Walking on solar panel

[pcatterall]

Can I glue and screw one onto my wheel house roof. We do walk on this from time to time and I wouldnt want to damage it and wonder just how slippy it may be?
I use a small panel abou18" square to top up the starter battery, I just prop it up against the screen and it seems to do the job.
I want something bigger for the leisure batteries so that a couple of days light use ( no fridge!!) lights/ domestic water pump etc would be put back over a week. Im thinking that around 60 watts would make a useful contribution?
Any tips will be appreciated as ever.

 

[William_H]

Well I don't know much about the flexible panles but I couldn't bear the thought of anyone walking on my panels. I have had too many destroyed in various ways. So my only suggestions is to buy a small one again simply cos it will be easier to avoid damage or build a gantry. good luck olewill

 

[elton]

I stuck one on the roof near the mast, and the first time I went near near the mast I stood on the panel and it cracked instantly. The top layer is normally glass, with the pv panel underneath, and then a plastic back. I knew this when I sited it, so it was an accident waiting to happen. Once the glass is cracked, water gets in, end of panel.

 

[alan]

Solara (German company) make panels that you can walk on. 56W costs about €700. They are a bit "slippy" but are not glass, they are about 3mm thick and the top seems to be some sort of "silicone" like substance.
I, however, try not to walk on mine if I can help it .............. no reason, just don't like to push my luck!!!

Alan.

 

[Gin]

The semi-flexible panels can be screwed to a gentle curve and can be walked on- I mount mine on the sliding coachroof hatch where it is mostly out of the way except when stowing the aft end of the main. I do my best to avoid walking on it though as it seems an unwise thing to do deliberately.

So far, so good after 2 full seasons

 

[boatmike]

I have 2 Solara panels on my coachroof. I often stand on them and they are now over 6 years old and going strong. The surface is in fact "textured" a bit like treadmaster. Provided that you are not wearing builders boots they are fine.

 

[dovekie]

Agree with "Boatmike", four flexible Solara panels, walked on them for last 10 years plus, no problems.

 

[pcatterall]

Thanks for the slightly varied opions, possibly just a case of buying what is designed for the job. Had considered something to put on the roof while off the boat but then I would have to store while sailing.
Anyway, food for thought, thanks again.

 

[Heckler]

Bought on of the solara 56 watt ones, slighly flexible, can be walked on, charged my 3 85 amp batteries up during the week to keep me in cold beer over the weekend. fitted on the hatch garage and swmbo does all the main mast work and avoids deliberately trreading on it, but it doesnt matter if she does!
stu