Solar panel blew off

[Deckard22]

The wind destroyed the solar panel my converters fixed to my roof. They fitted a new one.
This weekend it blew off the van. Luckily whilst I was parking and I was able to rescue it before it caused damage to itself or anything else.

I'm not asking the converters to fix again. Lost faith somewhat.

How are people sticking flexible solar panels on. Are you putting a wind deflector in front of it? I don't want to screw it in, to avoid leaks.

 

[Sackmycook]

That's shocking fitting !
Blutack would've been better

 

[soldas]

This is no way advice on what to do just what I've done.

A bunch of VHB 3M Double Sided Adhesive Tape 5952F on the panel.

A load of Sikaflex between the 3M tape and then stick it down.

Then what I've done that is on the DIY side but I've been rocking it for 2 years without issue. Once the panel is mounted I go around the whole edge of the panel with a few layers of thick/strong black gorilla tape. This for me gives both a wind and water barrier. When I see panels stuck with 'open' edges to my mind that is just a sure way for wind and water to get under and over time that's only going 1 way. I know most do this with a Sika/silicone sealant but tape just feels a bit easier to me.

I replaced the tape a few weeks ago. Not because I needed to but I was interested how it was held up. Its was in perfect shape and was still fully stuck down.

 

[Dellmassive]

I used VHB velcro and sealed only the front edge with Tiger seal.

Post in thread 'Dellmassive`s Camper Van Adventure'

14 Jun 2025

finally got it sorted out.

im going as big as i can go - 530w in one panel.

its arrived (on two pallets lol - truck delivery)

hopefully it fits ok.


.


View attachment 290808


its definately big. . . .




View attachment 290809View attachment 290810


but looks like it should fit on the roof fine.

View attachment 290811

Right come on - i know you are all waiting for this one, thets do this.


-- 530W solar panel install -

this this is huge !!

but the first problem was getting the old one off.

i tried...

• Dellmassive

• 

 

[SussexT6]

Mine is held down with VHB and Adiseal adhesive. Not moved an inch

 

[davecdjt]

@Absolut5 fitted our new flexible 270w panel when the old one broke. Not sure what he uses but it’s not moved at all.

 

[doncarlyon]

Just don't bother, not worth the hassle.

 

[drinfinity]

Looks like wrong glue and not enough of it. Mine is on with Sikiflex (the version specifically for sticking stuff to caravans) and there is no way it is coming off!

 

[drinfinity]

Here’s how I did it

D

Post in thread 'CandyVan conversion journey'

13 Nov 2022

Solar panel on today, as it was dry and sunny (and I was a bit too ill to go CX racing). Sikaflex 522 to hold a Renogy 100w panel. Once it’s cured I’ll route the cables through the pop top, to hook up to the connectors already in the roof.

• drinfinity

• 

 

[WoodthorpeT6]

The wind destroyed the solar panel my converters fixed to my roof. They fitted a new one.
This weekend it blew off the van. Luckily whilst I was parking and I was able to rescue it before it caused damage to itself or anything else.

I'm not asking the converters to fix again. Lost faith somewhat.

How are people sticking flexible solar panels on. Are you putting a wind deflector in front of it? I don't want to screw it in, to avoid leaks. View attachment 323800

I added a second solar panel to our poptop and I used this stuff. Its the same as the convertor used to stick their panels on with, they recommended it to me. Think I bought 2 tubes but only needed 1 in the end. Not had any problems

 

[hugh]

Here’s how I did it

D

Post in thread 'CandyVan conversion journey'

13 Nov 2022

Solar panel on today, as it was dry and sunny (and I was a bit too ill to go CX racing). Sikaflex 522 to hold a Renogy 100w panel. Once it’s cured I’ll route the cables through the pop top, to hook up to the connectors already in the roof.

• drinfinity

• 

Believe suppliers say this is the correct way 'to allow air flow above and below so that panel does not overheat' .
I found over time, it accumulated dirt under the panel so did seal along the front edge only. Much better now and panel still working well after several years