Silaflex to stick solar panel to hatch

[PhillM]

As per the title. New solar panel has no screw holes so am thinking about jist sticking it down. But I don’t want it to blow away in a Gale! Would you?

 

[PaulRainbow]

As per the title. New solar panel has no screw holes so am thinking about jist sticking it down. But I don’t want it to blow away in a Gale! Would you?

I have used CT1 to stick semi-flexible panels down, with no issues. Make sure both surfaces are clean ans key them both.

Although the panel may not have holes in it, you can safely drill them yourself, obviously don't drill through any cells, but the area around the cells can be drilled. I'd still seal the hole with CT1.

 

[tillergirl]

I used polysulphide and the panels (which are large) have stayed in place for over 3 years without the slightest problem. No screws at all.

solar panels ext by Roger Gaspar, on Flickr

The jars are to allow the polysulphide to cure to the curve.

If you used sikaflex removing and replacing the panel would be a real problem.

 

[Bobc]

A good option is to use sticky-back velcro.

 

[stuartwineberg]

As per the title. New solar panel has no screw holes so am thinking about jist sticking it down. But I don’t want it to blow away in a Gale! Would you?

As another post says that isn’t the issue, getting them off when you need to replace them will be the challenge

 

[Bobc]

As another post says that isn’t the issue, getting them off when you need to replace them will be the challenge

Hence the suggestion of velcro

 

[C08]

My 2 x80w rigid panel have been happily stuck down with polysulphide adhesive for 12 years.

 

[stuartwineberg]

My 2 x80w rigid panel have been happily stuck down with polysulphide adhesive for 12 years.

Yep but the life span of a semi flex is a lot less than a rigid

 

[ithet]

I used 3m VHB hook and eye tape - six pairs 50x20mm on a 60w panel. Has held for 4 years onto non-slip patterned surface.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004AQO...=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_CY0Q2ST1D15C9RECWCY1

 

[Ian_Edwards]

Last winter I had a real struggle getting two dead solar panels of the coach roof.
They were stuck down with CT1, I manage to get the panels off quite quickly, but getting the CT1 off the gelcoat was very, very difficult, it took days of careful scraping and soaking in every kind of solvent I could think of, to get an acceptable surface to fit the new ones.
I stuck the new ones down with 3M double sided foam tape, quite expensive, but you only need a thin strip around the perimeter. 3M tape was specified by the supplier, they use it to stick flexible solar panels on Camper Vans and Caravans. I reckoned that if they are good for 60mph on the motorway, it would be Ok on a boat.
They have been on for a year now, and haven't moved.
Not had to take them off yet, but I think, and hope that it'll be a lot easier than CT1.

 

[steve yates]

I stuck a semi flexible panel onto my hatch with just 3m velcro at each corner and a piece in the middle. The three gales in one week back in feb couldnt budge it.

 

[PhillM]

Ah ok. So I’ve gone the CT1 route. Seemed to take a whole tube to do the strips at 100mm thing. Let’s hope it never fails as I suspect it won’t come off very easily!

 

[Neeves]

One way to remove Sika, and the like, is to make your self acrylic chisels. Simply take acrylic and grind the edge to a chisel point. The sharp edge will remove the sealant, with some effort, but not damage the gel coat. You need to have the means to re-sharpen the chisels as they lose their edge quite quickly. Scrap acrylic, our of a skip, works well.

Jonathan

 

[Never Grumble]

I stuck a semi flexible panel onto my hatch with just 3m velcro at each corner and a piece in the middle. The three gales in one week back in feb couldnt budge it.

I've done similar with Screwfix heavy duty Velcro and so far its been great. Mainly done for ease and speed of initial fixing.

 

[Plum]

I've done similar with Screwfix heavy duty Velcro and so far its been great. Mainly done for ease and speed of initial fixing.

Is this the one you used? Velcro Brand Black Heavy Duty Stick-On Tape 5m x 50mm

www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[Plum]

I stuck a semi flexible panel onto my hatch with just 3m velcro at each corner and a piece in the middle. The three gales in one week back in feb couldnt budge it.

which specific 3M Velcro did you use? Can you post a link please. How big is your panel?

thanks

www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[Never Grumble]

Is this the one you used? Velcro Brand Black Heavy Duty Stick-On Tape 5m x 50mm

www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

Yes thats the one. Mine has been on since June without a problem. I used pieces in the corners and middle. Initially this was a quick way of fixing on a flexible panel as a temporary solution. Having done that I then bought another panel moved the first one and then used the velcro to install side by side on the coachroof in front of the main traveller.

I do need to tidy up the wiring during the winter but at the moment I am in no immediate rush to change the panel fixing.

The panels were the sunbeam 55w each measuring about 54cm x 54cm.

 

[johnalison]

I screwed down my modest 36w panel about 15 years ago. I feel that I am encouraging the environment by encouraging a healthy wildlife underneath, though I occasionally hose most of it out for appearances sake. The semi-flexible panel still seems to be working, but I try hard not to tread on it.

 

[LittleSister]

I screwed down my modest 36w panel about 15 years ago.

Yes, there's a lot to be said for, ahem, screwing.

I can't see that velcro would be suitable for semi-flexible panels that may be stepped on as they would flex through not being supported across the whole surface.

I wonder how thick and how flexible (squashable) are the 3M double-sided foam tapes some have mentioned.

 

[KAM]

The problem with using Velcro is it needs to be peeled apart. It's not going to do your solar panels much good. I use Velcro on some cockpit speakers which are extremely difficult to remove. Sikaflex type adhesives are easy enough to slice through with a kitchen knife.