Securing Solar Panels to Roof (From TapaTalk Forum)

Securing Solar Panels to Roof

https://carriage-lifestyle-owners.com/viewtopic.php?f=101&t=1585

Posted: 10:20 PM – Jul 08, 2014

jcberlin

Hello,
I will be adding a solar system to my 2007 Cameo 35fd3 this fall. The roof is TPO which I believe is not glued down, so I will have to use screws to fasten the panels. What is under the TPO? Can I just use 1 inch stainless steel screws directly into the roof and seal with dicor or is there a better method?

Thanks,
Carl

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Posted: 2:25 PM – Jul 09, 2014

larry

hey carl not sure on the roof but I was on a newer a motorhome and they screwed them to the a/c unit. good luck I want to do the same project to my 2008 cameo
larry

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Posted: 3:21 PM – Jul 09, 2014

JohnD222

I believe that the 2007 roof material was pretty thin particle board not TNG plywood. I think this would argue for at each corner a square plate with 4 screws going into the roof decking (yes self lapping Dicor around perimeter of each screw hole and over the screw and plate when screwed down) and a vertical piece on that plate to which you mount any panel hardware. I know I have seen such hardware, just can’t remember the link.

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Posted: 8:17 PM – Jul 09, 2014

lillyputz

I installed five 140 watt solar panels on the roof of my Lifestyle 38RS. I attached one inch aluminum angle to each of the four corners of the panels and installed Z brackets from Arizona Wind & Sun to each corner of the panels. Then drilled and lagged the brackets through the, I believe 1/2 inch plywood roof sheeting, sealing before and after lagging with Dicor self leveling lap seal. Very solid and with the Z brackets, keeps the panels off the roof, approx. one inch for air flow and panel heat.

Lillyputz

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Posted: 7:28 PM – Jul 11, 2014

jcberlin

Thanks for the information. I think I will put down stainless steal plates with 4 to 6 screws then glue the solar panels feet to the plates. That should give me better adhesion than the 2 screw setup that the panels come with.

-Carl

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Posted: 10:10 PM – Aug 10, 2014

jcberlin

You are correct about the roof being particle board. It looks to be 3/8 inch thick. I ended up using two well nuts at each corner and the panels seem very secure. I am glad I did not use the screws provided with the mounts, the well nuts are definitely the way to go.

B.W.Gentry
Owner/Admin
2007 Carri-Lite XTRM5
Breckenridge, TX

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