Screw in or Glue on brackets for solar

[AAL787]

I know this one has been debated a bit. Any final thoughts?

Having already battled a factory installed roof leak I'm leaning toward screwless fasteners. Proper surface prep, JB Weld followed by self leveling sealant appear to be advocated the most (for screwless) on this and other forums.

Feel free to weigh in as I hover over the "Place Your Order" button on my Amazon account.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by AAL787

I know this one has been debated a bit. Any final thoughts?

Having already battled a factory installed roof leak I'm leaning toward screwless fasteners. Proper surface prep, JB Weld followed by self leveling sealant appear to be advocated the most (for screwless) on this and other forums.

Feel free to weigh in as I hover over the "Place Your Order" button on my Amazon account.

What forums advocate a screwless installation of solar panels on the roof of a motor home going down the road at 55 to 60 MPH?

[taylorbob1]

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/f27...l+solar+mounts


https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-RNG-MT...62347750&psc=1

[Bob Denman]

If it were my rig (and it ain't!): I'd use the most secure fastening method possible, and then make sure that I used lots of Di-Cor around those screws...

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

If it were my rig (and it ain't!): I'd use the most secure fastening method possible, and then make sure that I used lots of Di-Cor around those screws...

X2. I’m considering a small solar set up to maintain my batteries in storage. I’ll use screws for sure. There are so many penetrations already what’s a few more? Dicor and quarterly inspections. I’m starting to become concerned about how often Bob and I agree on stuff....

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by taylorbob1

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/f27...l+solar+mounts


https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-RNG-MT...62347750&psc=1

Some interesting mounts. I do notice they mention use on wood, metal or GRP (fiberglass) but not on TPO roofs.

"Best suitable for flat roofs of aluminum, wood, or GRP material."

I would be concerned that wind under the panels could cause tugging on the TPO material and an eventual tear. Not sure it would happen but a possibility.

I might need to check those out for my planned solar expansion.

[taylorbob1]

Different strokes for different folks
To each his own

That said...read the comments on Amazon. There are many (mine is on there as well)

Here's one:
"These in combination with Sikaflex 221 is an unbeatable combo. The first time I installed solar panels on an RV roof, I used regular steel mounting brackets and screws. Big mistake. The screws did not find much to bite into, since RV roofs aren't made of much other than insulation. And of course, any time you drill a hole, you are making a potential leakage point, meaning careful sealing and constant maintenance.

With these brackets, you have plenty of surface area to get really good adhesion to the roof. Use a bunch of Sikaflex, and you are good to go. I mounted my Renogy solar panels to the brackets by drilling holes (each bracket has recessed points specifically for this, and using bolts. After the brackets were bolted on, I glued them down to the RV roof using Sikaflex. This will allow me to change out the panels easily should one become damaged, but I did not have to drill holes to mount the panels.

I have driven all over the country with this setup, through all weather conditions. Zero problems."

[The_Breeze]

Originally Posted by EA37TS

Some interesting mounts. I do notice they mention use on wood, metal or GRP (fiberglass) but not on TPO roofs.

"Best suitable for flat roofs of aluminum, wood, or GRP material."

I would be concerned that wind under the panels could cause tugging on the TPO material and an eventual tear. Not sure it would happen but a possibility.

I might need to check those out for my planned solar expansion.

What if you devised something to divert oncoming air up and over the panel instead of letting get underneath. Something like a front spoiler on a car. I don't know about the physics of going down the road at 55 or 70 where the pressure difference may cause it to want to 'lift' into the higher pressure above and will leave that to the pundits, scholars and engineers of the forum.

[AAL787]

The lifting force (aka Bernoulli effect) is likely minimal toward the back of the roof. Been awhile since my Aeronautical Science major (and aerodynamics classes) but an aft mounted panel likely receives a reduced amount of relative wind under it and an inconsequential amount of lifting force from the lower pressure above.

The greatest wind effect at the front of RV probably deflects into no more than a rolling air effect aft (like a mountain wave) due to the shape of the rig. Thor anticipated this and made the proper move by pre-wiring the solar connections way back just ahead of the rear bedroom fan. I'd still love to see what this thing looks like in a wind tunnel.

The TPO roof does throw another consideration that's worthy of attention.
Still hovering over the "place your order" button.

[Badmanrick]

You do not Glue anything to a TPO RUBBER ROOF. It will rip right off. The material is only a few thousands of an inch thick. Screw on is a must. Don’t void your roof warranty by glueing on a solar panels.

[Bob Denman]

https://www.thorforums.com/forums/at...1&d=1581602771

[99dart]

Sooooo... No screws... NO glue... I guess I'll use bungee cords!

[Badmanrick]

Originally Posted by 99dart

Sooooo... No screws... NO glue... I guess I'll use bungee cords!

How about Duct tape. 😂

[Bob Denman]

https://www.thorforums.com/forums/at...1&d=1581607420

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by 99dart

Sooooo... No screws... NO glue... I guess I'll use bungee cords!

There two other options besides screws. Do without solar or go with portable panels that you setup and tear down every trip.

[Bob Denman]

We've been considering the "suitcase panels", that you can set up anywhere...

But you still have to find a place to store them for the trip.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

We've been considering the "suitcase panels", that you can set up anywhere...

But you still have to find a place to store them for the trip.

Ah yes, the trade-offs that must be considered.

[Badmanrick]

Originally Posted by AAL787

The lifting force (aka Bernoulli effect) is likely minimal toward the back of the roof. Been awhile since my Aeronautical Science major (and aerodynamics classes) but an aft mounted panel likely receives a reduced amount of relative wind under it and an inconsequential amount of lifting force from the lower pressure above.

The greatest wind effect at the front of RV probably deflects into no more than a rolling air effect aft (like a mountain wave) due to the shape of the rig. Thor anticipated this and made the proper move by pre-wiring the solar connections way back just ahead of the rear bedroom fan. I'd still love to see what this thing looks like in a wind tunnel.

The TPO roof does throw another consideration that's worthy of attention.
Still hovering over the "place your order" button.

Capt Tom if you seal each screw with silicone seal and then use the self leveling roof seal you should not have any problems. But you must seal the screws when you screw them in.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by EA37TS

Ah yes, the trade-offs that must be considered.

I think I'll need a larger utility trailer for all the stuff that won't fit in the rig!

[taylorbob1]

Originally Posted by EA37TS

There two other options besides screws. Do without solar or go with portable panels that you setup and tear down every trip.

You didn’t mention flexible panels with Eternabond tape
Other than a higher price, the other down side is that if they will be sitting in the sun 365 days of the year, they will breakdown much quicker than solid panels. Hence, the warranty for flex panels is much less than solid.

But read the reviews and then decide.