GoPower Panel Catastrophic Failure

[Rossue]

Here is an AM Solar install. Front panel seems well to the rear compared to OP's image.

[Dcboyd]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Here is an AM Solar install. Front panel seems well to the rear compared to OP's image.

Very clean looking install.

[Dcboyd]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Here is an AM Solar install. Front panel seems well to the rear compared to OP's image.

Are you able to tilt the panels? With the securing handles it looks like it will.

[TX_Clint]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Here is an AM Solar install. Front panel seems well to the rear compared to OP's image.

They have a 21NE and you are showing a 21C. Different bath location with a different vent location results in a different solar panel location.

[tdf-texas]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Here is an AM Solar install. Front panel seems well to the rear compared to OP's image.

The panels look to be a lot closer to the roof as well.

[Rossue]

Not mine; yet have spoken with owner. Panels are tilt able. Thought about the 21 NE bath and seems the vent should be back further, however if not I believe this incident shows the risk of having the panel too far forward.

[Rossue]

Originally Posted by tdf-texas

The panels look to be a lot closer to the roof as well.

They are; was going to try and use their brackets, however would have had to remove the OEM rail attachments. Too much work/ hassle.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Dcboyd

Are you able to tilt the panels? With the securing handles it looks like it will.

Yes, AM Solar created what they call Rocker Feet. Used in conjunction with their tilt bars you can tilt the panel around the long axis of the panel.
https://amsolar.com/diy-rv-solar-instructions/edmounts
https://amsolar.com/rv-solar-panel-k...ng-accessories

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Here is an AM Solar install. Front panel seems well to the rear compared to OP's image.

Originally Posted by TX_Clint

They have a 21NE and you are showing a 21C. Different bath location with a different vent location results in a different solar panel location.

The AM Solar install I linked to earlier was a 19 with a similar layout and vent locations as a 21NE. You will note the panel is forward like the stock Escape design which is not their preferred method when you study their typical installations. I can only assume they use a stronger panel frame, stronger mounts and mount it closer to the shell. They’ve been doing solar over 30 years and know what works and what doesn’t.

[Dcboyd]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

The AM Solar install I linked to earlier was a 19 with a similar layout and vent locations as a 21NE. You will note the panel is forward like the stock Escape design which is not their preferred method when you study their typical installations. I can only assume they use a stronger panel frame, stronger mounts and mount it closer to the shell. They’ve been doing solar over 30 years and know what works and what doesn’t.

I am impressed. May just have to convert to this system. I have two panels on the one being delivered. Would like to have the tilting option.

[AKCamper]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

I have only 2 questions regarding this issue

1) What was the actual / root cause of the failure ?
2) What if any ,action needs to be taken to prevent future failures ?

Originally Posted by Dcboyd

I am impressed. May just have to convert to this system. I have two panels on the one being delivered. Would like to have the tilting option.

I would think reinforcing th panel front and rear as well as some kind of deflector at the front edge of the panel that the factory setup would work fine. As far as tilt able panels go my only concern is getting up there to tilt them. I agree that you get substantially more power from the panel it’s just not something you want to do unless you’re staying put for a while. That’s why my panels are on my truck canopy where they can be reached easily.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Dave Walter

Another vote for flexible panels taped directly to the roof.

I have flexible panels on the 15B and it is holding up well after 3 yrs.
I have the rigid panels on my 19 and after 7 years I had to replace two of the cable ties that were holding it to the roof (they snapped).

Hey flexible panels still good too ! Pat

[Chama]

We have a 2019 E21C with the 170 w. GoPower panel. There are no holes in the aluminum frame anywhere except where the panel is rivited to the mounting brackets. GoPower must have changed the frame design somewhere along the line.

[Rossue]

Originally Posted by Chama

We have a 2019 E21C with the 170 w. GoPower panel. There are no holes in the aluminum frame anywhere except where the panel is rivited to the mounting brackets. GoPower must have changed the frame design somewhere along the line.

Jon V. & I both didn't think ours did, yet upon closer inspection we did see on the bottom side of the aluminum frame there is a very small hole in the center. Then further down I see the more oval and larger ones as well.

[Dcboyd]

This is why this forum is so important. It lets us know what is transpiring in updates or downgrades on the new trailers. It also lets us prepare for what we need to do to alleviate potential problems before they occur.
I also have owned my own construction firm doing mainly projects for architects and engineers.

I have also spent a lot of ocean time on my on own sail vessels hundreds of miles offshore and have not had the luxury of pulling over on the side of the road for repairs or calling AAA. I expect quality, look for it and will except nothing else.

I can and will make the necessary proper repairs not offered or felt like companies (not just ETI) are willing to do.
There have been many factory built compromises brought forward by this forum and several are willing to make the repairs to alleviate the problems. Many accept and defend the what is.

Sorry to ramble, hope not to offend. At 73 I have seen, and done a lot, and am not willing to compromise.

Again, as tdf-texas sig line. If It Isn’t Perfect, It Isn’t Finished

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Dcboyd

I expect quality, look for it and will except nothing else.
Again, as tdf-texas sig line. If It Isn’t Perfect, It Isn’t Finished

It's "accept nothing else".

[FMLNM]

When we had a solar panel tear off (in the old days of epoxying the frame onto the fiberglass) they also responded well and then changed the mounting method. Ours tore off in southeast Colorado during thunderstorm

Not sure they appreciate the winds in the American SW! 😉

[Dee Lirious]

Simply put some light weight/cheap angle bracket, aluminum or even plastic, pretty much ANYTHING to close the gap between the bottom of the panel and the roof of the trailer. If the wind can not get under the panel, it CAN NOT lift it. Simple, cheap, effective.
Have you never seen people with mattresses on the roof of their car and it is bent it half creating a huge sail ? ONE rope holding the front of the mattress down and even better pulling it down a little so the oncoming wind pushes down on the wayward mattress instead of lifting it. Let the wind that causes the problem be your friend to fix/stop the problem. Pretty simple problem to avoid. The wind needs to be taken into consideration on EVERYTHING protruding from your setup.

[EdColorado]

“

Sorry to ramble, hope not to offend. At 73 I have seen, and done a lot, and am not willing to compromise.

Again, as tdf-texas sig line. If It Isn’t Perfect, It Isn’t Finished“

Leaking tanks
Improperly installed solar panels
Pitted gel coat
Nuts on the battery terminals being finger tight.
A women pointing out ripples in the wall covering.

And this is just over the last few weeks.

Maybe maximizing production does result in a compromise in quality.

[Dee Lirious]

classic example of victims of their own success. Sad but inevitable. There is no product out there that has maintained the quality of small family business when they have become successful/ greedy