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Old 11-23-2017, 01:25 PM   #1
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Renogy Solar mounts on Dimpled roof

I am adding a third 100 watt Renogy panel on my fiberglass dimpled roof. For my first two I used Stickyfeet adhesive VHB tape along with drywall anchors and covered with marine adhesive caulk. It's solid as a rock. The third panel will be up towards the front. I am concerned about the 1 1/2" air gap that the Stickyfeet provides which may allow for too much lift of the panel along with the high cost of $12 each times 6. The Renogy mounts are only 1" air gap and have holes for 2 screws and I can buy 8 for $19.99 on sale. I could apply 3M VHB tape to the mount base and attach them using drywall anchors or just use the screws provided. Then after sitting for a few days, apply the marine adhesive caulk over the mounts and let it sit for a week and cover with Dicor.
So has anyone used the Renogy mounts? I am aware the they are a PITA to remove after mounting, but can be done with patience.
HopHed, have you had any issues with your Stickyfeet?
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Old 11-26-2017, 03:55 PM   #2
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Not a single problem and dont anticipate any at this point. The mounts are solid as a rock and panels still working well. Just got back from one week stay at Rincon.
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Old 11-26-2017, 04:51 PM   #3
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I used the Renogy mounts. Doubled up on quantity (used eight mounts on the single 100 watt panel I installed). Also bought larger SS screws. Pre-drilled, put Dicor under each mount and in the pre-frilled holes for the screws, screwed to roof, then covered each mount with Dicor. Installed in ~2014. No issues at all - over 40K miles, including an Alaska round trip.
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Old 11-26-2017, 05:12 PM   #4
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I used 4 Renogy Z brackets for my first panel. Marked the hole locations, drilled holes for well nuts. Before inserting the well nuts I put a dab of Dicor in the hole. After bolting down the bracket I put Dicor all over the base. No leaks after 2 years and everything is tight to the roof.

I have a 2nd panel to install next spring. I may use a different style of bracket, not sure yet.
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Old 11-26-2017, 07:58 PM   #5
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My Renogy 100 watt panel arrived today along with the 3 branch connector. I thought I had the correct cable, but it was 14awg. Ordered 5' with connectors of 10awg wire and should be here Tuesday. Just not sure if I want to try the Renogy brackets as they look like a lot of work to remove the panel. Plus I would do what JLeising did and double up on the mounts and use larger screws. There are 2 screws per mount. The StickyFeet seem to have the same or close surface area of the mount base. As I mentioned before, I previously used HopHed's method of lightly sanding off the dimples and applying the StickyFeet and coving it with #M 5200 adhesive caulk followed by Dicor a week later. However I also drilled a hole in the mount base and used a drywall anchor dipped in 3M 5200 and secured base to roof along with VHB tape.
I haven't read anywhere of anyone losing a panel on the road with any method. My dealer just screws the mounts to the roof and applies Dicor over it. I really want the most secure method as this panel is up front and has a better chance of wind directly hitting it. that's why I thought the 8 Renogy mounts with 2 screws each topped with 3M 5200 and 8 mounts and only 1" space would be more secure than 6 StickyFeet with the VHB tape, 1 dry wall anchor and covered with #M 5200.
Probably over kill and both would work giving me peace of mind. You know going 65 mph down the road with a 35 mile head wind has a heck of a lot of force. But I think most if it goes up and over the panels not under.
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Old 11-26-2017, 10:45 PM   #6
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Both of my 165W panels are up front and have no issues nor do I worry about more wind there. I believe I posted pictures in your prior post
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Old 11-27-2017, 02:46 PM   #7
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Solar panels

I would like to get solar panels installed on my 26’ Class C. Any advice on how many I can have installed and where I can get them installed? I’m currently in southern Arizona.
Thank you in advance for any advice.
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Old 11-29-2017, 12:18 PM   #8
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Dried out under the panels! Cause for concern?

I just removed 1 panel to do a cleanup of the Eternabond around and under the panel. I noticed that the area underneath the panel is yellower and doesn't feel the same as the area exposed to the elements. It feels dried out and rough. It's only been 16 months since I mounted the panels and I wonder what it's going to be like in 5 years? Will it be totally dried out from the heat and crack the fiberglass causing leaks?
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