Installing Solar Panels on Roof

WBG

WBGavin
Hi,

I am thinking of installing a solar panel on the roof to charge my batteries (just a trickle charge, not really charging them) when the unit (2014 BH 3570RS) is in storage.

What length/size screws should I use. Any preferences on the "sealing compound" one should use?

Thanks for your help.

WBG
 

Bones

Well-known member
I just installed 4 of these on my Bighorn...kept batteries (2 Trojan T-1275's) fully charged for our last 21 day trip. I would think one would be all you need. Using this, you don't screw into the roof, you just peel off the backing and it sticks to your roof. LOVE LOVE LOVE them....

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MWFFWM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Here is how it looks on my Bighorn.

View attachment 39521
Can you walk on them and do you use a charge controller?
 

Oregon_Camper

Well-known member
Can you walk on them and do you use a charge controller?

Yes, you can walk on them which makes it very easy to wash them and roof. I use a 40 amp Renogy MPPT controller and a MT-5 LCD Display to monitor everything. I was at a 100% charge everyday on our last 21 day camping trip (of which 19 were boondocking with no water or power)

Controller
http://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Tracer...1&keywords=mppt+solar+charge+controller+40amp

Display
http://www.amazon.com/MT-5-Tracer12...acer2215RN/dp/B00ECVWDGC/ref=pd_bxgy_86_img_y

- - - Updated - - -

What happens if one goes bad ? Can you peel it back off of your rubber roof ?

Honestly, I don't know. I would guess it would be a SLOW process of peeling back the panel, while ensuring the roof membrane was not damaged.

I thought about this while buying and decided it was a better risk than drilling/screwing ~32 holes in my roof (assuming 4 panels and 8 screws each...could be more)
 

Brazos

Active Member
I don't think it is that often that panels go bad. I haven't run into any. But it is possible. In the case of the stick down panels. You could probably stick another one over top of the bad panel. I have a friend with stick down panels that got into a bad hail storm and he had significant dents all over the panels. He said he notices no solar loss to the system. So stick down panels can take a pretty good beating. I have not heard of raised panels having any damage from wind or hail either.
 

WBG

WBGavin
I just installed 4 of these on my Bighorn...kept batteries (2 Trojan T-1275's) fully charged for our last 21 day trip. I would think one would be all you need. Using this, you don't screw into the roof, you just peel off the backing and it sticks to your roof. LOVE LOVE LOVE them....

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MWFFWM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Here is how it looks on my Bighorn.

View attachment 39521

Thanks for your info & pics.

The stick down panes are sure nice in that they eliminate the need to screw them down, but they are more horsepower than I think I need. I am just looking for a trickle charge.

Thanks again

WBG
 

WBG

WBGavin
I am also a bit leery about sticking a new one over an old one, but at that point, that just might be the best option
 
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