Mounting Semi-Flexible Panels

[thinwater]

a. There is not enough space for thick rigid panels.
b. You can't lay semi-flexible panels over a surface with ridges without shortening their life (fatigue from repeated flexing).

Has anyone bonded the panel to a backing sheet of something like 1/8" FRP, pre-bent to the correct curve? It would add negligible weight and thickness, would stiffen the panel by at least 4x, would still allow a removable mounting, and should lengthen panel life. Other backing materials are possible.

Seems simple. Other than the time, there seems little down side.

[Lennie]

I plan on using twin wall polycarbonate panels that are used to build a green house. I have been told you can glue the panels on or use mechanical fasteners. I saw some at Home Depot but they were only 24 inches wide. I need around 30 inches for my 200 watt panels.

[smac999]

I've seen people make sleves with like 1/16" alum just make 2" wider and longer. fold 1" over on 3 sides. screw metal to roof. slide panel in and out of sleve as needed.

[Canibul]

Originally Posted by Lennie

I plan on using twin wall polycarbonate panels that are used to build a green house. I have been told you can glue the panels on or use mechanical fasteners. I saw some at Home Depot but they were only 24 inches wide. I need around 30 inches for my 200 watt panels.

Who makes a flexible 200 watt panel? I think I missed those in my searches so far. I'm seeing 200 watt kits, but those are two 100 watt panels and a controller. Would be interested in looking at a 200 watt, 30 inch wide panel, for sure.

[Lennie]

My 200 watt panels are from Shine Solar and measure 31.5 X 56.5 they have 220w at 31.5 X 61 and 300w that are 36 X 71.25. Emarine sells 100w, 120w and 135w but not the bigger ones.
I bought some 100w and 200w and resold all locally except the three 200w I'm installing. I put a meter on one of the100w units and in the rain half under my bimini with the meter covering a cell it was showing 19v of the 21v output. Very cool these are much better than the the last generation panels.