fastening PV panel directly to van roof

papab
papab Registered Users Posts: 67 ✭✭
in Caravan, Recreational Vehicle, and Marine Power Systems #1
Tell me why I shouldn't do this.  Fasten a panel directly to the steel roof of my van with VHB tape.  No brackets. 
Pro:  Simpler, stronger joint.  
Con: If I need to remove the panel it will be difficult.  
If I VHB a bracket to the roof, then screw the panel to the bracket I can remove the panel, but the bracket will still be difficult to remove.    
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  • littleharbor2
    littleharbor2 Solar Expert Posts: 2,113 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    If you want a panel attached directly to your Van roof you might want to consider a semi flexible type. being only about 5/16" thick it would truly flush mount with the tape. Rigid framed panels need airflow around the back of the panel and as such would probably look funny sitting up in the air would probably look funny sitting up in the air. 120 watt 12 volt ones are common and I just ran across a 320 watt 12 volt one for $129.00.

    2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old  but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric,  460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.

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