Best mounting method for Flexible solar panels to an RV roof

[0rion]

Hi - I'm interested in hearing other's opinions on the best way to mount flexible solar panels (MiaSole CIGS panels) to an RV TPO Roof?

- My panels don't have adhesive, what do you recommend? Eternabond around the edges? Roll-on adhesive or peel-and-stick to the bottom? I'd prefer to not drill any holes in my roof
- Flush mounted to the roof or did you use a corrugated plastic sheet or something else for airflow? If flush, how is the performance in the heat?

Would love to see pics if possible, thanks!

 

[sunshine_eggo]

Mount hard panels with a cooling gap.

Bonding flexible panels has one or both of the following effects:

1. Decreased output due to elevated temperature - you'll NEVER get rated output.
2. Decreased life due to elevated temperature.

Not the answer you wanted, but I felt compelled to present that.

 

[Partimewages]

I agree. If you mounted them directly to the roof you will also increase your cooling load. The air gap method will actually decrease your cooling load.

 

[0truck0]

Did you scan the forum before posting, literally the post right next to this is the same question...

Help w/RV Curved roof mount, weight limits, flexible panels

Hello, I am looking for help on figuring out the best selection here to go for getting the solar panels to finish out my solar system on my 34 ft 5th wheel RV. I've got a couple of issues that I'm running into as I look for solutions. For starters, I have 3 100 AH lithium 48v batteries in the...

diysolarforum.com

Go there, I will answer there, not here. Follow the rules.

 

[windsurfer]

Heat from the flex panels directly mounted could also damage your roof...

 

[Dave in AZ]

Hook them on to your roof with enough money to get 30% performance from them, then have them fail a less than 2 years, rip them off, and replace.

 

[Tomthumb62]

Hi - I'm interested in hearing other's opinions on the best way to mount flexible solar panels (MiaSole CIGS panels) to an RV TPO Roof?

- My panels don't have adhesive, what do you recommend? Eternabond around the edges? Roll-on adhesive or peel-and-stick to the bottom? I'd prefer to not drill any holes in my roof
- Flush mounted to the roof or did you use a corrugated plastic sheet or something else for airflow? If flush, how is the performance in the heat?

Would love to see pics if possible, thanks!

Mounting flex panels directly to the roof and how it will effect panel output and longevity I think has a lot to do with the type of roof and conditions you’ll be in.

You have a TPU roof. I don’t know much about them. Light colors are best to reflect heat.

As to conditions, if you intend to spend time in extreme heat, you’ll likely get very limited lifespan with flex panels. But extreme heat, I mean places like Arizona or inland California in summer, where daily highs get to 100-120F on a regular basis.

By contrast, we have some cheapo WindyNation flex panels that are thriving 6 years later. They are mounted directly to the wood roof (painted light color) of our camp trailer. We travel almost exclusively in the northern USA, temps usually no higher than 100-105F. The wood roof provides some insulation (vs a metal roof of a van) as I would suspect a TPU roof would as well. Also, our roof also spends much of the year under cover, so it doesn’t get 24/7/365 beating upon via the elements.

If you DO intend to go with flexibles, I highly recommend the Sunpower 100W ones. Much beefier than any other brand (other than the military grade ones that start at $700). I like them a lot and will replace the two WindyNation ones with them when that time comes. They’re only a few dollars more, too, about $35 difference.

 

[Rednecktek]

 

[sunshine_eggo]

Tito taught me how to re-string RV blinds.

Still... he basically turned a flexible panel into a rigid panel... more $, more labor...

I'll stick with...

Mount hard panels with a cooling gap.

 

[Tomthumb62]

Still... he basically turned a flexible panel into a rigid panel... more $, more labor...

Our main desire for flex vs rigid is the low profile look. You can’t see the flexible panels on our artisan camper. Rigid panels would destroy that look. As well to increase wind resistance. I wish someone would make super low profile rigid panels. But those would be a niche market and more expensive.

 

[Partimewages]

BougeRV sells some I saw reviewed on Hobotech.

 

[featherlite]

our artisan camper.

What is an artisan camper? I googled it and get a lot of cooking hits, like pork cracklins.

 

[Tomthumb62]

What is an artisan camper? I googled it and get a lot of cooking hits, like pork cracklins.

It’s handmade. Crafted by my family. Has sentimental value. Though I think a lot of bacon has been cooked in it over the years!

 

[Q-Dog]

Our main desire for flex vs rigid is the low profile look. You can’t see the flexible panels on our artisan camper. Rigid panels would destroy that look. As well to increase wind resistance. I wish someone would make super low profile rigid panels. But those would be a niche market and more expensive.

Windy Nation did make low profile 100 watt rigid panels. Frames were about 3/4" thick. I have 6. Can't find them any more.

 

[sunshine_eggo]

Windy Nation did make low profile 100 watt rigid panels. Frames were about 3/4" thick. I have 6. Can't find them any more.

Guess they made them too thin? :D