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Old 08-03-2013, 06:20 PM   #1
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Protecting Solar Panel

Is anyone doing anything (other than storing the trailer under a shelter) to protect their roof mounted solar panel from hail damage? Has this been an issue for anyone?
Thanks,
Fran & Dave
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Old 08-03-2013, 06:57 PM   #2
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I believe they are hail proof, as are most solar panels, they are not glass, maybe some kind of plastic coating.
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Old 08-03-2013, 07:53 PM   #3
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I put a piece of high density foam ( similar to blue insulation foam ) on top of the solar panel cut to size, then cover with the Escape provided cover. I do this mainly because the framework of the solar panel is sharp and I don't want to rip the fabric cover. I now have the TV antenna ..... I'll get back to you on that in 2 1/2 months!!
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Old 08-03-2013, 07:57 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by J Mac View Post
I put a piece of high density foam ( similar to blue insulation foam ) on top of the solar panel cut to size, then cover with the Escape provided cover. I do this mainly because the framework of the solar panel is sharp and I don't want to rip the fabric cover. I now have the TV antenna ..... I'll get back to you on that in 2 1/2 months!!
We don't have a cover for our trailer..it is a 5.0. But we were thinking about a plexiglass panel so that the solar would still be functional while the trailer is parked at home. We occasionally get some unexpected killer hail storms here...
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Old 08-03-2013, 08:04 PM   #5
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Contact Escape if they did the installation. They know what is in the framework.
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Old 08-03-2013, 08:45 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by J Mac View Post
I put a piece of high density foam ( similar to blue insulation foam ) on top of the solar panel cut to size, then cover with the Escape provided cover. I do this mainly because the framework of the solar panel is sharp and I don't want to rip the fabric cover. I now have the TV antenna ..... I'll get back to you on that in 2 1/2 months!!
I have the antenna as well and don't know if I should remove the antenna before covering or if it will survive being covered ...
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Old 08-04-2013, 08:47 AM   #7
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Mine has survived a 1/2" hail storm.
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Old 08-04-2013, 10:30 AM   #8
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Speaking of covers, I keep my 5er outside and want to purchase a cover. Escape doesnt off any (they used to, but stopped for some reason) any longer. Does anybody have a suggestion where I may purchase one that would work on a small 5th?
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Old 08-04-2013, 02:56 PM   #9
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calmarkcovers Sunbrella
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Old 08-05-2013, 02:03 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by J Mac View Post
I put a piece of high density foam ( similar to blue insulation foam ) on top of the solar panel cut to size, then cover with the Escape provided cover. I do this mainly because the framework of the solar panel is sharp and I don't want to rip the fabric cover. I now have the TV antenna ..... I'll get back to you on that in 2 1/2 months!!
Same here. We have a great cover for our 5.0 but I too was worried about the sharp corners on the solar panel cutting it - so I cover the panel with a padded cloth first. We don't get hail here, but the trailer can have a lot of snow on it in the winter. I leave the trailer plugged in all winter with a timer to charge the batteries a bit every night, plus run a low-power heater to fight the moisture.
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Old 08-05-2013, 02:14 PM   #11
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calmarkcovers Sunbrella
We got ours from Calmark Covers as well, and are very pleased with it. They didn't have a ready-made one for the Escape 5.0 so I had to send them a bunch of measurements. Plus I pointed them to the Escape website and sent a picture of our trailer. I can email you the measurement sheet if you wish - although you will of course want to check it out.
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Old 08-05-2013, 05:19 PM   #12
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We got ours from Calmark Covers as well, and are very pleased with it. They didn't have a ready-made one for the Escape 5.0 so I had to send them a bunch of measurements. Plus I pointed them to the Escape website and sent a picture of our trailer. I can email you the measurement sheet if you wish - although you will of course want to check it out.
Has anyone purchased a Calmark cover for their Escape 19?
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Old 08-05-2013, 06:35 PM   #13
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I bought a Calmark for my 17, and am pleased with it. I, too, send them my measurements.

I use foam pipe insulation around the perimeter of the solar panel to protect the cloth from sharp edges. The solar even continues to provide a small charge through the cloth.
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Old 08-05-2013, 11:33 PM   #14
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We've only had a Calmark cover for our 19 for a couple of months but so far so good. It seems very well made and Calmark has a great reputation. They were so busy we had to wait 5 weeks for it, though!

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Old 08-06-2013, 07:11 AM   #15
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We've only had a Calmark cover for our 19 for a couple of months but so far so good. It seems very well made and Calmark has a great reputation. They were so busy we had to wait 5 weeks for it, though!

Lisa
I wonder if they have the measurements on record for an Escape 19. We won't be able to take measurements until we are back from our trip at the end of September.
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