HI
First I would contact the f/glass high top maker and ask there advice . Britz would no .
Similar to fixing a Jayco camper roof .
The load must be spread over the majority of the roof area . The frame or rack attaches to the vertical sides of the roof which are moderately load bearing . There is a restriction for weight capacity when up or down .
A 50 x 50 x 3mm angle or box frame would be a good start . Glued to roof . Without framing the f/glass might crack . How much who no`s !
At least 200-upto -300 watts on the roof
And a 160watt portable
That wattage will covver most elec needs
If u donot use glass panels ,flexi units maybe an option [ get units with good warranty as many seem to drop output around the3-5 yr period ]
Not only the weight may be a problem, that is quite a high roof so the risk of scrapping them off is also a consideration. I'd go with semi flexible panels but you do need someone who has experience with them because there are a lot of catches just waiting for young players to trip them up and turn it into a very expensive procedure.
Can you get a photo of the roof as it is now? Probably parked beside a multi storey building so you can stand out on a balcony or similar to take the photo. I won't recommend you climb on a ladder to do it, too many folk falling off ladders lately because they aren't maintaining the min 3 point contact at all times
T1 Terry
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Fibreglass can be an issue to bond to but the following was given to me by a mate who was a wiz in composites.
1. Use a urethane adhesive such as Sika 252.
2. Sand the area to be bonded to take the gloss of the glass to allow a good bond.
3 Clean throughly to remove dust, wax and grease, preferably with some alcohol wipes or medical alcohol.
4. Use the recommended Sika primer and then the adhesive itself.
This should give you the required bond strength. You can use the panel mounts specifically designed for solar panels which also allow air flow under the panel for cooling.
If you look up installing caravan solar panels on YouTube there is lots of info on how and also pictures of the molded mounts which are available off ebay for about $35.00
I have a 2008 Toyota LC Troopy,its an Ex Britz Hire.
I am looking at free camping/off the grid blar blar.
So am keen to use solar.
Folks,has anyone out their fixed a solar panel to a fibreglass canopy,and was happy/ or not ?
very keen to read some/much feedback/comments.
Cheers
Hi Paul....For your needs,Sikaflex 11 is a far better product than Sikaflex 252.As well as being FAR easier to use,Sikaflex 11 maintains elasticity, which allows the mounting brackets to flex on the roof as required.Good luck with your project,and Happy travels.Cheers.
-- Edited by yobarr on Tuesday 12th of June 2018 10:22:10 AM
Sika 11fc is more a sealant than adhesive although it has reasonable adhesive properties. It is one of the lower grade products.
The 252 is designed to be more of an adhesive. With an elasticity of 400% movement will not be an issue.
Given you are relying on the adhesive only to keep the panel on the roof, I would be using the high end product.
Plenty of data sheets for both products on the net.
On fibreglass the cleaning and priming is critical for a good bond.
G`day melpal,
My panels are bonded to the fibre glass roof on my van . I purchased my solar panels , fittings and adhesive from Aussie Batteries and Solar. Have a talk with them they will be able to steer you in the right direction.
Cheers,
Jontee
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