VHB for a Solar Panel

[ChrisDunbar]

I've searched for info on VHB tape but it seems people have used a variety. 4950, 4991, and 5952.

What is everyone's experience? On the 3M site, comparing the three, it looks like 5952 is the one to go with. It mentions "Commercial Vehicle Roof Vent Attachment" in the specs and is listed as "very conformable."

I don't see any mention, on any of the tapes, of being specific for bonds between fiberglass and metal. Can anyone shed some more light on this for me?

[CASITA BANANA]

I've been using it on my two 100 watt panels for two years without a problem.

[ChrisDunbar]

Originally Posted by CASITA BANANA

I've been using it on my two 100 watt panels for two years without a problem.

What number did you use?

[DougOlson]

I used the one called RP-45 on Amazon, I forget the 4 digit spec. Been using it a few months now with no problem. I carefully cleaned all surfaces with soap & water and then Acetone.

[gordon2]

Suggest you read all 51 pages of this thread:
Our solar panel blew off!! - Escape Trailer Owners Community

Even if the tape (or epoxy if used) holds, the gel coat can (and apparently did) fail causing loss of the panel at highway speeds.

YMMV but I would ONLY use bolts with large backing plates with standard glass panels.

[tractors1]

Originally Posted by ChrisDunbar

I've searched for info on VHB tape but it seems people have used a variety. 4950, 4991, and 5952.

What is everyone's experience? On the 3M site, comparing the three, it looks like 5952 is the one to go with. It mentions "Commercial Vehicle Roof Vent Attachment" in the specs and is listed as "very conformable."

I don't see any mention, on any of the tapes, of being specific for bonds between fiberglass and metal. Can anyone shed some more light on this for me?

Go here
Â*Â*3Mâ„¢ VHBâ„¢ Tape 5952

then the Documents tab and click on Specialty Tapes under Data Sheets, then scroll down the PDF that downloads. 3M doesn't make their technical specs easy to find.

[stude]

Originally Posted by tractors1

Go here
Â*Â*3Mâ„¢ VHBâ„¢ Tape 5952

then the Documents tab and click on Specialty Tapes under Data Sheets, then scroll down the PDF that downloads. 3M doesn't make their technical specs easy to find.

:Nice to hear from folks who have used it and are happy with the product at 60/70mph down the road to hold 100 to 160W Panels in place though I have been okay with our 100W I think the next one is going to be a 160W MonoCrystal which I can pick up in Canada for just under $200 slightly used for 1 year.
Stude

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by ChrisDunbar

I've searched for info on VHB tape but it seems people have used a variety. 4950, 4991, and 5952.

What is everyone's experience? On the 3M site, comparing the three, it looks like 5952 is the one to go with. It mentions "Commercial Vehicle Roof Vent Attachment" in the specs and is listed as "very conformable."

I don't see any mention, on any of the tapes, of being specific for bonds between fiberglass and metal. Can anyone shed some more light on this for me?

You can consult the following Web page, at the bottom of it there are 4 videos that explain very well the steps to follow:

Mounts

I installed with tape 3M VHB RP25 in spring 2016.
* I included in my circle checks the good solidity of the panel, between each displacement. It has always remained firm.
One of the members of Fiberglass'RV told me to have fixed with this tape and did not move in 5 years.

If I remember correctly, RP25 is for interior / exterior, it is protected against UV.

In the chart the resistance is 90 pounds/square inche.

[ChrisDunbar]

Originally Posted by Gilles

You can consult the following Web page, at the bottom of it there are 4 videos that explain very well the steps to follow:

Mounts

I installed with tape 3M VHB RP25 in spring 2016.
* I included in my circle checks the good solidity of the panel, between each displacement. It has always remained firm.
One of the members of Fiberglass'RV told me to have fixed with this tape and did not move in 5 years.

If I remember correctly, RP25 is for interior / exterior, it is protected against UV.

In the chart the resistance is 90 pounds/square inche.

I think between using the proper product, proper prep and a periodical check of the panel things should be ok. I've used the tape in the past at work. I never made note at the time what number it was but I know what a bear it was to seperate two stainless sheets.

I'm also only using s 50w panel and plan to integrate an air dam.

[Huck]

I used it for a 100 watt flexible solar panel. 2+ years with no problem.

[tractors1]

Originally Posted by ChrisDunbar

I'm also only using s 50w panel and plan to integrate an air dam.

Yuppers.....I made mine in 6 inch pieces to follow the curvature of the roof:

[CASITA BANANA]

I don't know which number I used. Just the VBH from Amazon. It's held no problems in 40+ mph crosswinds at 65 mph. I've ceased to worry about it and I'm somewhat OCD. I did mount the brackets to 1" x 1 1/2" x 4" pieces of PVC trim board and tape those to the roof.