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I have just fitted an 80W kit to the roof of my Nu Venture Orwell 2 using the recommended 4 x brackets, Sikaflex and self taper method and all for under Ł160 up and rrunningand charging the leisure battery right now.
My question is will it actually stay on?
I realise lots of you have done this before and was wondering of anyone can offer me any encouragement?
The roof is a thin and fairly loose aluminium sheet on top with 34mmx19mmframe with cross members going across and bonded insulation of 34mm polystyrene inbetween. Or so I'm told by Nu venture!! It is not aabsolutelysolid otherwise it wouldn't expand and contract properly in the heat/cold.
I'm just a little worried that what seems to me like a high quality bathroom filler (sikaflex) and a few self ttapersinto about 1.5mm of alumimium and some polystyrene is sufficient to hold a 9KG solar panel in place.
Perhaps you had the same problem! Any advice would be greatly recived.
My last Van had a similar set up and I used it for a couple of years without issue. That was purely stuck on (not even Sikaflex a "slightly cheaper" alternative), no mechanical fixing whatsoever. That was on a coachbuilt with an overcab bed to deflect the wind mind.
(This is the second time this week I have "tempted fate" as my new Van has again a similar setup, but without the overcab to deflect the wind. Fingers crossed it's still on at the end of each journey).
First panel fitted 2 years ago on previous van. Sikaflex only no screws, no issues and many miles done.
New van, panel fitted this Sunday, again sikaflex only. Went to Cornwall and back yesterday 440 miles.. I just had to check it today.. All fine..
As long as you have used in date sikaflex then can't see an issue..
You will be well pleased with your Ł160 spend..
______________________________________________________________ Steve Tonks...
We have the same size panel attached with sikaflex and brackets and it has been up there for a couple of years now without any problem.
Coped with temperatures from well below freezing (around -10) up to hot sunny days in Italy (air temp 38C ) without moving.
That will answer your question, that sikaflex stuff has fantastic adhesive properties, I would put a lot of money on the fact you will not be able to pull it off.
I have a large panel (best part of 2m sq I reckon) thats been on my roof for 30K miles, no overcab to act as a deflector and its still there!!
Dont underestimate the power of modern adhesives, they are VERY strong, remember a Lotus Elise is only glued together and think of the forces acting on that when its being thrown around a race track !!
Stop worrying and start enjoying the benefits of NOT having to pay for EHU.
We worked out that on our last trip away (30 days in France in August) without paying for EHU we saved about 3 Euro's a night. Thats the best part of NINETY quid saved
fitted same size panel on ours, as per instructions and advise off mhf experts, i have the same reservations as your self, and after each journey my head goes up through the heki to see if its still there, and it is ,still solid.
i think the ultimate test for me, will be the trip to burrs country park cc site at bury, a half mile of cobbles to the entrance. if it passes that job done.
"what seems to me like a high quality bathroom filler (sikaflex)"
A totally different beast altogether, after a recent experience I reckon Sikaflex could stick teflon to ice cubes
I have just spent 5 hours removing an unwanted 2'x2' satellite mounting plate from the roof of my Hobby. It was stuck on with Sikaflex and I think the roof would have torn off before the Sikaflex let go.
I had to use a series of wooden wedges a hammer and several hacksaw blades to slowly saw through the Sikaflex, incredible stuff.
______________________________________________________________ Iv'e cut this wood twice and it's STILL too short.
I got the steps out today in between rain showers and had a bit of a tug at it. The pannel that is!! LOL
I have to say that as predicted it certainly does seem very solid indeed. The only movement was in the roof itself as I tried lifting it. I think it's on and staying put. Or at least it seems that way right now. Battery is charging a treat also despite the current weather.
Anyone know how long it should in theory take an 80W panel on a 10A regulator to charge a 110ah leisure battery from fairly low to a good healthy high level?
It seems to be producing about 12.5V to 13V even when overcast. I fitted a digital voltmeter so I can see what I'm generating.
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