I've just bought a new camper and intend attaching a semi flexible 'plastic' backed SP. In a previous camper I used an aluminium backed semi flexible and whilst I never had a problem I know the aluminium panels don't perform to 100% due to heat, what's the story with plastic backed panels.
When I attached the aluminium panels I used Sikaflex; however, whilst Sikaflex sticks like the proverbial it is very difficult to remove so I was thinking of attaching the new plastic backed panel with silicon, has anyone done this?
I've just bought a new camper and intend attaching a semi flexible 'plastic' backed SP. In a previous camper I used an aluminium backed semi flexible and whilst I never had a problem I know the aluminium panels don't perform to 100% due to heat,what's the story with plastic backed panels.
When I attached the aluminium panels I used Sikaflex; however, whilst Sikaflex sticks like the proverbial it is very difficult to remove so I was thinking of attaching the new plastic backed panel with silicon, has anyone done this?
Hello toglhot
Your question
I've just bought a new camper and intend attaching a semi flexible 'plastic' backed SP. In a previous camper I used an aluminium backed semi flexible and whilst I never had a problem I know the aluminium panels don't perform to 100% due to heat
My answer
I am certainly not an expert, and I assume that more knowledgeable people will come along later.
By trial and error research, (err playing around), with a borrowed 180 watt solar panel from a family member, I had made the following observations.
·Panel rated 11 amps @ 16.3 volts = just under 180 watts Tested facing the noon sun 9.7 amps @ 14.4 volts = just under 140 watts Tested laying flat on the ground supported by 50 mm high wood = 6.2 amps @ 14.4 volts = just under 90 watts
Conclusion is that whatever size solar panel I was going to buy, and place on my flat roof, I would half the advertised output to give me a more realistic figure for my calculations.
Is this above answer, the reason you think that aluminium backed panels, do not perform 100%?
Your question
what's the story with plastic backed panels.
My answer One of the local solar panel sellers in my home town, is selling plastic back panels claiming that they are superior, to aluminium backed panels, due to the heat factor
Your question When I attached the aluminium panels I used Sikaflex
My answer My research showed some panels glued directly to a caravan roof, with no air gap underneath. In the same period I inspected a second hand 12 volt type panel, which definitely said on a sticker, that a minimum 25 mm air gap is required. Perhaps the newer panels do not need an air gap? Is a question which I am unable to answer.
Your question whilst Sikaflex sticks like the proverbial it is very difficult to remove so I was thinking of attaching the new plastic backed panel with silicon, has anyone done this?
My answer Silicon is not an adhesive, and therefore will not stick like the proverbial. I personally do not know of anyone who has used silicon in lieu of sikaflex
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I hope that this answers some of your questions, and I stand to be corrected if any of my assumptions are wrong
Silicon can harden just as much . Are they flex panels ? They are not as efficiant ? Another way it to sikoflex them to plastic then screw to roof for removal ?
