Mounting solar on curved, fiberglass hi-top

[K1ngN0thing]

I have a rigid panel that I need to mount. I'm not sure the best way to go about it. I'm considering the glue-down brackets to avoid leaks but don't know if that's even possible on my curved roof. Probably should've spent the extra $50 for their flexible panel, but here we are.

 

[K1ngN0thing]

I think the plastic glue brackets will work. What type of adhesive should I use? Product page recommends Sikaflex 252 or 291

 

[blars]

Generally 3M VHB tape (double-sided) is recomended. You need to follow the installation instructions and let it cure for 24-48 hours after install.

 

[SternWake]

The VHB tape  bond will only be as strong as the bond of the gel coat, or paint, to the fiberglass substrate.


As would any glue type product. like sikaflex or 3M 5200.

I'd sand through gel coat or paint where VHB/Sikaflex/5200 is to be applied, and first wipe with acetone before sanding to prevent pushing contaminants into the sanding grooves which would inhibit adhesion.

 

[akrvbob]

I had a friend who did that and he used VHB tape to glue a 4 foot piece of aluminum angle iron (or however long the panel was) to the roof, and then bolted the panel to angle iron. That gave him the maximum amount of glue surface. That way he could also remove the panel and leave the angle iron.
Bob

 

[K1ngN0thing]

http://www.findtape.com/product379/...AxRMEZA7-ER8qkgiZPkowt8S0Gb_RuHIwUaAole8P8HAQ is the cheapest tape I could find. That should do it, right?

The aluminum angle solution is a great idea. Hopefully I can cancel my plastic bracket order in time and save myself some money. $60 for plastic!

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I've never been a fan of sticking stuff down with adhesives. I prefer screws/bolts and silicone as a seal. I never a leak even below the waterline of a boat.
If you must use adhesive I'd say using alum angle as Bob suggested would give max contact along with the prep Stern Wake suggested.

Its just my fear of watching a panel fly away in the rearview...Prolly wouldn't tho.

 

[IGBT]

I haven't done a lot with VHB tape but I have quite a bit of experience with Sikaflex 252.   When used with the primer and activator on bare metal, it sticks amazingly well.

We did a test panel (aluminum sheet to steel frame) before building our camper in such fashion and after leaving the panel outside for a few months, I finally got around to destruction testing it.   I jumped up and down on the aluminum sheet that was attached only with Sikaflex 252 to the steel box frame and only managed to bulge the aluminum (0.062 thick).   I then started hitting the aluminum with a sledge hammer, eventually was able to split the aluminum but never got any separation of the Sikaflex bond.   I couldn't even peel a piece off with vice grips.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Sounds like a one man wrecking crew  

I'm impressed with the material from your report.

I remember 3M 5200 marine as being pretty bad a$$ sealant.

Doesn't quite cure my fears tho :s