Mounting panels to a fiberglass high-top roof?

[TMG51]

Posting here because it's not really about solar, it's about fiberglass high-tops.

When I mount my panels, I want to avoid adding holes in the top. I'm thinking of buying some Azek PVC boards and gluing them to the top, then sealing around the perimeter to discourage water getting in them, and mount the panels to those Azek boards.

I've seen other articles saying just to stick panels to fiberglass using 3M-VHB tape. I bet that would work, but I bet it would also be a mess trying to get that tape un-stuck if panels need changing later on.

What do you guys with fiberglass tops do?

 

[Almost There]

Posting here because it's not really about solar, it's about fiberglass high-tops.

When I mount my panels, I want to avoid adding holes in the top. I'm thinking of buying some Azek PVC boards and gluing them to the top, then sealing around the perimeter to discourage water getting in them, and mount the panels to those Azek boards.

I've seen other articles saying just to stick panels to fiberglass using 3M-VHB tape. I bet that would work, but I bet it would also be a mess trying to get that tape un-stuck if panels need changing later on.

What do you guys with fiberglass tops do?

I dunno about the guys but this gal is going portable!

It gives me the advantage of parking in the shade with no concern at all for which way the sun is going to shine. I live 1/2 the year in northern woods so solar on the roof ain't happening!

I can't even reach the bottom of the high top on my van without a step ladder, let alone the top of it so I can't possibly do any cleaning or maintenance on  the panels.

From what I've read the best way to unstick something that has been attached with the 3M VHB tape is to get either fish line or dental floss and draw it down the center of the tape. That doesn't take it off the surface but it does separate the two things you've got stuck together with it. Sanding is the only way to take the tape off. I suspect the surface of the whatever the tape was stuck to is going to get pretty roughed up by the time the tape is gone.

 

[Canine]

I think that may work just fine.  There's a YouTube video on using Azec trim boards:
Using PVC Trim (Like Azek) Successfully - YouTube
Video for azek pvc boards▶ 8:26
www.youtube.com/watch?v=z16TlgZl-NA
Jun 4, 2013 - Uploaded by enduringcharm
Understanding the properties of PVC trim, like Azek, Koma, Kleer, etc., will help with...

The glue would need to be a high strength adhesive but not crazy strong like the 3M tape...  Holes in a fiberglass roof are very patchable, though like you I don't want any.  If my conversion van didn't have the "sculpted" roof with the middle pooch up taller than the rest of it, I'd try it too.

Here's what some shipbuilders said about gluing solar panels to fiberglass.

"K. George said...
Have used the 3M 5200 for many years in the Marine Industry for thru-hull fittings below the waterline... Keep in mind this product has incredible adhesive as well as waterproof strengths. If you ever want to remove the Solar Panels, it could be tough... A better remedy may be to mount the panels and use the 5200 with the screws. This will also allow air flow under the panel that can get very hot baking in the sun heating up your RVs' roof.

Good luck!!!

March 10, 2012 at 6:28 AM
Charles G said...
In the boating world, 5200 was highly touted. However as many found, if you needed to remove parts especially wood, it would be destroyed. I would 5200 brackets to roof and fasten panels to brackets."

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Now the 3M 4200 sealant adhesive is stated to be semi-permanent, meaning you can get it off without destroying the sub-surface. You might want to try that. Here's some reviews:

ByJ. Sullivan "Capt Sully"on October 23, 2014
Verified Purchase
the best stuff for marine use if you want to ever remove the item without breaking parts or gelcoat, for permanent adhesion use 5200."

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Both are available from Amazon, come in small tubes for apps $12 each.

Good luck.
Dusty

 

[ZoNiE]

Double sticky adhesive is easy to remove if you soak it in WD40 or similar products. It will not damage the finish on the fiberglass, but if the fiberglass is dried out, it may absorb some. I'd mount some sort of full length L bracket with the adhesive, then bolt the panel to that. If you have to remove the panel for repair or replacement, you just reuse the same rails...

 

[akrvbob]

I had a friend use the the 3M to mount a 4 foot long aluminum angle iron to the roof and then mounted the panel to the angle. Worked perfectly and he could easily remove the panel and also gave him ventilation under the panel.
Bob