46 replies to this topic

[rustytinbender]

The flex panels were from Renogy and they have great customer service. I did get my money back and soon after they stopped selling the flexible solar panels. My understanding of it is that they fail because of the heat in a direct mount situation, an airspace underneath seems to prevent that but this is all still a big experiment. The setup I have now has been working well and I add on a 50 watt portable when it is needed.

[EM4]

The flex panels were from Renogy and they have great customer service. I did get my money back and soon after they stopped selling the flexible solar panels. My understanding of it is that they fail because of the heat in a direct mount situation, an airspace underneath seems to prevent that but this is all still a big experiment. The setup I have now has been working well and I add on a 50 watt portable when it is needed.

I like the set of yours Rusty and must add that Renogy are still selling their flex panels as I just picked up a 100 watt one but also purchased their plastic solid panel supports and made my own frame using aluminum to attach it to the plastic feet which are glued to the roof. Haven't really hit the road yet but so far all is good.

[BillTheHiker]

rustytinbender: can those plastic feet be removed in the future in the event you want a larger panel?

I have metal feet from AM Solar that are attached with VHB tape and was warned that removal would be difficult and could remove the paint on the roof.

[rustytinbender]

No plastic feet on my install. it's all aluminum. I am sure i could figure out a way to get them off if I needed to.

The picture below shows what I had to do to get my failed panels off.

 

 

 IMG_0637.JPG   115.45K   84 downloads

[EM4]

rustytinbender: can those plastic feet be removed in the future in the event you want a larger panel?

I have metal feet from AM Solar that are attached with VHB tape and was warned that removal would be difficult and could remove the paint on the roof.

Bill , in my case no. But if I was to go bigger it would be a second 100 watt with the same set up for attaching to the roof..

[oldhotrod]

Here is the way I look at it: if the panels hold up (and they are high quality) then I don't care if output drops in the hottest of weather, as long as they perform to spec. From my research, they are a great company that stands by their products. Besides, I installed 220ah and no current inverter plans so its a light load.

The way they are installed is worth it. Super light and low profile. I am on brushy roads regularly and I am trying to keep the appendages to a minimum. That and the single roof penetration means alot to me. Everyone has there own design criteria for sure.

Your thread got somewhat hijacked but i am still very interested in the setup...any updates? Any noticeable increase in interior heat? How is it performing ?

[Yubaman]

Your thread got somewhat hijacked but i am still very interested in the setup...any updates? Any noticeable increase in interior heat? How is it performing ?

 

So far so good although I have not been out in hot weather. I bought the camper late last year so I have no interior heat reference. Will post something after a warm weather trip.