forepeak is an absolute swine of a job.

 

[thinwater]

Neither! I have this exact panel and it fixed with 6 pairs of pieces of 25mm 3m double hook tape, each 50mm long. This is not to be confused with velcro - it is much much stronger and has a special waterproof adhesive. I'm six seasons it has not moved.

Edit: It's 3m double lock VHB tape. That last is important as it refers to the exterior grade adhesive.

It's called Dual Lock. Good stuff. Some of the backings (PSA) are VHB and some are more easily removed. Aged VHB generally only comes off with a heat gun or a wire, plus solvent. One of the best solutions, since replacement is easy. I've also used this for panels; about 5 years and then I sold the boat. (I kept the panels that were on with dual lock! They served for another 7 years on another boat before they crapped out.)

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/dual-lock-reclosable-fasteners-us/

 

[Hadenough]

Absolutely can hold any curve you are able to make with these panels.

Glue it. The available adhesives and double sided tapes available nowadays are amazing. I have semi flexible panels held down with double sided construction tape for ten years. No links because the options are so vast. Big advantage is that you can eliminate the air gaps created by screw or bolt fasteners. Bit of a pain getting it off whenever, but no holes to seal at first or repair thereafter.

 

[Chiara’s slave]

I stick ours down with sika 291. Removal is done with a slightly flexible bread knife.