Sticking down Solar panels

[KevinT1]

Just bought a solar panel from Photonicuniverse, it doesn't have any holes to screw it down and they recommend glueing it.

So what are the panels recommended glue / sealant - this will be on top of the hatch garage - so fibreglass with the normal non slip surface effect.

Thx

Kevin

 

[agurney]

Just bought a solar panel from Photonicuniverse, it doesn't have any holes to screw it down and they recommend glueing it.

So what are the panels recommended glue / sealant - this will be on top of the hatch garage - so fibreglass with the normal non slip surface effect.

Thx

Kevin

I installed a flexible 50W panel with silicone sealant at the weekend .. if it's not there when I return it was obviously the wrong choice ..

 

[JumbleDuck]

I've just stopped a cheap 50w panel which has been stuck to my coach roof for three years with Velcro tape. Its successor has gone on that way too.

You may like to know that the 50w panel from photonic universe which went on at the same time still works perfectly and shows no signs of deterioration.

 

[VicS]

Just bought a solar panel from Photonicuniverse, it doesn't have any holes to screw it down and they recommend glueing it.

So what are the panels recommended glue / sealant - this will be on top of the hatch garage - so fibreglass with the normal non slip surface effect.

Thx

Kevin

An adhesive sealant such as Everbuild ( a Sika company) StixAll, CT1, Everbuild Puraflex40 (PU40) or Sikaflex 291i

Lay it in position and draw a pencil line round it. Stick masking tape round outside the line, Run a bead of sealant around inside the line, but leave a gap in the middle of one edge so that air can escape, Press the panel into position. Seal the gap.
When the sealant has cured run round the panel with a sharp knife and peel off the masking tape c/w surplus sealant


I like JDs Velcro suggestion though

 

[KevinT1]

Thanks all, I'll go down the Sikaflex 291i route as i have some already - the velcro would be great but as the fibreglass is not flat ( dimpled / random non slip), then I'd probably only get 10% contact between the peaks of the fibreglass and the velcro backing

Kevin

 

[sarabande]

Hurricane had a neat solution - worth a PM ?

 

[dunedin]

Easy enough to drill holes in the whites edges of the photonics universe semi flexible panels. I have done that with three so far - just keep outside the black operating areas.
Personally I would not bond down with glue, for when (not if) need to replace. Ours have been held on the sprayhood roof using industrial strength 2inch wide Velcro for 18 months, including a Scottish winter and many gales with no issues. The holes drilled were for secondary string ties (belt and braces) which have not been needed

 

[tillergirl]

I have successfully used Velcro like dunedin. Do you really want to use Sikaflex 291i? Once cured it can only ever be removed mechanically! Velcro sticks for me over deck paint (which has grit incorporated).

 

[Concerto]

The solar panel that was fitted to my boat when I bought it was just screwed down on the main hatch box, but when I lifted it to repaint the non slip paint I found osmosis had started. So with any bonding down make sure it is completely sealed to ensure water cannot remain in contact between the surfaces.

In my case I refitted my solar panel with screws but used a small self adhesive plastic box section to hold it just off the deck. This was a material I used in my picture framing business, so I had plenty available. https://www.lionpic.co.uk/p/8272/FrameTek-EconoSpace-ES-125-Clear-3mm-31m-/-100ft