VHB and mounting bracket size

[hovr]

Hi all,
I have been researching rigid solar panel for my Caravel 16'. It seems like the only panel that fits the limited roof space is Zamp 90w slim. After reading many posts here I have decided to do a VHB + sealant install without drilling.

https://www.zampsolar.com/90watt-long

Note the mounting bracket is different than Am solar's VHB bracket
https://amsolar.com/rv-mounting-accessories/91m-35ms


I am wondering if Zamp's brackets' feet are too small for VHB to get a secure bond? Has anyone had experience with these brackets?

Also part of the roof is painted white, so the VHB would have to bond to the paint instead of aluminum sheeting. Is that a problem?

Thanks!

[Mx468]

Originally Posted by hovr

Hi all,
I have been researching rigid solar panel for my Caravel 16'. It seems like the only panel that fits the limited roof space is Zamp 90w slim. After reading many posts here I have decided to do a VHB + sealant install without drilling.

https://www.zampsolar.com/90watt-long

Note the mounting bracket is different than Am solar's VHB bracket
https://amsolar.com/rv-mounting-accessories/91m-35ms


I am wondering if Zamp's brackets' feet are too small for VHB to get a secure bond? Has anyone had experience with these brackets?




Also part of the roof is painted white, so the VHB would have to bond to the paint instead of aluminum sheeting. Is that a problem?

Thanks!

Hi hovr, I just completed doing this so while its fresh on my brain, here's what I did. I used renogy brackets which were smaller than am solars, I used 4950 vhb tape to bond to roof and sikaflix over each brackets foot. I covered the brackets with a garbage bag for about 3 days because I'm parked under trees in my driveway, nothings worse than having twigs, leaves in your nice new sikaflix Those brackets are going nowhere. I would scape or remove paint from where you plan on placing each bracket/foot, then make sure the area is cleaned thoroughly, I used rubbing alcohol. Good luck!

[Gsmblue]

When I had my Zamp panels put on (by Zamp), I was told that the Zamp feet are not as big as the AM solar feet and they do not recommend the VHB method for that reason.

The Zamp team are great, call them and they will happily give you their first hand opinion.

Always best to get it straight from the horses mouth!

[hovr]

Originally Posted by Mx468

Hi hovr, I just completed doing this so while its fresh on my brain, here's what I did. I used renogy brackets which were smaller than am solars, I used 4950 vhb tape to bond to roof and sikaflix over each brackets foot. I covered the brackets with a garbage bag for about 3 days because I'm parked under trees in my driveway, nothings worse than having twigs, leaves in your nice new sikaflix Those brackets are going nowhere. I would scape or remove paint from where you plan on placing each bracket/foot, then make sure the area is cleaned thoroughly, I used rubbing alcohol. Good luck!

Thanks!
did you use these?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BR3KFKE..._FSFdFbZQBR0QN

These brackets looks good, 1x4 contact area should be good. do you find it difficult to tighten the screws from underside, especially for the 2 towards the center of the roof?

-Hovr

[Mx468]

Originally Posted by hovr

Thanks!
did you use these?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BR3KFKE..._FSFdFbZQBR0QN

These brackets looks good, 1x4 contact area should be good. do you find it difficult to tighten the screws from underside, especially for the 2 towards the center of the r

-Hovr

I got those and also the ones for curved roofs. The flat brackets I used on top and the curved ones towards the bottom.

https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Solar-...57239297&psc=1

As for tightening the top bolts you just need small wrenches which helped a lot with the install. Also placing the top brackets closest to the solar panel corners. Tighten the top bolts first before doing the bottom ones.

[guskmg]

My 32 bonded AM mounts are still there after 5 seasons. I would recommend you clean the mounting area with carburetor cleaner. No need to scrape away the paint.
guskmg

[dznf0g]

I wouldn't remove the paint either. I used several applications of a quality cleaner/wax to remove all oxidation and impurities. Then several rub downs with prep solvent to remove all wax. Likewise, it has been about 5 years with no lost adhesion.

[wulfraat]

AM brackets are the gold standard. 32 feet with VHB/silkaflex and 3 seasons later no problemo.......

[hovr]

Originally Posted by wulfraat

AM brackets are the gold standard. 32 feet with VHB/silkaflex and 3 seasons later no problemo.......

$80/set pricing is pretty hard to swallow . For your setup it's $80x8 = $640 :O