Solar question

[Myron Nelson]

I just purchased a pair of flexible 100w solar panels from Eco-worthy. I bought them thinking that I could just affix them straight to the roof of my RV. They look impressive and well made, but the broken English manual that came with them says that they must be installed in (non supplied) metal frame and installed with a space between the panel and the underlying surface.
I am hoping that the manual is for the rigid panels and not the flexible ones as a frame kind of defeats the purpose of buying flexible.

I have an email to the company but no response as of yet. Was wondering if this braintrust might have some further insight.

[atreis]

Any solar panel will work better (more efficiently) and last longer if it's mounted with an air gap under it so that it can stay cooler in the sun.

Generally the whole reason people buy the flexible panels is to mount them directly to the roof though. Just know that they won't last the 20 years that a normal panel would and will likely be less efficient than the specs say due to heat buildup.

[Pete'sMH]

Solar panels do get pretty hot. Having them attached directly to the roof can only add to the heat load inside in the summer. Mounting rigid panels with Z brackets is easy and offers several benefits.

[Myron Nelson]

Thanks guys. After much research, it appears that the recommendation is an underpayment of plastic cardboard and then eternabond tape is the answer.

[taylorbob1]

Originally Posted by Myron Nelson

Thanks guys. After much research, it appears that the recommendation is an underpayment of plastic cardboard and then eternabond tape is the answer.

There have been several posts on this Forum abt suggested ways to mount flex panels to provide for airspace.
One method used plastic corrugated sheets.
IIRC...the flex panels were fasted to the corrugated sheets with simple hardware. Smooth bolt heads on underside, washer+nut on top side (so not to damage roof).
The corrugated sheets were cut slightly larger than flex solar panels
Then the modified panel was fastened to the roof with Eternabond tape around the perimeter.