ok, So I’ve taken the plunge and bought myself a 120w flexible solar panel to go on the roof of my 75 Devon moonraker. The issue is this, what’s the best, safest and securest way of installing it on to a ridged roof? The last thing I want is it flying off mid journey but don’t want it to overheat either. Do any of you wonderful people have any suggestions? Thanks John
I used Sikaflex-252i Polyurethane Adhesive - ‘a one component, moisture-curing elastic adhesive that is used for bonding of floors, applications for manufacturing, exterior and interior building components. It is high strength, high thixotropic, fast curing, non-staining, sandable and paintable. It is resistant to shock, weather, water, caustic solutions, and dilute acids.’ https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01AQW2...bf45-673f16b98dd4&ie=UTF8&qid=1517036590&sr=1
Been there, got the T shirt, overheated the panels. For my next set I'm going to make a frame out of 1 inch square plastic tube. I'll cut a series of ventilation holes in the frame to allow lots of airflow. Using plastic will allow me to contour the bottom of the frame so it fits snugly onto the uneven roof and I can keep the overall height increase as small as possible so the van will still squeeze under car park height barriers. That's the plan, anyway.
Have a look at the below link, I bought these painted them the same colour as the van roof and bonded on. You will need the solar panel to have holes in so you can bolt it to the brackets or you could bond it to the brackets if preferred. Worked a treat for me, especially as I have a ridged Devon roof. https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/262791723349
Sikaflex all the around the edge so is easy to get off if needs be. I put mine over a gap so there is some airflow
Yes, but it was on the exit and there was a little bump on the road so as we went out the barrier just touched one of the panels as the van tilted. When I inspected it later there was a little depression on the panel but it was so slight it could well have been there ever since I fitted them. Neither of my panels are producing any electric and even if the bump had knackered one of them the other should still work.
Thanks for the responses so far guys it’s all appreciated! Another thing I’m wondering is does the panel need to be sealed all the way round? It concerns me that when driving “at speed” it may cause uplift and try tearing it off the roof? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I put sikaflex (actually might have been tiger seal) around the edges, about 10 mm in from edge. It doesn't lift at all.
I put stripes of Polyurethane (Sikaflex style) sealant every 30 cm across the panel . Did not seal the edges to avoid trapping water. Rather have it go in and come out. Also makes it easier to use a bit of bicycle brake cable to saw through the sealant when removing. I have two 100 watt panels so the long edges are lined up with the sides of the bus. Rescued from the skip at work...with connection tags that had fizzed off at sea. Its been up to 70mph and they are still on the bus..
I took the idea from two places : a website selling panels for boats with a manufacturers recommendation. And the fact that sticking them like that seems to work on boats like this..
Hi John Did you manage to get the solar panel fitted? I'm considering doing the same (with this kit: https://www.justkampers.com/catalog...ight-semi-flexible-solar-panel-kit-top-outlet) and have a side elevating moonraker roof. If you managed to fit yours, do you have any advice, or pics even? Thanks Ged
Hello mate! I did indeed, I bought everything individually from fleabay and it worked out a lot cheaper in the end. I got myself a 120w flexible solar panel, a double battery solar charge controller, additional cable and some fixing brackets along with some sikaflex. It’s kept both batteries fully charged since I’ve had it installed and seems very efficient. https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/253113103267 https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/201974384391 https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/202223125809 https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/301977017909 These are the same as what I bought, some of the prices have changed a bit since though. I’ll try and post some pics if this ever lets me do it. Drop me a PM if you need any help or I’m sure everyone else will help too! John
Superb, thanks for the quick reply. I was getting lost in the whole detachable panel vs fixed panel debate...anyhow, on balance i think attached is more faff to fit (obviously) but less faff in the long run. Thanks for the links...is your moonraker roof a side elevating one? (I think some moonrakers are front elevators, no?). Anyhow, if it is a side elevator I would love to see a pic of the finished product. thanks again