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Old 01-20-2018, 03:36 AM   #1
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mounting solar panels ??

How is everyone mounting there solar panels on a fiberglass roof (Seneca) ?

I've read some people are using 3M VHB tape with no holes drilled.

Any thoughts on the no drill method ?
I'd hate to have a panel fly off the top at freeway speed.

Seems simple screws and some sealant would be the route to go but figured I'd ask before I dive into this project.


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Old 01-20-2018, 07:16 AM   #2
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Do not only use vhb tape if your roof is textured like or Alante is. You are gambling against the odds of you do. If the Seneca only has thin plywood (1/8-1/4") under the fiberglass - email Jayco Customer Service to find out - you will need anchors like what we used: https://mansiontools.com/ez-ancor-st...hoCFKAQAvD_BwE
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Old 01-20-2018, 08:47 AM   #3
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Here is a thread I started explaining how I used rubber grommets to attach the panels. I have an EPDM membrane roof but these would work on fibreglass.
https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...els-38678.html
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Old 01-20-2018, 07:24 PM   #4
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I used flat flexible panels and taped them down with eternabond tape. no issues so far with over 2000 miles on it. Still look like the day I installed them.
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Old 01-20-2018, 07:41 PM   #5
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Eternabond tape with flat panels so far ok
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Old 01-20-2018, 09:36 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GeorgiaRV View Post
I used flat flexible panels and taped them down with eternabond tape. no issues so far with over 2000 miles on it. Still look like the day I installed them.
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Originally Posted by che57vy View Post
Eternabond tape with flat panels so far ok
Do you have any pictures of how you taped them down ?
Just wondering where and how the tape goes...


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Old 01-22-2018, 08:42 PM   #7
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Do you have any pictures of how you taped them down ?
Just wondering where and how the tape goes...


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I put it around all four sides of each panel and used it to secure the zip tie mounts
I will be adding 2 more panels. tried to space them out best I could to avoid shading from other items on the roof. So far even with the four panels I am getting great power, even on cloudy days. 2 additional panels should help with any shading and with sun angles throughout the day.

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Old 06-04-2019, 01:24 PM   #8
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I put it around all four sides of each panel and used it to secure the zip tie mounts
I will be adding 2 more panels. tried to space them out best I could to avoid shading from other items on the roof. So far even with the four panels I am getting great power, even on cloudy days. 2 additional panels should help with any shading and with sun angles throughout the day.

Cheers
GeorgiaRV, is this a rubber roof?
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Old 06-04-2019, 07:33 PM   #9
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GeorgiaRV, is this a rubber roof?
no it is a fiberglass roof
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Old 06-05-2019, 10:51 PM   #10
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I have a fiberglass and textured roof and took a chance on VHB.
I'm not ready to drill holes in the roof just yet.


Two 3' aluminum angle irons flank the one 100 watt panel.
The angle iron is bolted to the panel sides.

Roof and aluminum carefully cleaned with denatured alcohol.

Applied 6' of wide VHB tape (3' on each side).
Pressed down, then pressure applied with J Roller.

As insurance, I've attached nylon safety straps to the panel and the ladder.
If the panel lets go, it'll make a helluva racket but shouldn't fly off and whack the person behind me.

It's only been a few months but they're rock solid on there.
I may apply Eternabond tape over the angle iron for extra stick.
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Old 06-06-2019, 08:23 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pconroy View Post
I have a fiberglass and textured roof and took a chance on VHB.
I'm not ready to drill holes in the roof just yet.


Two 3' aluminum angle irons flank the one 100 watt panel.
The angle iron is bolted to the panel sides.

Roof and aluminum carefully cleaned with denatured alcohol.

Applied 6' of wide VHB tape (3' on each side).
Pressed down, then pressure applied with J Roller.

As insurance, I've attached nylon safety straps to the panel and the ladder.
If the panel lets go, it'll make a helluva racket but shouldn't fly off and whack the person behind me.

It's only been a few months but they're rock solid on there.
I may apply Eternabond tape over the angle iron for extra stick.
I hope you continue to have success with that mounting method. I contacted 3M directly regarding using their tape on a textured surface and they said no don't do it!
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Old 06-07-2019, 12:06 AM   #12
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I hope you continue to have success with that mounting method. I contacted 3M directly regarding using their tape on a textured surface and they said no don't do it!
I appreciate you sharing that.

I'll come back with Eternabond now, for sure.
And keep that safety strap on for the duration.
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Old 06-07-2019, 09:23 AM   #13
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I appreciate you sharing that.

I'll come back with Eternabond now, for sure.
And keep that safety strap on for the duration.
I think you will be very happy with the way Eternabond works.
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Old 06-07-2019, 11:49 AM   #14
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I am a firm believer in VHB tape for all kinds of stuff. Worked for 3M for 24 years (not in tape division) and could get the tape for free. I heard that VHB tape was used to hold space shuttle tiles in place.

Anyway, I used that tape for many different applications over the years and never had a problem with it. Had to use it to reattach the bathroom mirrors in my 2017 Greyhawk as the tape Jayco used let the mirrors slide down the cabinet door about 2". Mirrors haven't moved since I used VHB.

I was going to mount my solar panels with that tape but ended up screwing them in place and using a lot of RTV over the screws to seal them. I thought the small contact area of the mounting brackets didn't give enough tape area to make me comfortable.

I still use VHB these days even though I have to pay for it. You just have to be sure to clean both surfaces (I use alcohol pads) before adding the tape. Once the tape sets you will be hard pressed to unstick without damage.
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Old 06-07-2019, 04:50 PM   #15
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I thought the small contact area of the mounting brackets didn't give enough tape area to make me comfortable.
Me too which is why I didn't use the small brackets and instead used 6 feet of angle "iron", three feet each side to create a new bracket. There's VHB down the entire length.

I'm pretty sure it'll stick, but I don't know the longevity or the susceptibility to heat. Thus, I'll keep the safety strap there.
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