Renogy 200W Flexi-Panel Install
- Thread starter J19WMK
- Start date
Presumably it’s Sikaflex, CT1 or similar adhesive/sealant you’re dealing with?
It’s screwed down with a neoprene gasket between the roof and gland. Excellent bit of kit.
Would having someone peel the panel back as you use the wire saw help? Will destroy the panel but I assume it’s knackered already if you’re taking it off.
Pete j.c
Member
Thanks I have just ordered one, wasn't sure you could screw into fibreglass. I take it you have to pilot hole first.
Yep, absolutely. If I remember correctly the instructions say what size for fibreglass.
I am going to order some braided cable to see if that is better at biting into the sika. I wasn't expecting it to put up such a fight.
Pete j.c
Member
Thank you for your reply.
I think that solution has a great deal of merit except that it’s stupid money. I noticed that in Australia many campervan and RV owners use flexible PV panels bonded to a sheet of 10mm polycarbonate twinwall which is in turn either attached to the roof with VHB tape or fixed onto a couple of aluminium angle strips running across the roof and attached to the side roof bars (similar to the Solar Campers offering). This has the advantage of being an easy and relatively inexpensive DIY install, is much lighter weight and has far less bulk than rigid panels.
Arguably, the biggest benefit of using a twinwall/PV ‘sandwich’ is that air can flow through the twinwall panel to reduce the surface temperature of the PV panel bonded to it whether the vehicle is in motion or not. The main rationale for this approach is that it mitigates against premature failure which would otherwise occur if the flexible panel was bonded directly to the roof panel.
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How random! I had mine fitted yesterday. Much better even in foggy Leeds.
You will enjoy it. I fitted a SEITZ MINI HEKI STYLE SKYLIGHT 40X40CM ROOF LIGHT. The emasurements were very tight, so it was measure 100 times and cut once
Rooflight in my Vivante ; think it's standard from Leisuredrive ......Great for ventilation and light in the kitchen area.
Makes a big difference
