Large solar panel mounting

[Rustyspanners]

Hi everyone

I mounting a large solar panel 330 watt 165cm x 99cm.

I'm concerned about the mounting its going near the front on a large A class motorhome.

My plan is to use 4 corner plastic brackets a 2 mid front and rear, the long side will be toward the front.

I had got sikaflex 522 for bonding but now I'm getting some 252 due to worrying about panel flying off.

Its not so much as the cost of the panel but the worry of it hitting someone.

Also I've now started looking at longer side brackets for even more mounting area.

I've already got the panel mounted corner brackets with rivet nuts and stainless screws.

Has anyone fitted one like this with this method and had no issues over a number of years.

Any advise or confirmation of my methods to boost my confidence would be very welcome.

 

[royw]

really pleased you posted this question, i am going to do same later in year and i was thinking of doubling up on aero type fitting all along front/leading edge ?

 

[Itsmcb]

You of put one of these Fiamma spoilers along the front of it to help prevent air getting underneath and lifting it !

 

[Raul]

I have fitted two 300w solar panels with proprietary clamps and fixings to flat metal roof. The fixings are made by renusol, the plate used is metal Sol portrait 4 ends clamp and two middle clamps as they are next to each other.
I don’t like glue, I can unbolt them, I can change them or any servicing that may need removing.

 

[Lenny HB]

With a panel that size I wouldn't use plastic brackets much better to use aluminium angle then you can make the brackets as big you want.
If using the plastic brackets have you checked the Sika you are planning to use is the correct one for the type of plastic the brackets are made of?
Where virtually any Sika works with alloy not so with plastic. When you hear of panels flying off that is normally the reason.

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[Revolvor]

When I contacted SIKA in 2018 asking for advice about fitting Solar Panels, I was advised to use SIKA 552. This has a greater Tensile Strength than 512, (3N/mm^2 versus 1.8N/mm^2) /and has less stringent surface preparation requirements.

I used it, and so far the panel is still attached!!

 

[Rustyspanners]

When I contacted SIKA in 2018 asking for advice about fitting Solar Panels, I was advised to use SIKA 552. This has a greater Tensile Strength than 512, (3N/mm^2 versus 1.8N/mm^2) /and has less stringent surface preparation requirements.

I used it, and so far the panel is still attached!!

Thanks I have also contacted sika and wait their reply. I think I will add more brackets and use what sika recommend

 

[stevewagner]

I have fitted quite a few panels over the years and only ever stick them. I use the Sika cleaner on the roof first. Use spacers (tile spacers work well) between the bracket and the roof to prevent squeezing all the adhesive out when you push down.

 

[Leakylunar]

Added a draught curtain off cut to the front of our panel.

 

[jezport]

You of put one of these Fiamma spoilers along the front of it to help prevent air getting underneath and lifting it !View attachment 483111

I have one of these in my garage brand new if anyone wants to buy it just send me an offer by PM

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[Rustyspanners]

Having heard that PU bonds better to aluminium I'm thinking of screwing alu plates to the bottom of my plastic mounts.
Then bond this to my roof.
I'm also going to wait to see what Sika say.

 

[the1andonly]

My 330 w panel has been up there fo a year now ( not much 70mph travelling though)
Used aluminium angle along width 1000mm of panel down length of van . Stainless bolts and rivnuts,, puraflex40 for al to roof (one tube enough, also used spacers to maintain gap). Total area of adhesive 1000x2x50=100,000mm2 (square mm). Wt approx 20kg
I like your idea of plates to bottom of plastic. What would total adhesive area be?

Edit My smaller 8-10 kg panels have 54000mm2 adhesive area.