Solar panels bolted to roof?

[rova]

We’re getting a solar system installed in our 13’ 1975 boler (by someone who knows what he is doing, not us). Our question is to understand the pro’s and con’s of bolting the solar panels on the roof of our boler or not doing so. Your advice/experience? Thanks

[Gordon A]

We had a 15 ft SurfSide that I bolted the solar panel to the roof, but sealed the holes and brackets at the time of attaching. We now have a larger trailer and I just added a solar panel to it, but used the “drill free mounts” from Renogy. Used an extremely strong adhesive. Here is a link.

https://ca.renogy.com/renogy-solar-p...SABEgJZ7_D_BwE

Good luck

[rova]

Thanks!

[Martin.P]

We stuck ours on with Gorilla two sided tape. Then sealed the edge. No bolts, no leaks and no problems in several years.

[Martin.P]

Forgot to mention. We have flexible panels. They lay on the roof.

[parmm]

https://palmetto.com/learning-center...s-buying-guide

[ststefan]

I made some long leg L brackets for our '79 17' Boler. Then I sanded the roof and fiberglassed the brackets to the roof.

[CASITA BANANA]

I made PVC frames for 4 x 100 watt panels which I then stuck to the roof of my Casita with 3M VBH tape. That was 5 years ago and they are still holding fast. And we get some pretty strong winds here in the Texas panhandle! BTW: I've heard that the flex panels can overheat if mounted without airflow underneath. That may not be a problem where you live. Worth checking out.

[Martin.P]

It has not been a problem here and we had 47C last year. That's 116F

[DaveLevenson]

As a possible alternative, I'd suggest that you consider a free-standing (suitcase style) solar panel, attached to your RV with a cord. That allows you to park in the shade while your solar panels are in the sun.

[Flydog]

I did drill into the roof but I used rubber wellnuts. They are self sealing.
https://www.boltdepot.com/Threaded_i...sert_6-32.aspx

[Darwin Maring]

Originally Posted by Flydog

I did drill into the roof but I used rubber wellnuts. They are self sealing.
https://www.boltdepot.com/Threaded_i...sert_6-32.aspx

Never knew these existed. A great product. Thanks for posting.

[JoelInTexas]

Originally Posted by DaveLevenson

As a possible alternative, I'd suggest that you consider a free-standing (suitcase style) solar panel, attached to your RV with a cord. That allows you to park in the shade while your solar panels are in the sun.

^Another vote for this.

A portable panel can "follow" the sun throughout the day, without ever having to move your RV out of the shade.

One portable panel in full sunlight all day can easily produce more power than a dozen roof-mounted panels in partial shade.

Naturally, theft is somewhat of a concern with a portable panel - but nowadays, a 100 watt panel costs less than $100 to replace.

On the other hand, if you decide to roof-mount your panels - many RVers have had great results using 3M "VHB" mounting tape, as an alternative to drilling holes.

[tim42]

3M VHB very high bond double sized adhesive tape. It's the stuff they use to hold the windows in skyscrapers. Follow the instructions carefully and you'll get a good bond. I used the renology mounting brackets to get a gap between the panel and the roof which is good for panel cooling. I've got a 50 watt panel on the roof for 3 years with out issue.

[AC0GV]

Originally Posted by tim42

3M VHB very high bond double sized adhesive tape. It's the stuff they use to hold the windows in skyscrapers. Follow the instructions carefully and you'll get a good bond. I used the renology mounting brackets to get a gap between the panel and the roof which is good for panel cooling. I've got a 50 watt panel on the roof for 3 years with out issue.

I use 3M Scotch 5952 VHB tape for a lot of things but I would never mount a rigid frame panel on an RV with it.
I just emailed 3m with this question: What part number VHB tape should be used for mounting aluminum framed solar panels to the roof of a molded fiberglass Recreational Vehicle.


https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/vhb-tape...duct-selector/

[JoelInTexas]

I've seen claims that the bond strength of VHB tape can be degraded by constant exposure to weather.

The suggested remedy is to seal any exposed edges of the tape with a fiberglass-compatible sealant, after sticking your panels in place with the tape.