Flexible Solar Panels from Amazon?

[Peter81]

I installed two HQST panels (from the top of the thread) three years ago using nothing other than VHB tape. Now they're failed, and I'm replacing with Renogy panels.

From what I've read, a windshield removal tool should cut through the tape to remove the old panels. (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N4S78AG).

I'll be giving this a shot in a couple days. If it is too challenging or could damage the roof, I might just use more VHB tape to install the new panels on top of the old, failed panels.

[shenrie]

^^^ or in a pinch, fishing line or string. Basically just a mini saw. Then use an eraser wheel to clean up what’s left.

Thanks for the posts guys. The flexible panels are what I eventually plan to use, so love seeing people’s updates and especially posting up good sales!

[Cyrull]

Originally Posted by Peter81

I installed two HQST panels (from the top of the thread) three years ago using nothing other than VHB tape. Now they're failed, and I'm replacing with Renogy panels.

From what I've read, a windshield removal tool should cut through the tape to remove the old panels. (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N4S78AG).

I'll be giving this a shot in a couple days. If it is too challenging or could damage the roof, I might just use more VHB tape to install the new panels on top of the old, failed panels.

Do you think they failed due to heat (lack of air flow between the panel and roof?)

[Peter81]

Originally Posted by Cyrull

Do you think they failed due to heat (lack of air flow between the panel and roof?)

I think they failed because they were cheap, ($100 each) panels. From what I expected, 3 years was a pretty good run.

Based on my research at the time, rigid panels required ventilation whereas for the flexible panels it's not as much of an issue. Rigid panels are far more reliable though . . .

[Scalf77]

Flexible panels are not immune to heat, and the panels of that era were also prone to cupping. The high temperature cause damage to the attachment from cell to cell, shading of a single cell or multiple cell can cause hot spots in localized cell.

Many newer panels are using Sunpower cells, which offer a better attachment mechanism from cell to cell, a bypass diode on each individual cell, and generally. The newer ETFE and backing appear to be better than the older plastic or aluminum backed PET units.

The temperature has to go somewhere, and that means a lot is transferred into the van, expect temps inside to go up using flexible versus hard panel.

I easily see backside panel temps on my rigid panels of 140 - 150°F in the summer.

-greg

[BroncoHauler]

When I had flexible panels installed on the roof, the were only secured at the corners, and wind would get underneath the panels and cause rapid flexing. Flexible panels are flexible in that they can conform to curvatures, they don't actually like to be constantly flexed. The flexing causes the very thin metal leads to crack and break.


Make sure your flexible panels are adequately supported.




Herb

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by shenrie

^^^ or in a pinch, fishing line or string. Basically just a mini saw. Then use an eraser wheel to clean up what’s left.

...or the high E (or second B string) guitar string.....I had great luck slicing through VHB tape with these...as well as a single edged razor.


The guitar strings also work great for cutting through butyl tape...like the stuff the sticks the SMB penthouse canvas to the roof.

[Peter81]

Originally Posted by Peter81

I installed two HQST panels (from the top of the thread) three years ago using nothing other than VHB tape. Now they're failed, and I'm replacing with Renogy panels.

From what I've read, a windshield removal tool should cut through the tape to remove the old panels. (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N4S78AG).

I'll be giving this a shot in a couple days. If it is too challenging or could damage the roof, I might just use more VHB tape to install the new panels on top of the old, failed panels.

Today I tried using the braided wire to remove the tape. That VHB tape is so damn strong, the wire sawed through the old failed flexible panels more easily than the tape. I was able to slice through and remove about a quarter of each panel before the braided wire broke.

I used four VHB strips for each during my install 3 years ago - clearly overkill.

Tomorrow I fight another day with Goof Off and a putty knife, while waiting for a stronger braided wire to arrive.

[shenrie]

^^^ forget the goof off and putty knife, go buy an eraser wheel and be done with it.

[Peter81]

Originally Posted by shenrie

^^^ forget the goof off and putty knife, go buy an eraser wheel and be done with it.

Eraser wheel ordered. Thank you!