Flexible Solar panel installation questions.

[Tomcor]

I tested my flexible 100w panel today. Hooked to the starter battery and controller. Used a clamp on meter and it showed over 5 amps output. 100 degrees here today in southern nevada.

I will be installing the panel soon. My van has a fiberglass hightop. I bought some industrial wide velcro like suggested. I will be mounting it in the rear of the top sideways. I would like leave a little air gap as the panel gets real hot in the 100* weather. What can I use in the middle of the panel to make an air gap? I read that someone used some epp foam.

Also should I use a single long piece of velcro on each side or leave some air gaps? What do I need to use to prep the fiberglass so the velcro will have the best adhesion? Any other mounting suggestions? Also can I install the panel without it being hooked up to the system? I will insulate the wires inside till i get my agm battery.

I plan on attending the Flagstaff RTR also. I may come a week early. Will there people there the week before?

Thanks

 

[skyl4rk]

I would use a long piece of velcro, all the way around. I have not had my van with velcro'ed solar panels in summer heat yet, so I have no comments about heat build up. My main concern would be leaving open spaces where the wind can get under it and start working and moving the panel. The velcro creates an air gap underneath the panel of about a 1/4 inch. Big enough for your wires to run through, almost. I put extra pieces of velcro in the middle. If I were concerned about heat buildup, I would put some pieces of reflectix underneath to maintain that air gap, although just using the velcro all the way around and a few strips of velcro in the center will also keep an air gap in place.

Where did you get your panels?

 

[akrvbob]

I plan on attending the Flagstaff RTR also. I may come a week early. Will there people there the week before?

Thanks

I'm pretty sure there will be a LOT of us here the week before.
Bob

 

[ViaVacavi]

I've heard that 3M VHB tape works very well for mounting these

 

[titaniumaxle]

Followup question - I have a Ford Transit Connect and will also be installing a flexible solar panel. (HQST panel from Amazon.)

The van has ridges/channels in the roof, about 1/2 inch deep (maybe a 3/4inch gap with the velcro). Should we plug up the forward face of the channels, to prevent air from getting underneath the panel? On the one hand, the channels might keep the panel cool. On the other hand, I'm worried the panels might fly off, from air pressure under the panel while going 60+ mph.

Either way I will probably run 3 or 4 long strips of velcro down the length of the panel, on the ridges.

 

[beemerchef]

I must have the same panel. Bought it on eBay but can't remember who. Just an idea. We are in an 2000 Ford f350 Turbo diesel 7.3L 4x4 with a Northern Lite 9'6 slide in camper. I like to park in the shade as much as possible. 2 AGM batteries, controller and a 30' extension to secure the panel on the ground or if in the sun I mount it on the hood of the truck using underneath one of the foam sheet it came with and 4 bungee cords. As it is for 6 months out of the year our only vehicle (Big Bend TX otherwise with sidecar also) it takes a few minutes to set it up but I really don't mind and the panel only weighs 4lbs. I made some loops for each corner and some square foam pieces so the metal of the bungees don't scratch the hood. If you went that route must wait for the hood to cool down. If on the hood right now must park facing South East. Anyhow!