Attaching flexible solar panel to non skid

[TimFromLI]

I am trying to figure out a way to attach a flexible solar panel to the non skid between the mast and the companionway. I don't want to put any holes in the deck in case I replace or remove the panel down the road. Right now the plan is to use velcro strips. The adhesive does not work that well on the non skid, so I will help it with some 4200. The panel does have some grommet holes along the edge. Does anyone have any better ideas?

 

[kloudie1]

I think that with a good clean surface, 3M VHB tape would be a good solution.. Use the 1" wide white one and you'll be happy with the install.. Be sure to position the panel perfectly before sticking it down because you won't be repositioning it after it is stuck.. some guide marks on the deck can help.. Their 4952 is thick enough to work with non-skid.. Google VHB

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/3M-VHB-Tape-4952/?N=5002385+8713604+3293242233&preselect=8710676+8711740&rt=rud

 

[Stu Jackson]

How do you plan on leaving enough space for air to get under the panel?

 

[TimFromLI]

How do you plan on leaving enough space for air to get under the panel?

I didn't. I assume it will build up heat if I don't.

 

[TimFromLI]

This is a Renogy panel. The manufacturer website says they are designed to be mounted "flush" and they advise "any industrial adhesive such as sika-flex 252, or a comparable adhesive " No mention of ventilation. Temperature range of -40F to +194F

 

[BigEasy]

How do you plan on leaving enough space for air to get under the panel?

I think that sailrite has a honeycomb type product to insulate and aireate the under surface of the solar panel and the surface that you are mounting to. Have read of instances where flexible panels placed directly on top of canvas biminis, without insulating, have resulted in fires!
Wouldnt expect that to happen on deck; however, insulation that helps to ventilate the bottom of the panel would prevent excess heat and likely extend the life of the panel.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Wouldnt expect that to happen on deck; however, insulation that helps to ventilate the bottom of the panel would prevent excess heat and likely extend the life of the panel.

This is a Renogy panel. The manufacturer website says they are designed to be mounted "flush" and they advise "any industrial adhesive such as sika-flex 252, or a comparable adhesive " No mention of ventilation. Temperature range of -40F to +194F

Tim, Big Easy has reflected what my question asked. While what you say is undoubtedly true based on their website, I would caution you to be very, very careful about heat buildup, and do more research on your own about this issue.
IIRC, heat REDUCES the panel output, too, which is exactly the opposite of what one is attempting to obtain from panels.
Good luck.

 

[TimFromLI]

Thanks, I'll look into the heat issues and the 4952

 

[CarlN]

I would use VHB tape. Will hold fine and you can break the bond with a thin pry bar. Bruce Schwab who has been installing solar panels on ocean racing boat decks for decades (including his boat in 2005 when he was the first American to finish the solo non-stop Vendee Globe round the world race). If heat was a problem - he'd mention it. Solar Installation Guide & Accessories | Bruce Schwab - Ocean Planet

Another option is to get some twin wall polycarbonate panels from a greenhouse supply place. These can be cut to the size of the solar panel. I use this under my bimini mounted solar panels to avoid a hard spot at the bows. They flex enough to follow the curve of the bimini but not so much that the solar panel can be damaged. I attach the solar panels to the polycarbonate with VHB tape.

 

[MikeHoncho]

I wouldn’t mount it directly into anything abrasive like non skid. The panel will abrade and fail prematurely