Solar Panel mounts

K7WMC · Nov 2, 2019

Yes concur, I actually said that in one of my earlier posts that proper surface prep is crucial... I also don't think 3M wants to take responsibility for people who improperly install with VHB tape. I wouldn't want to advocate that either.

gglave · Nov 2, 2019

And here comes a novice with an opinion- The point here is not whether or not the glue provides tremendous holding power or not; no Sir! The glues ability to keep the two surfaces connected is also dependent on the condition of the surfaces to which the glue is to be applied. Some auto paints grip better than others and some paints oxidize and age faster than others. If you improperly apply your glue to an eroding surface (on vehicle or panel frame) it may do you a favor and let go your fly in the driveway of your own property. However, if you mark the areas where the glue will connect the surfaces, then remove the paint, etc. therefrom and properly prepare the surface to be glue (according to the manufacturers recommendations) you may then be ready for other aerodynamic experiments. God bless you and those in your path.

Aussiecroc · Nov 2, 2019

Six mounts per panel (200 watts) three on each long side. Screwed and Glued on epdm roof with dicor sealing of the screws.

Many here are only glued (sikaflex ployeurethane or saudal fixall from Belgium) but you must use the prep and primers. I have two friends who glued their ENTIRE desert campers with only a few screws on hinges (fibreglass foam sandwich).

One guy had glued his to the truck but the inspectors made him add four bolts that hold it to the chasis. They have both done over 100 000km on mostly desert roads (rocks and sand) plus with no joints failing. This will NOT happen if you dont clean prep and prime all surfaces right.

K7WMC · Nov 3, 2019

gglave said:
And here comes a novice with an opinion- The point here is not whether or not the glue provides tremendous holding power or not; no Sir! The glues ability to keep the two surfaces connected is also dependent on the condition of the surfaces to which the glue is to be applied. Some auto paints grip better than others and some paints oxidize and age faster than others. If you improperly apply your glue to an eroding surface (on vehicle or panel frame) it may do you a favor and let go your fly in the driveway of your own property. However, if you mark the areas where the glue will connect the surfaces, then remove the paint, etc. therefrom and properly prepare the surface to be glue (according to the manufacturers recommendations) you may then be ready for other aerodynamic experiments. God bless you and those in your path.

gglave, God only knows, maybe the aerodynamic experiment and failure could be "you" with a random rogue solar panel flying in the path of your windshield. Remember what Forrest Gump said: "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get"!
So many times in life irony prevails.

c3auto · Jan 16, 2023

Any suggestions for a 'safety tether'?
I've put in 8x m8 stainless steel couplers/coupling nuts into the roof gutter of my van.
I was originally going to install crossbars and mount my solar panel in the traditional way, however - due to the curvature of the roof, the solar panel will be quite high due to cross beams, brackets, and the panel itself.

I've instead thought of using ABS plastic solar mounts and installing the solar panel that way. The solar panel im using is a common size so should be able to easily replace new (or find a second hand replacement). It's also a common solar panel.
Anyway. I'm thinking of using a sikaflex or similar to bond the brackets to the roof of the van, and utilising some of the coupling nuts (maybe 4?) as a safety tether.
What would be the best way for this?

I was thinking one at each corner of the panel. I'd appreciate some help in terms of what material (I imagine it'd have to have a significant capacity to absorb a sudden force of the jerk of the solar panel if it were to come off). And if it should be attached to the underside, side or top of the solar panel frame.

Thanks

Supervstech · Jan 16, 2023

c3auto said:
Any suggestions for a 'safety tether'?
I've put in 8x m8 stainless steel couplers/coupling nuts into the roof gutter of my van.
I was originally going to install crossbars and mount my solar panel in the traditional way, however - due to the curvature of the roof, the solar panel will be quite high due to cross beams, brackets, and the panel itself.

I've instead thought of using ABS plastic solar mounts and installing the solar panel that way. The solar panel im using is a common size so should be able to easily replace new (or find a second hand replacement). It's also a common solar panel.
Anyway. I'm thinking of using a sikaflex or similar to bond the brackets to the roof of the van, and utilising some of the coupling nuts (maybe 4?) as a safety tether.
What would be the best way for this?

I was thinking one at each corner of the panel. I'd appreciate some help in terms of what material (I imagine it'd have to have a significant capacity to absorb a sudden force of the jerk of the solar panel if it were to come off). And if it should be attached to the underside, side or top of the solar panel frame.

Thanks

I plan to drill into the crossbeams of my sprinter to teather my panels. I’m still in the surface prep stages on the van, but I’m working on clearing all rust spots, and failed paint areas with strong cleaned steel and primer and painted surface.
I will be bonding my aluminum superstrut rails to the final surface, applying the vhb, then bolting them front, middle and rear. I will also employ a front air ram to dissuade the air from building up under the front edge.

Solar Panel mounts

K7WMC

Van-dweller Evangelist

gglave

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Aussiecroc

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K7WMC

Van-dweller Evangelist

c3auto

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Supervstech

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