where to buy VIP Panels

[JimsT31Solace]

Thanks to all who gave advice on my icebox conversion question, as my current icebox is only 2.5 ft^3 I really dont want to have to add blue poly foam panels to the insides as I'll lose so much interior. Someone had posted that they procured Vacuum Insulated Panels and glued them to the inside walls/floor to significantly increase the R value for the 1 inch thickness then glued protective fiberglass over the VIP Panels. The VIP panels seem to have ratings of 30 or even 60 per inch, almost too good to be true. Does anyone know a source to procure the VIP panels? So far I have tried "HolcomElevate.com", "kingspaninsulation.com.us" and finally "pacific marine products "Ultra-R" fiberglass panels but have not had any luck getting a response.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Jim
T31 Solace

[SailingHarmonie]

You can get Panasonic vacuum panels from Digikey.

But I'll warn you, they are VERY difficult to work with. They come only in specific sizes, and (of course) cannot be trimmed or cut to size. The heat leakage around the edges can be significant, reducing the overall performance to something close to very well installed normal foam insulation. They are also fragile and need careful installation and protection. In any retro fit case, the biggest challenge can be installing in such a way that water vapor can never intrude and condense inside the insulating space. Liquid water will conduct heat VERY well.

I have used these vacuum panels to build a custom box specifically designed to accommodate the sizes available. In that case they can be a great solution to lots of insulation in limited space, but in a retrofit they are not likely to be much help--no matter what a random YouTuber might say.

[JimsT31Solace]

wow, Digikey has 12"x12"x0.94" VIP panels for $29.40 in small qty. I'm amazed. But I hear you regarding the difficulty in installing and protecting them. I thought I could overlap the panels (and then gluing standard 1 inch R5 foam sheets over) but I know the overlaps will result in air gaps behind the poly foam. Then I need to add vapor barrier. sounds complicated, but what a great R value if I get it right! Thanks for your honest reply.