In this article you will learn how to glue solar panels to your RV roof.
It is common to take this approach when installing solar panels to vehicles as it cuts out the need to drill holes. This means your roof remains watertight and no screws pop through to the interior.
You might be worried about just gluing solar panels to your RV roof, won’t they just blow off when driving?
Well, with the right adhesive and correct mounting it will be just as strong as drill holes and screws. Amazingly, you can get super strong adhesive that won’t budge even as you cruise down the highway.
Many people are nervous at first, but quickly you’ll see the effectiveness and ease of this method.
Keep reading and in no time you’ll have your RV solar panels secure on the roof.
What You’ll Need to Glue Solar Panels
- Corner Mounts – These are a mount designed to fit around your solar panel and glue to the roof. You can find two types. Some will fit over the corner like a hood while others attach to the panel frame with screws.
- Sikaflex 221 – This is an adhesive with plenty of strength and is recommended for use on RVs. You could also use 3M VHB double sided tape for flexible solar panels where adhesive is too messy.
- Marker Pen – To mark out your mounting position.
- Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) – To thoroughly clean your roof for the adhesive.
- Drill and Screwdriver – You might need to add holes to your solar panels. And screw the mounts to the frame.
Glueing Solar Panels to RV Roof – Step by Step
Let’s go through a step by step process for installing solar panels using glue. This guide should give you an overview of the steps and products needed. It might differ slightly depending on your mounts, solar panels, and chosen adhesive.
Start by watching this video walkthrough:
1. Clean Thoroughly With Solvent
The biggest mistake you can make is not properly cleaning the areas you will apply adhesive. Leaving dirt, grease, and grime on the surface could reduce the effectiveness of your adhesive.
You shouldn’t just rely on a quick wipe or soapy water. Instead, you need to use a solvent that will cut through grease residue. The alcohol will dissolve grease and water will get rid of dirt and dust.
Mix isopropyl alcohol and water (50:50). With a fresh cloth thoroughly clean the area you plan to use for mounting.
Make sure the surface is thoroughly dry before applying the adhesive.
2. Mark Out Your Mounts
Next we need to mark out where each mount will be stuck.
Place each corner and side mount in the rough area you expect them to finish. Then grab your solar panel and ensure it fits snugly in all the mounts.
The solar panel and mount should now be sat in your planned mounting position. You can be sure that there are no obstructions or surprises later down the line.
Use a pen to mark the edge of the exact spot where the mounts will be glued. Don’t mark where the adhesive will go as we want a clean dry surface.
Once marked, you can remove the equipment from the roof to continue preparation.
3. Attach Mounts to Solar Panels
At this point you need to securely fasten the mounts to the solar panels. This is because it’s tricky if not impossible to do if you try to glue the mounts to the roof first.
You will need to securely fasten the panels to the mounts with the provided screws. If you are using mounts from the manufacturer of the panel they might line up with predrilled holes.
If not you will need to carefully drill holes in the aluminum frame. This is easily done by placing the mount on the panel and drilling via the corresponding holes.
4. Glue Mounts and Panel in Place
With everything marked out you can now glue your mounts in place. Check the usage instructions on your adhesive. It is best to work quickly and in a warm dry environment. Plus use gloves and clean off any adhesive from skin, clothing, and tools immediately!
For Sikaflex 221 the optimum results are during temperatures between 15 °C and 25 °C.
Add your adhesive to the bottom of each mount attached to the solar panel. Immediately lay it in place, you can use your small marks to line up the panel and adjust very slightly until you have it exactly where you want.
Finally, you can add a layer of adhesive around the base of the mount for extra security.
Repeat the process for each panel and leave for at least 30 minutes to cure and dry. You can leave overnight to be completely sure it’s cured.
Now with your solar panels glued to your RV roof you can run your cables inside.
Glueing Solar Panel to RV Roof Summary
I hope this article helps you on your quest to glue solar panels to your RV roof.
To be honest, it’s a simple job that cuts out the need for drilling. Just make sure you’re using a suitable high-strength adhesive like Sikaflex 221 or M3 VHB tape.
It’s also critical you ensure all surfaces are clean and grease-free to get the best results.
