Flexible solar panels

[jezport]

Ive heard they are unreliable if glued down, but has anyone fitted them on a rail or similar to give rear ventilation.
Will this make them reliable? They are very cheap now, a 130w for under £70 so thouht of getting one to either put on my windscreen when parked , or fitted on ali sections on the roof to allow ventilation.
Any thoughts from those in the know?

 

[Orion]

Maybe ‘unreliable’ if glued and sealed to a metal surface with no provision for ventilation underneath?

If mounted to a roof correctly with beads of mastic in a ‘ladder’ pattern then no problem (that I’ve experienced).

https://www.roadpro.co.uk/userfiles/PDFs/product%20information/NDS/LightSolar%20panel%20installation%20instructions.pdf

 

[Two on Tour]

Ive heard they are unreliable if glued down, but has anyone fitted them on a rail or similar to give rear ventilation.
Will this make them reliable? They are very cheap now, a 130w for under £70 so thouht of getting one to either put on my windscreen when parked , or fitted on ali sections on the roof to allow ventilation.
Any thoughts from those in the know?

Being aware of failures of semi-flexibles due to overheating when bonded to a roof with no air gap for cooling and along with the expansion and contracting of the panels causing conductor joints to fail, I went for mounting my two semi-flexible on lightweight multiwall polycarbonate roofing sheet which gives stiffness to the panel and also allows airflow to dissipate heat away from the panels. Each panel is secured to the roof in six places on 18mm thick mountings.
They have been up there for 6 years now and neither has failed, so either I'm just lucky or my mounting method is keeping them alive.

 

[Howard B]

Maybe ‘unreliable’ if glued and sealed to a metal surface with no provision for ventilation underneath?

If mounted to a roof correctly with beads of mastic in a ‘ladder’ pattern then no problem (that I’ve experienced).

https://www.roadpro.co.uk/userfiles/PDFs/product%20information/NDS/LightSolar%20panel%20installation%20instructions.pdf

That's how I fitted them on my last van along with penny washers. still working well 3 years down the line as far as I am aware

 

[treblid]

I have had 3 flexible panels fail on previous vans. All the panels were premium brands I paid extra for, German cells, ETFE coating and reinforced backing.

All had strips of flexible Sika adhesive with 4mm ventilation air gaps over whole area, water drainage outlets, etc.

I would never buy a semi-flexible panel again.....

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[bobandjanie]

Our last van had 2 x 100w still doing what they should after 5 years when sold, this van has the same fitted March 2018 no problems the only reason I would change is for larger ones. Bob.

 

[Vikdikdok]

I have no choice other than semi flexible solar panel - what adhesive is best for fitting into a GPR / ‘plastic’ roof ?

 

[Two on Tour]

I have no choice other than semi flexible solar panel - what adhesive is best for fitting into a GPR / ‘plastic’ roof ?

You don't have to bond a semi flexible solar panel directly to you roof.
I made my own mountings to mount my semi flexible solar panels, but these mounts are available to give you an air gap under semi flexible solar panel.

NEW 6 x Corner Bracket Set Semi Flexible Solar Panel Mounting Kit - Easy Fit UK | eBay

Our brackets are anchored into the eyelets and glued only on the corners like normal solar panels but without the need for ventilation. Stainless steel bolts. We Now have black Corner Brackets, see new photo.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

Being aware of failures of semi-flexibles due to overheating when bonded to a roof with no air gap for cooling and along with the expansion and contracting of the panels causing conductor joints to fail, I went for mounting my two semi-flexible on lightweight multiwall polycarbonate roofing sheet which gives stiffness to the panel and also allows airflow to dissipate heat away from the panels. Each panel is secured to the roof in six places on 18mm thick mountings.
They have been up there for 6 years now and neither has failed, so either I'm just lucky or my mounting method is keeping them alive.

View attachment 900791

Sounds a good idea, but I wonder if it sounds like,
from behind. .
Mike

 

[Guigsy]

Being aware of failures of semi-flexibles due to overheating when bonded to a roof with no air gap for cooling and along with the expansion and contracting of the panels causing conductor joints to fail, I went for mounting my two semi-flexible on lightweight multiwall polycarbonate roofing sheet which gives stiffness to the panel and also allows airflow to dissipate heat away from the panels. Each panel is secured to the roof in six places on 18mm thick mountings.
They have been up there for 6 years now and neither has failed, so either I'm just lucky or my mounting method is keeping them alive.

View attachment 900791

I'm unconvinced that a tiny channel that's probably nearly a metre long will pass much air without it being forced. Which way is the air going to flow? Where is the cool air to replace it coming from? Note that the same stuff is used as cheap double glazing because it doesn't encourage air flow.

What's the advantage of making it non-flexible? Isn't it easier just to mount a solid panel?

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[Two on Tour]

What's the advantage of making it non-flexible? Isn't it easier just to mount a solid panel?

On a curved roof it's not, which is why I suspect Vikdikdok has said that they have no chose but to fit semi flexible.

I'm unconvinced

Unconvinced you may be but my 6 years of real life experience appears says different.

 

[Orion]

I have no choice other than semi flexible solar panel - what adhesive is best for fitting into a GPR / ‘plastic’ roof ?

I used Dekasyl MS-2

Bonding & sealing

Find and shop for Dekalin products 1 - Bonding & sealing products online at everyday low prices at RoadPro

www.roadpro.co.uk

 

[Oldrat]

I’ve got my fingers crossed.

2x panels fitted 2019 on my nice and smooth fibreglass super high roof and still going strong.

 

[jezport]

I have no choice other than semi flexible solar panel - what adhesive is best for fitting into a GPR / ‘plastic’ roof ?

Personally I would mount them on rails to allow airflow underneath and fix with sikaflex

 

[Apacheman]

Was in El Campello last week and spoke to a guy who was changing a flexible panel. It had burned his roof in several places. He was replacing it with a rigid panel but having to re position it due to the roof curve.

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[Trackman]

Flexible panels, and I mean truly flexible, are very different from semi-flexible ones.
They use a different cell technology that is not very heat sensitive, and have no metal or other backing.
The ones I've had on my narrowboats roof for about 15 years were so flexible that they were delivered rolled up into cylinders about 250 mm in diameter.
They have self adhesive backing, so you just peel off the backing paper & stick them down onto a clean, dry surface.
They can be walked on (no hobnail boots of course), work well even when the steel of my boat roof is too hot to touch and are highly resistant to damage & attempted theft.
The only downside is that they are pricier per kW than conventional panels, but even that problem has reduced a bit since I bought mine. They are only about 3 mm thick, so no profile rather than low profile.
Bimble Solar were the suppliers of my last one.

 

[Oldrat]

Flexible panels, and I mean truly flexible, are very different from semi-flexible ones.
They use a different cell technology that is not very heat sensitive, and have no metal or other backing.
The ones I've had on my narrowboats roof for about 15 years were so flexible that they were delivered rolled up into cylinders about 250 mm in diameter.
They have self adhesive backing, so you just peel off the backing paper & stick them down onto a clean, dry surface.
They can be walked on (no hobnail boots of course), work well even when the steel of my boat roof is too hot to touch and are highly resistant to damage & attempted theft.
The only downside is that they are pricier per kW than conventional panels, but even that problem has reduced a bit since I bought mine. They are only about 3 mm thick, so no profile rather than low profile.
Bimble Solar were the suppliers of my last one.

Thanks for that, ours arrived in a narrow diameter roll

 

[Apacheman]

Was in El Campello last week and spoke to a guy who was changing a flexible panel. It had burned his roof in several places. He was replacing it with a rigid panel but having to re position it due to the roof curve

 

[John Barrett]

Nice to be back, with an expert panel to hand! Very helpful. Many thanks.

 

[sfrain145]

Ive heard they are unreliable if glued down, but has anyone fitted them on a rail or similar to give rear ventilation.
Will this make them reliable? They are very cheap now, a 130w for under £70 so thouht of getting one to either put on my windscreen when parked , or fitted on ali sections on the roof to allow ventilation.
Any thoughts from those in the know?

They are designed to be bonded on a roof or similar we have fitted them for years with no issues

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[Mleabon]

Being aware of failures of semi-flexibles due to overheating when bonded to a roof with no air gap for cooling and along with the expansion and contracting of the panels causing conductor joints to fail, I went for mounting my two semi-flexible on lightweight multiwall polycarbonate roofing sheet which gives stiffness to the panel and also allows airflow to dissipate heat away from the panels. Each panel is secured to the roof in six places on 18mm thick mountings.
They have been up there for 6 years now and neither has failed, so either I'm just lucky or my mounting method is keeping them alive.

View attachment 900791

But if you go to all that trouble to mount them why not buy standard rigid panels. Genuinely interested in case I'm missing the point.

 

[jezport]

But if you go to all that trouble to mount them why not buy standard rigid panels. Genuinely interested in case I'm missing the point.

Weight, and profile are benefits over rigid glass

 

[Brains]

Weight, and profile are benefits over rigid glass

and cost, and that you can (carefully) walk on them.

That said, I looked into all the pro's and cons and went with heavy, expensive, fragile, higher profile, rigid glass.
Other than a regular wipe down to keep the glass clean (which makes an immediate noticeable difference to the solar input)
my panels have been trouble free for the last 5 years.

The air gap underneath is big enough that the beginning and end of season roof wash, I use a radiator duster with a telescopic handle to wash underneath the panels

to clean underneat the panels.

 

[Two on Tour]

But if you go to all that trouble to mount them why not buy standard rigid panels. Genuinely interested in case I'm missing the point.

They are mounted right at the rear of our roof (the only space left on our roof), and I was trying to keep as much weight off of the overhang past our back axle as the rear axle is on the limit, the semi-flexible were 8kg lighter than the rigid panels.

 

[Folkranger]

Don't know the type but mine are glued onto the roof and are now over 7 years old. Never had a problem and they make roof cleaning a pleasure.

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[white elephant]

Flexible panels, and I mean truly flexible, are very different from semi-flexible ones.
They use a different cell technology that is not very heat sensitive, and have no metal or other backing.
The ones I've had on my narrowboats roof for about 15 years were so flexible that they were delivered rolled up into cylinders about 250 mm in diameter.
They have self adhesive backing, so you just peel off the backing paper & stick them down onto a clean, dry surface.
They can be walked on (no hobnail boots of course), work well even when the steel of my boat roof is too hot to touch and are highly resistant to damage & attempted theft.
The only downside is that they are pricier per kW than conventional panels, but even that problem has reduced a bit since I bought mine. They are only about 3 mm thick, so no profile rather than low profile.
Bimble Solar were the suppliers of my last one.

Hi, I have a single 130 watt CIGS flex panel from Bimble, my problem is we are fully recharged (both habitation & engine) each morning after the nights use by 10.00-11. 00 am . The rest of the day is just wasted power. I should say I have 1 panel, so was happy to spend a bit more. 4 years down the line I am still delighted with the setup. It was the only solution I could find for a "Very Busy" roof with no flat spaces. Must add Bimble were very helpfull with advice etc . The roof off my Van is Plastic so maybe that also helps against overheating.

 

[Two on Tour]

Hi, I have a single 130 watt CIGS flex panel from Bimble, my problem is we are fully recharged (both habitation & engine) each morning after the nights use by 10.00-11. 00 am . The rest of the day is just wasted power.

I heat water with our excess solar in an additional hot water tank that I fitted in our van, which saves on our LPG usage.

 

[Mleabon]

They are mounted right at the rear of our roof (the only space left on our roof), and I was trying to keep as much weight off of the overhang past our back axle as the rear axle is on the limit, the semi-flexible were 8kg lighter than the rigid panels.

Ah OK.

 

[Gav61]

I’ve got my fingers crossed.

2x panels fitted 2019 on my nice and smooth fibreglass super high roof and still going strong.



View attachment 902355

Oldrat
It's Gav from Lincoln
Do you remember/know where Richard positioned the wires into the van?
My solar stopped working and the hypothesis seems to be the panels.
Any help gratefully received.
Cheers

 

[Oldrat]

Oldrat
It's Gav from Lincoln
Do you remember/know where Richard positioned the wires into the van?
My solar stopped working and the hypothesis seems to be the panels.
Any help gratefully received.
Cheers

Sorry Gav, no idea myself.

Although if it helps, here’s a screen shot I did of the sellers product at the time. It shows the cable feed at one end and in the middle.

Also combine that with these ‘in-build’ pics that I took might give you a good clue as I suspect Richard mught have done the same thing on yours?

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