Solar: flexi vs rigid

[timhowes]

Hi folks

I'm really pleased with my New Dawn Conversions roof bars (thanks Den!) but possibly should've sorted my solar setup out first. The bars in question are the simple transverse bars which bolt into the M8 sockets on the AFT (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/mazda-bongo-F ... 1897314998) and at the mid-point of the roof there is only 25mm clearance under the rear bar.

So - the combination of A) threaded sockets already occupied, and B) low clearance suggests to me that I am going to need a semi-flexible solar panel, instead of a framed one. However I reckon I could make a framed panel fit with a bit of ingenuity.

My question is this: should I be concerned about delamination or other quality issues with the semi-flexi panels? I do prefer the sturdiness of a framed panel but possibly not at the expense of being a massive hassle to fit under my bars. Some motorhome users of flexi panels seem to report pooling of water and cracking - hopefully not too much of an issue as it will be on a driveway with a gradient when at home, or else the roof will be up when camped!

Have others had any longevity issues with their semi-flexi panels?

Thanks for any comments/advice offered
Tim

[Bongolia]

Hi Tim
I used a flexi solar panel bonded to the roof of my old campervan.
It fitted the roof line better which had a slight curvature and was less obtrusive than the framed one it replaced, a doddle to fit and better output too.
It was held in place with Sikkaflex 221 bonding adhesive but could also be fixed straight thru panel corners for the the nervous type.
They use this type on narrow boats and yacht decks as they can be walked on so I wouldn't think water ingress and delamination would be a problem ,certainly wasn't with mine.
I have heard of over heating problems due to lack of air flow but again never had problem or drop of efficiency.
Even loaded luggage on it when travelling,which obviously effects the output somewatt.

Name of the company escapes me at the moment but I can dig it out if you decide to go down that route.

[timhowes]

Thanks Bongolia. Name of supplier & manufacturer would be great if you can face looking for it!

[Bongolia]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120W-12V-semi ... Swl9BWL49J

Best I can recall this was the kit I fitted.

They do have a website http://www.photonicuniverse.com/ and tech back up were very helpful.
Might be an idea to ring them as I think they have mobile fitters if you dont feel up to it.
I saw a couple being fitted by them at the Detling show this year took them about three hours although they were caravans.

[Bongolia]

The controller type can be a factor in efficiency also so may be an idea to wikipedia that but I dont think on this output level it makes a lot of difference, however...MPPT Vs. PWM controllers.
Mine was MPPT.
But they will swap it out if you ask I am sure.

[sotal]

I also have a NDC roof rack and have been looking at fitting a solar panel.

Our issue is that we leave the roof box on for about 8 months of the year. It only comes off Nov - Feb when we don't go camping.

Our roof box is a long thin one, so ideally we need a long thin solar panel to go alongside. I was half tempted to fit it to the roof rack (somehow) rather than the roof. This would give air flow underneath and would give a better position to get light. I just worry about how secure it would be. Also the cross bars bend a little when weight is put in the box - so the panels would need to be flexible in order to survive.

I also need to watch weight - as the roof already struggles a little at the end of the travel when opening (with the roof rack and empty roof box on)