I'm looking for advice on how to mount solar panels to my travel trailer roof without drilling any holes. I've been using a portable ground mount for my panels for about six months, but it's becoming a hassle to move them every time I set up at a new campsite. I'm hoping to gain better power output by securing the panels on the roof instead. I have four rigid 100W panels, and I've seen people recommending construction adhesive and VHB tape for this purpose. Has anyone had success with these methods? How do they hold up during travel? I usually travel once a month for multi-day trips, so durability is key. Here's a (https://youtu.be/qGuFYoS5nT8?si=YvUXvJuhUO8CddKo) showing the approach I'm considering. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
If you're planning on driving at highway speeds, I’d definitely rethink using glue. It really depends on the roof material—if it's fiberglass or metal, you might be fine. For my setup, I opted for a glue-down mount, then secured it through to the studs with self-sealing tape. After using lap sealant, I haven't had any leaks in seven years!
Using glue can work, but I had better luck with a solid frame that was screw-mounted at six points. It survived severe weather, even a hurricane! Just make sure to drill the holes, fill them with epoxy, and then seal everything with a UV-stabilized adhesive. No leaks at all!
My in-laws went with brackets that had a smooth surface and used VHB tape. It did hold up, but honestly, it made me a bit nervous. I once tried using VHB for flexible panels, and it had a lot of surface contact. For standard panels, though, I wouldn't trust it—especially because VHB can get soft in heat and lose grip after a while.
Exactly! I’d only use VHB for lightweight panels. It's just too risky for heavy ones like yours.