Mounting large solar panels with 3M VHB tape

[Explorenzo]

Hey everyone, I am going to be installing solar soon but i'm unsure about using the 3M VHB tape on the solar panel im thinking about getting. It's a grape solar 265 watt. I've seen the tape used on smaller panels but im thinking this one might be too big. Your insight is greatly appreciated.

Solar panel:

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Grape-Solar-265-Watt-Polycrystalline-Solar-Panel-GS-P60-265-Fab2/206365796

 

[BradKW]

Not sure that size matters since there's no uplift when taped to a roof. With a large panel, I would think the real problem comes with the curvature of vehicle roof not allowing it to sit flat securely...

 

[GotSmart]

What happens when you need to unmount the panel for maintenance reasons?

 

[BradKW]

What happens when you need to unmount the panel for maintenance reasons?

Park between two trees, tie piano wire to trees, drive forward. I think you meant to post that in the Unanswered Questions segment...

 

[jimindenver]

First you mount the brackets with tape and then screw the panel to the mounts. Doable just not with a rubber roof.

 

[highdesertranger]

VHB tape has a spec, will hold so many pounds per square inch. do the math. of course if you have a curved roof like Brad said I don't see how this will work. also proper prep is mandatory in this instance, having the tape fail could be catastrophic for you, even more so for the person behind you. highdesertranger

 

[akrvbob]

Tape a 2x2 aluminum angle iron to the roof (same length as the panel) and bolt the panel to the angle iron. Lots of surface for the tape and can be unbolted and removed.

 

[vtwinkicker]

I was tempted to use the VHB tape to eliminate the need for putting holes in the roof. The solar installer in Oregon (name escapes me) uses it as the only means of attachment to the roof (at the time I spoke with them). I called 3M directly and asked them about it. Their reply was VHB and mechanical fasteners. In other words they suggest using the tape and bolting/screwing them down, probably as a CYA answer. I ended up just using mechanical fasteners and sealing with Dicor self leveling sealant.

 

[Matlock]

As mentioned, follow the directions and the VHB dbl sided tape works. And do use the bracket/panel/tape method.
If your roof has to much of a curve for the panel then Bob's install process works.

I was a skeptic until I tried a sample, now I'm sold. Dbl sided 3m stuff is used everywhere to include aeronautics.

 

[Explorenzo]

Not sure that size matters since there's no uplift when taped to a roof. With a large panel, I would think the real problem comes with the curvature of vehicle roof not allowing it to sit flat securely...

VHB tape has a spec, will hold so many pounds per square inch. do the math. of course if you have a curved roof like Brad said I don't see how this will work. also proper prep is mandatory in this instance, having the tape fail could be catastrophic for you, even more so for the person behind you. highdesertranger

I have a Ram Promaster 2500 high top, the roof is ribbed but looks fairly flat. This guy was able to mount a large solar panel on his promaster but ended up putting screws through the taped brackets:

http://www.buildagreenrv.com/our-co...romaster-van-conversion-solar-panel-mounting/

First you mount the brackets with tape and then screw the panel to the mounts. Doable just not with a rubber roof.

Tape a 2x2  aluminum angle iron to the roof (same length as the panel) and bolt the panel to the angle iron. Lots of surface for the tape and can be unbolted and removed.

Thank you for the suggestions. After further consideration I have decided to go with the smaller panels, it just seems it will be an easier installation for me and I will get a little bit more wattage.