adding rigid solar panels to roof. need advise

[mhbell]

I am adding two 100 watt rigid solar panels to the roof of my 2007 starcraft pop-up truck camper. I don't want to drill unless it is neccessary. What do you use to glue down or hold the brackets to the roof. any advise or help appreciated.
TIA
Mel

 

[86scotty]

I don't want to do a lot of things but I do them anyway, like drill holes and seal them properly for things that might blow away.

But, some people have used VHB tape with success. If you post a pic of your roof it might generate some more ideas.

 

[Joe917]

3M 5200 to glue down aluminum brackets. Bolt the panels to the brackets. Follow 3M prep advice.

 

[Peter_n_Margaret]

If the roof is not the weakness, and the brackets have a decent contact area and you prepare the surfaces appropriately, I would use Sikaflex 11FC at a generous thickness.
Due to differential expansion of the roof and the panels, adding mechanical fasteners through the roof will often end in tears.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

 

[sancap]

As someone else has said depending on what type of roof you have, use 3M VHB tape. I have had RV's with fiberglass and aluminum roofs that I have only used the 3M VHB double sided tape. I never had a problem and struggled to remove the brackets when I transferred them to another rv. I am currently using 3M VHB tape to secure the Zamp solar panels to my AT Overland Summit camper.

 

[xvz12]

I built a light aluminum framework to bolt the panels to, then stuck it to the roof of my travel trailer with 3M VHB double-sided tape, following manufacturer's instructions. Then after it sat for 24 hours, I went around the frame edges with Dicor sealer. Six years down the road, & they're still stuck tight.

 

[Ozarker]

I changed my mind about mounting hard panels but consider this another vote for VHB tape. Agree with^ xvz, build a frame to mount the panels, with VHB.

 

[mhbell]

I don't want to do a lot of things but I do them anyway, like drill holes and seal them properly for things that might blow away.

But, some people have used VHB tape with success. If you post a pic of your roof it might generate some more ideas.

The roof is flat aluminum with a white orange peal or peble surface. I will take a picture after it warms up. temp is 28 deg F right now with frost on the roof..
Mel

 

[dstefan]

I use VHB a lot for semi structural things. Really good surface prep is key as is sufficient square inches of bracket footprint for the tape strength AND the expected load. Keep in mind there are MANY types of VHB. I have not mounted solar panels with VHB, but if I do on my aluminum roof I would use genuine 3m 5952. This was recommended to me by a 3m VHB guru (after many transferred phone calls to get to the right guy) for heat resistance and best all round adhesion to high energy surfaces — metal, glass, etc.

As others have mentioned seal the edges, and as long as you view the brackets as permanent placements, you could also cover the foot with Eternabond. The bracket will never come off with that combo.