Solar 1.1 – Part 1
Planning and preparation were the most time consuming parts of our installation. Electrically, this was very straightforward. The solar panels get combined and feed into the on/off switch which feeds the PV inputs on the charge controller. The battery outputs of the charge controller feed into the circuit breaker and from there into the bus bars. The Smart Battery Sense is wired directly to one of the batteries and is affixed to the top case using the double-sided, thermal tape.
Once we had all parts on hand, we used the Renogy solar panel boxes to approximate the placement and fit of the panels. If the box fits, then the panel will fit. Next we had to prepare the roof for the panels. We used AM Solar 35mm rocker feet which, following our no holes policy, would be glued to the roof using the supplied 3M VHB tape. VHB tape requires a clean surface so we took Nemo and Bubbles to the spa. We then dispatched our lightest crew member onto the roof for additional cleaning starting with water, then cleaning spray and finally with rubbing alcohol. VHB tape has a very specific temperature and humidity range for full adhesion so we waited until the weather forecast was favorable.
As we were using AM Solar feet with Renogy panels, we had to drill new holes in the Renogy frames. Keeping the feet matched with each panel ensure that we would have consistent placement. We placed the assembled panel and feet on the roof and set each location. The front two panels had an extra set of feet on the front edge. As these bear the brunt of the wind shear, it is recommended to have an extra pair of feet on these. Once we were happy with the position, one person would lift the panel up and another would clean the roof one more time with rubbing alcohol. Then we would remove the backing and press the foot to the roof. This process was repeated, leaving the panel in place, for each foot on each panel. VHB tape achieves 50% adhesion after 20 minutes, 90% after 24 hours and 100% after 72 hours. By the time we had completed setting all of the panels, it was time to back around and remove the panels. and put them away.
Next we used the Skiflex 221 to seal around the base of the feet. This protects the VHB tape from water incursion. Sikaflex is like a really sticky meringue and even looks like it. It gets a little messy but who is going to be looking that closely on the roof anyway?
