Our solar panel blew off!!

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Now what happens when the deflector blows off??

I think you would have bigger concerns than the panel in that case, since you will have just driven through a tornado. The RP45 is strong stuff.

[J Mac]

if RP45 is strong stuff perhaps the solar panel should be turned to portrait position instead of landscape position and adhered with RP46. That way the fan acts as the deflector.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by J Mac

if RP45 is strong stuff perhaps the solar panel should be turned to portrait position instead of landscape position and adhered with RP46. That way the fan acts as the deflector.

I don't think there's enough room to mount it that way, at least on my 19. Besides, that would be several feet of high end VHB, which would cost around $50. Perhaps that's why ETI's method was to use epoxy?

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

I don't think there's enough room to mount it that way, at least on my 19. Besides, that would be several feet of high end VHB, which would cost around $50. Perhaps that's why ETI's method was to use epoxy?

Wouldn't be several feet if panels were installed with the 4 feet that usually come with panels to mount . Pat

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

Wouldn't be several feet if panels were installed with the 4 feet that usually come with panels to mount . Pat

That's very true Pat. But, I'm thinking the smaller mounting surface area would produce a weaker mount.

[Jubal]

The solar panel mounting failure has been on 95W panels mounted to the dome of the roof. Installers have been successful mounting panels with VHB tape and caulking around the mount to protect the tape.
https://rvsolarstore.com/index.php?r...product_id=112

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

That's very true Pat. But, I'm thinking the smaller mounting surface area would produce a weaker mount.

Not true if done right . Depending on your trailer manufacturer - bolted through first with backing plates of aluminum . Feet are then sealed with 3m 4000 marine grade or other's use Dicor to protect against UV and to waterproof etc. also these products remain flexible but seal . Pat

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

Not true if done right . Depending on your trailer manufacturer - bolted through first with backing plates of aluminum . Feet are then sealed with 3m 4000 marine grade or other's use Dicor to protect against UV and to waterproof etc. also these products remain flexible but seal . Pat

Yes, but we were talking about a tape on system vs an epoxy, not a bolt on. If it's bolted on, the 4 small feet would be more than adequate imho.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

Yes, but we were talking about a tape on system vs an epoxy, not a bolt on. If it's bolted on, the 4 small feet would be more than adequate imho.

The manufacturers also uses the 3 m tape then some screw into roof or do a bolt through . Sealing up is the last step . No ? 's of panels blowing off . Extra measures . Pat

[OneOleMan]

Checking my solar panel this morning and am now wondering if I actually need the retro-fit Reace is sending out. Unlike the larger Escapes, and with the reinforced roof for the A/C, there is very little room for air to get under the panel on my 17B. I'm going to ETI next month to pick up a mattress and was going to have them do the retro-fit but now I'm thinking of not having it done. Am I being foolish?

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by OneOleMan

Checking my solar panel this morning and am now wondering if I actually need the retro-fit Reace is sending out. Unlike the larger Escapes, and with the reinforced roof for the A/C, there is very little room for air to get under the panel on my 17B. I'm going to ETI next month to pick up a mattress and was going to have them do the retro-fit but now I'm thinking of not having it done. Am I being foolish?

I would ask Reace that question . Why is there reinforcement on your roof ? Never saw that before . Was your trailer not ordered with ac in original build ? Looks like not too much air getting under your panel for sure . But Reace should be able to help you decide about that . Pat

[OneOleMan]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

I would ask Reace that question . Why is there reinforcement on your roof ? Never saw that before . Was your trailer not ordered with ac in original build ? Looks like not too much air getting under your panel for sure . But Reace should be able to help you decide about that . Pat

I thought of asking Reace but think for liability purposes he would say it should be done. That's why I thought I'd get some suggestions here.

The reinforcement is/was part of the original build when A/C was included in the build sheet.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by OneOleMan

I thought of asking Reace but think for liability purposes he would say it should be done. That's why I thought I'd get some suggestions here.

The reinforcement is/was part of the original build when A/C was included in the build sheet.

I still would ask what he thinks . Do you know if this reinforcement is also on 19 or just the 17 's . I have a 19 and should I be worried ? Pat

[float5]

Ours looked like that and the A/C was part of the original build.

Once ETI has told you that there is a mounting problem that needs to be corrected, then I doubt they are going to want to give you anything if you lose your panel. Of course, they may tell you otherwise when you see them.

As for tape, didn't ETI first use tape and someone's panel flew off? Or were those all epoxied?

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Floating Cloud

Ours looked like that and the A/C was part of the original build.

Once ETI has told you that there is a mounting problem that needs to be corrected, then I doubt they are going to want to give you anything if you lose your panel. Of course, they may tell you otherwise when you see them.

As for tape, didn't ETI first use tape and someone's panel flew off? Or were those all epoxied?

As far as I know they did use tape and panel blew off . There is a lot more to why from what I understand . Also bolting through is your best bet . Pat

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Floating Cloud

Ours looked like that and the A/C was part of the original build.

Once ETI has told you that there is a mounting problem that needs to be corrected, then I doubt they are going to want to give you anything if you lose your panel. Of course, they may tell you otherwise when you see them.

As for tape, didn't ETI first use tape and someone's panel flew off? Or were those all epoxied?

You had a 19 that had the same reinforcement ? Pat

[float5]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

You had a 19 that had the same reinforcement ? Pat

Yes, I believe so if I am looking at what you are looking at! Of course, ours was a 2011. Things change.


Our panel, as I take it everyone's from now on, will be bolted which is fine with us.

[Patandlinda]

Please can someone tell me if you have ac you should have the extra fiberglass piece under the ac unit ? Pat

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Floating Cloud

Yes, I believe so if I am looking at what you are looking at! Of course, ours was a 2011. Things change.


Our panel, as I take it everyone's from now on, will be bolted which is fine with us.

Pat's post 190 . Pat

[float5]

I take it you mean the extra layer of fiberglass under the A/C. Yes, ours had that. I just checked our old photos. Can't post them though.

For a few years, they did not have units A/C ready. Then they started making them all A/C ready, so I understand.