Choosing the BEST ADHESIVE

[danman81]

The ribs (water channels) should be left alone.  They serve a purpose.

Yes, for aerodynamics!  Helps the air move over the roof.  But, if these are covered by a flexible solar panel, then I really see no reason to leave them open.   :huh:

 

[danman81]

Sorry for the confusion...and even more sorry that I don't own the van in the pics  

That is a conversion that I've been using as my base guide for a while now...the solar setup is described here: http://www.stealthsprinter.com/van-build/solar-electrics/

The owner has posted here before and his contact info is on his site...I've found he is very helpful and responds to emails.

Great link!!

 

[SternWake]

how much efficiency do you estimate that you lose with your unisolar panel because of the heat?

I'm not really sure.  The original intent of the Unisolar I got was for metal roof installations, to fit within the ribs.  It covers a relatively large area for just 68 watts, but it is pretty good in low light angles.

I've not gotten to fondle any of the new rectangular bendable/flexible  panels, But I am kind of thinking about a thin low profile frame for one to deal with the curved surface I have remaining.  I'd really like more wattage, another 50 to 100 watts.

The unisolar panel does heat up the lightly insulated ceiling below it by about 12 degrees compared to just the white roof itself ,the part in the sun, and the shaded part under the framed panel is cooler by 5 to 7 degrees f.

3m makes some 2 part body panel adhesive with a very limited shelf life, Its probably as good as what the factory uses.

 

[Goshawk]

The 3m 5200 has a strength rating of 700psi. Is that enough ? Have seen stronger glues.

Am looking at JB WELD epoxy which has 4400psi rating. The stuff has been amazing for me. But am sure there are other properties folks look at.

 

[danman81]

I'm not really sure.  The original intent of the Unisolar I got was for metal roof installations, to fit within the ribs.  It covers a relatively large area for just 68 watts, but it is pretty good in low light angles.

I've not gotten to fondle any of the new rectangular bendable/flexible  panels, But I am kind of thinking about a thin low profile frame for one to deal with the curved surface I have remaining.  I'd really like more wattage, another 50 to 100 watts.

The unisolar panel does heat up the lightly insulated ceiling below it by about 12 degrees compared to just the white roof itself ,the part in the sun, and the shaded part under the framed panel is cooler by 5 to 7 degrees f.

3m makes some 2 part body panel adhesive with a very limited shelf life, Its probably as good as what the factory uses.

Thanks @SternWake -- sorry for the late reply, i've been very busy completing the design for my electrical system (there's a post out front if you're interested!) which includes no solar panels which i explain in other post!  I didn't even think about the heating up of the solar panel itself would cause the heat to get through the roof to the interior, which means more energy used for AC, not to mention the efficiency lost through the heating of the solar panels themselves.  I thought about this for awhile, and came to the conclusion that you could use a sheet of high-temperature silicon, like the kind they make hot pot handlers out of... these are usually red in color and you've probably seen them before.  Silcon would not only insulate, but you wouldn't have to worry about it breaking down under the elements and vibration like other types of insulation.  That should help protect the solar panels from high temp and also keep the heat from getting through the roof to a certain extent.  Anyway, I have decided that solar is not the answer for me because of lack of efficiency with today's solar technology.  However, this could and probably will change in the next 10 years with them always improving the technology, but we'll see.

 

[danman81]

The 3m 5200 has a strength rating of 700psi. Is that enough ?  Have seen stronger glues.

Am looking at JB WELD epoxy which has 4400psi rating. The stuff has been amazing for me. But am sure there are other properties folks look at.

Wow, that is quite a difference in the psi rating.   Let us know what you decide on using!

 

[Goshawk]

I always use JB weld. It just does a better job for me in so many ways.

 

[danman81]

Looks like really good stuff, @Goshawk! It looks like it's their flagship product.

 

[One Awesome Inch]

For the record I have a 100w flexible Renogy panel on cargo van roof right now. Its been on there for about 8 months with no issues. I used epoxy to adhere some bolts to the roof which attached via washers and nuts. Its completely removable. If you check my youtube channel I did a few videos about how I attached the panel etc.

 

[Duramax Express]

I've seen variation of this that should work for a low roof, where they had white metal made up in shape of a sigma...gave panels a inside lip to sit on 1 inch over roof, ran full length of van so had an OEM look to it. 

I'm very interested in hearing more about this, I'm working on my chevy express and already purchased 4 100w bendable panels by allpower on amazon. Thanks for any help!