Hi All I am wanting to fix some panels on the roof I want to sicka the mounts down with no screws like most do but I find the van paneling on the roof very floppy is it ok to stick to that being lose like that cheers snap
Gordon we have been through this debate and after talking to van manufacturer (Coromal) they suggested semi-flexible panels bonded direct to roof skin. The alternative was a large frame for the panels across the roof of van and screwed to side frame of van. After talking to another forum member who has researched these types of panels we have decided to go this way. No frames , mounts or heavy panels just 4 panels approx. 2mm thick at @2.3 Kgs each bonded direct to roof. These panels were only slightly dearer than rigid panels but don't require mounting hardware.
Alan
Hmmm, I have just had my panels glued on, no screws, no rivets thus no chance of causing leaks.
Yesterday I was talking to a work friend, his son's car was almost written off when it was hit by a solar panel that flew off the roof of a caravan. The panel hit at the top of the A pillar on the left side, it broke the windscreen, bent the A pillar, the top of the door, and worst of all it creased the roof. He pulled over immediately, and the van kept going (probably trying to work out why their solar isn't working).
This happened three weeks ago, and while his insurance company has accepted his story, it looks as if it will be treated as an at fault incident, as he is unable to supply details of the other party involved.
He has what is left of the panel, and if you have lost a panel on the Goulburn Valley Highway he would be happy to give it back.
I suppose the moral of the story is make sure your panels are not going to come off by accident. The Caravan Engineer who is fitting my panels has stated that he spends a lot of time fixing poorly fitted panels, leaks (Rivets & screws) ripped roof panel, mainly caused by wind getting under panels that are mounted across the van (acting like a wing).
thanks all
fixed the problem
thanks all for the help I fixed the prob ran 50x50 angle down full length of penal both sides and a 75 mm piece on the leading edge no screws all sicka to roof rivets to penal solid as no movement in the roof
cheers snap
Sorry I had not noticed this thread but I reckon the way you have done it is okay. I did the same a few years back and the panels are still very secure.
due to me wanting to maximize the solar in my system.. If I went the normal route I would only be able to get 3-4 panels on the space I have on the roof of the coaster due to the side slope..
to fix this issue I have decided to make a Roof rack system and have the panel mounted on the Roof rack..
- This will give me a Tropical roof and also increase the panel numbers from 4 to 8.. so I should have a huge overall wattage system.. in the area of 1600w's of panels..
the Panels shall be glued to the Roof rack .. I'll post an update in my build as soon as I have started to set the solar up..
So Basically what I'm saying is a Roof rack to give you a tropical roof will also work for you..
Juergen
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