Flexible Solar Panels for 19' Scamp - Fiberglass RV
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 04-02-2021, 07:58 AM   #1
Member
 
Name: Thomas
Trailer: Scamp
Hollywood
Posts: 84
Flexible Solar Panels for 19' Scamp

I want to put 200 watts of flexible solar panels on my 19' scamp.
Can anybody give me advise as to vendors and or installation of the system?

I already have two deep cycle batteries on the scamp, 1000w inverter and 60 amp wiring to my truck alternator.
Tcjmiami is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-02-2021, 08:37 AM   #2
Moderator
 
Jim Bennett's Avatar
 
Trailer: 2009 19 ft Escape / 2009 Honda Pilot
Posts: 6,221
Registry
I've had Lensun panels on my trailer for 4 years, and they are going strong.

Click image for larger version

Name:	DSC00117.jpg
Views:	22
Size:	48.8 KB
ID:	140061
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
Jim Bennett is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-02-2021, 08:48 AM   #3
Member
 
Name: Thomas
Trailer: Scamp
Hollywood
Posts: 84
How did you mount them?
Tcjmiami is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-02-2021, 10:07 AM   #4
Member
 
Name: Martin
Trailer: Trillium 13. boler 13.
British Columbia
Posts: 89
I have 2, 100 watt, flexible solar panels on the roof of both my Trillium and my VW Westfalia. All work well. I used double sided Gorilla tape to hold them on. I also put a bolt on each corner, just in case. Used Butyl on the bolts; no leaks.
Martin.P is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-02-2021, 02:04 PM   #5
Junior Member
 
Name: @cozylivingmachine
Trailer: Scamp
Washington
Posts: 10
Just my $.02, but after having flexible panels from a few vendors on the roof of two Airstreams, I would never recommend them. They failed within months, we suspect because of the heat that could not escape from beneath them. The costs really added up after a while of replacing them. On our Scamp 16, we purchased 2x100W rigid panels from Renogy and simply applied VHB tape on the bottom feet and eternabond on the top to hold them in place. Thousands of miles later, they're holding strong.

If you care for some photos, you can see them on Instagram @cozylivingmachine! I think they look great compared to what I was expecting. We didn't even find the need to make an air dam or flashing like I thought we would! We also find them significantly more efficient, especially in the PNW.
BernieMac13 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-02-2021, 02:04 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
Name: Michael
Trailer: Trail Cruiser
Alberta
Posts: 825
I went solar quite a few years ago. My panels are rigid and have always worked well. As of late I see other campers using thin, flexible solar panels. Does anyone have any experience as to how long these flexible panels last compared to the rigid models? Are they sensitive to hail damage?
Thanks,
Mike_L is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-02-2021, 02:23 PM   #7
Junior Member
 
Name: @cozylivingmachine
Trailer: Scamp
Washington
Posts: 10
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_L View Post
I went solar quite a few years ago. My panels are rigid and have always worked well. As of late I see other campers using thin, flexible solar panels. Does anyone have any experience as to how long these flexible panels last compared to the rigid models? Are they sensitive to hail damage?
Thanks,
I had Bouge branded panels and a few other brands off of Amazon. I found that ours became hazy pretty quickly and the wiring box may not have been 100% waterproof as they would not send voltage within 12 months of ownership. When I compared them side by side with rigid Renogy panels, I found that they would output about 80% of the power in ideal conditions. Ours actually cracked in the Tennessee sun from the heat before they were further cracked and obliterated by a bad hail storm. Granted, it was enough to total cars in the area. In contrast, we had the same rigid panels on our NuCamp Cirrus 920 during the last Nashville tornado. They got hit HARD by debris and limbs, and also dragged underneath branches during the escape as well as random off-road trips, and other than minor surface scratching, one wouldn't know the difference. Technology changes, but it was enough to convince us to put rigid panels on our Scamp!!
BernieMac13 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-02-2021, 03:03 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Name: Michael
Trailer: Trail Cruiser
Alberta
Posts: 825
Thanks BernieMac, that's the info I was looking for. I've had no difficulties with the rigid panels and I've used them from several suppliers, but they are bulky to handle and store.
My panels aren't permanently mounted as I can't leave them unattended in the back country.
I've been through several hail storms and so far so good although I did lose my tail lights and had some roof covers cracked.
Appreciate the feedback!
Mike_L is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-02-2021, 03:34 PM   #9
Member
 
Name: Martin
Trailer: Trillium 13. boler 13.
British Columbia
Posts: 89
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_L View Post
I went solar quite a few years ago. My panels are rigid and have always worked well. As of late I see other campers using thin, flexible solar panels. Does anyone have any experience as to how long these flexible panels last compared to the rigid models? Are they sensitive to hail damage?
Thanks,
5 years on the VW. No Issues. Keeps the Battery charged and runs my ARB Fridge.


3 years on the Trillium. Same!
Martin.P is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-02-2021, 10:30 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
Perryb67's Avatar
 
Name: Perry
Trailer: 2016 Bigfoot 25RQ
Lanesboro, Minnesota, between Whalan and Fountain
Posts: 753
I posted on another forum about our desire to install a Lensun panel on our Escape. Two members posted about their Lensun failures and I got two other emails from other members about their failures. I see flexible panels to fall under the "My father smoked cigarettes all his life and never died of cancer" scenario. Too many failures for us.

It looks like I'll be installing a rigid panel on the front of our camper. We have a 170 watt panel on the back. I'm alternating between installing a small 80 watt panel or just bite the bullet and install a 200 watt panel. We're still on our winter trip, so I'll wait till we get home to make the decision.

Enjoy,

Perry
__________________
2016 Bigfoot 25RQ - 2019 Ford F-150, 3.5 V6 Ecoboost,

Previous Eggs -2018 Escape 5.0 TA, 2001 Scamp 16' Side Bath, 2007 Casita 17' Spirit basic, no bath, water or tanks, 2003 Bigfoot 25B25RQ, that we regreted selling
Perryb67 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2021, 12:42 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
MyronL's Avatar
 
Name: Myron
Trailer: Escape
New Mexico
Posts: 987
Registry
My research confirms flexible panels have a much shorter lifespan. Planning currently to install a 26 pound 190 watt rigid panel on my roof. A current concern is dare I rely upon liberal strips of 3M VHB tape or, drill holes for hold-down bolts? Hate drilling holes. Did a vibration test and here's a u-Tube link that is really painful.

https://youtu.be/X8tyU-2wqqo
MyronL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2021, 01:57 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
Name: Michael
Trailer: Trail Cruiser
Alberta
Posts: 825
I've used 3M double sided tape quite a few times with good success to attach body impact strips, fender extensions, window moldings etc. I've also removed these items attached with these products and again, found them to be securely attached. In spite of this I would be hesitant to use tape in this application.
I don't know the composition of the glue on this tape but I do know that many solvent based products aren't compatible with some of the polymer roofing materials used on trailers.
While these products hold up well in all weather conditions, rain etc, I don't know how well they do in standing water as could occur on the roof of a trailer. I suspect it may last for a while but maybe not be permanent.
Solar panels are expensive and certainly a safety hazard should they detach while traveling.
I have a rack for my panels attached to the roof. I remove them when I leave my unit unattended in the back country or when travelling. I used Dicor caulking to cover the screw heads. No problems so far.
Mike_L is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2021, 02:18 PM   #13
Moderator
 
Jim Bennett's Avatar
 
Trailer: 2009 19 ft Escape / 2009 Honda Pilot
Posts: 6,221
Registry
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tcjmiami View Post
How did you mount them?
Eterbond tape. VHB tape works to.
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
Jim Bennett is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2021, 02:23 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
MyronL's Avatar
 
Name: Myron
Trailer: Escape
New Mexico
Posts: 987
Registry
I built a rack for my 190 watt panel because I also want the option of tilting it when the sun angle warrants that. Leaks etc aside, my other big issue is interior headliner interior ugliness. I may have just solved all problems.
Attached Thumbnails
bracketSol.jpg  
MyronL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2021, 02:23 PM   #15
Moderator
 
Jim Bennett's Avatar
 
Trailer: 2009 19 ft Escape / 2009 Honda Pilot
Posts: 6,221
Registry
I hear folks putting down flexible panels, yet almost all I hear about the Lensun is great, including my experience. Older flexible panels from when they first came out definitely had issues.

Like I said, 4 years now and working as good as when installed.

Don't rely on old articles. Improvements are made with just about everything manufactured.
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
Jim Bennett is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2021, 04:07 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
Jane P.'s Avatar
 
Trailer: Bigfoot 19 ft
Posts: 716
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martin.P View Post
I have 2, 100 watt, flexible solar panels on the roof of both my Trillium and my VW Westfalia. All work well. I used double sided Gorilla tape to hold them on. I also put a bolt on each corner, just in case. Used Butyl on the bolts; no leaks.
Tell me about the gorilla tape. What the difference from VHB Tape? Can you remove it from the fiberglass if necessary? I’m asking because I want to mount a junction box on my roof.

Thanks in advance.
__________________
'02 Bigfoot 21’ | '07 Chevy Tahoe
Jane P. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2021, 07:01 PM   #17
Senior Member
 
ThomasC's Avatar
 
Name: Tom
Trailer: BigFoot 25B25RT
Massachusetts
Posts: 592
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jane P. View Post
Tell me about the gorilla tape. What the difference from VHB Tape? Can you remove it from the fiberglass if necessary? I’m asking because I want to mount a junction box on my roof.

Thanks in advance.
When I was doing my solar install I was going to use a combination of Eturnabond tape and VHB tape. After the first flexible panel I ditched the VHB and went with just the Eturnabond tape. Later I tried sticking my electrical junction box to the roof with the VHB and it just wasn't working. I was properly cleaning with alcohol too.

I switched to double sided Gorilla tape and that did the trick. I have had great luck with the Gorilla tape and use it all the time. That one roll of VHB tape has not been good for me. If I remember I will experiment with it in a couple of weeks. Maybe I got a bad roll maybe it was me I don't know.

As far as getting it off you can but you may have to work at it and use some solvents. The worst thing I have had to get off of my gelcoat is some fine iron filings around where I was grinding near the hitch. I a couple of days they rusted and looked horrible. I had to use some Meguires hand polish to get it out.
ThomasC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2021, 07:44 PM   #18
Senior Member
 
Name: Michael
Trailer: Trail Cruiser
Alberta
Posts: 825
Myron, do you leave your panels in place while traveling please?
Mike_L is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2021, 08:39 AM   #19
Senior Member
 
MyronL's Avatar
 
Name: Myron
Trailer: Escape
New Mexico
Posts: 987
Registry
Nothing on the roof yet, but the frame will be a permanent install and the panel can be easily replaced if necessary.
MyronL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2021, 10:48 AM   #20
Junior Member
 
Name: Robert
Trailer: Scamp
Georgia
Posts: 4
I have a 100w flex panel on my 13' Scamp been there for a year now and still going strong. Held down by 2" velcro strips.
bizerba911 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
scamp, solar, solar panel


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Installing flexible solar panels to roof Markz Electrical | Charging, Systems, Solar and Generators 37 03-22-2020 10:21 AM
Solar panel choices, flexible or rigid? Tony M Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 12 02-03-2018 11:08 AM
Tape for Flexible Solar Panel on Roof Alex Adams Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 23 12-15-2017 09:14 AM
Solar, Flexible Panels honda03842 Modifications, Alterations and Updates 21 06-08-2011 05:44 PM
Flexible or rigid for offroad use. (78 Scamp trailer) Coach George Jessup Care and Feeding of Molded Fiberglass Trailers 22 05-07-2006 01:52 PM

» Upcoming Events
No events scheduled in
the next 465 days.
» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:36 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.