<span class="highlight">Solar</span> <span class="highlight">Panel</span> on angled caravan roof

Submitted: Thursday, Jun 02, 2016 at 16:04
ThreadID: 132616 Views:2258 Replies:4 FollowUps:0
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Looking for advice on how to effectively secure a solar panel to my caravan, there's not a lot of flat space and the panel will straddled a small ridge from the flat top on a small angle toward the front of the van. Normal brackets don't work; do I need to fabricate some longer brackets using aluminum? Any views about using pop rivets instead of screws?
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Reply By: Member - pete g1 - Thursday, Jun 02, 2016 at 17:36

Thursday, Jun 02, 2016 at 17:36
Hi Moochin9,

As an aside, may I suggest you check out / consider sikaflex auto & construction adhesives as an alternative or supplementary fixing method, rather than drilling holes & mechanical fixings.

I've no punitive interests in sikaflex products

Pete
AnswerID: 600858

Reply By: 2517. - Thursday, Jun 02, 2016 at 18:06

Thursday, Jun 02, 2016 at 18:06
Sikaflex is the way to go they say you should prime the area I never. Panels have a being there for 6 years .
AnswerID: 600860

Reply By: Member - ACD 1 - Thursday, Jun 02, 2016 at 18:40

Thursday, Jun 02, 2016 at 18:40
Agree with the sikaflex scenario.

My flexible panels have been on my trailer for 5 years, fully exposed to weather and still stuck fast.

I used Sika 227 - automotive construction adhesive and sealant. It is available in black and white.

Difference between it and silicone is that silicone breaks down.

I also use it to seal gaps, rivets etc etc

Cheers

Anthony
AnswerID: 600862

Reply By: Les - PK Ranger - Thursday, Jun 02, 2016 at 18:49

Thursday, Jun 02, 2016 at 18:49
Maybe clean the area well with a suitable wax & grease remover, then sikaflex some decent suitable ali angle the width of the panels, then screw panels to this, along with a good bead of sika for the sake of it.
Good sika, not the cheaper stuff at Bunnings etc.
Structural high performance . . . like THESE IN THIS LINK
AnswerID: 600863

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