Mounting Solar Panels October 02, 2023, 12:21:34 pm I'm going to mount four panels to the roof. Does this sound like a good way to go? Z-brackets (2 crew holes in each) . * A blob of Dicor under each bracket;* Screw down each;* blob of Dicor over each bracket.I know the roof material is thin. I saw one video in which the guy used plastic anchors rather than screwing directly into the thin roof. Thanks.jor
Re: Mounting Solar Panels Reply #1 – October 02, 2023, 12:31:07 pm JorThat is the method I have used for a couple of decades without problems. I use 3M 5200 instead of Dicor, it's a better adhesive.The adhesive is what holds the panels in place, the screw(s) pull the feet into position against the roof while the adhesive sets up.Larry
Re: Mounting Solar Panels Reply #2 – October 02, 2023, 02:59:21 pm Thanks, Larry. Originally, I thought I would just VHB then to the roof but of course, our aluminum skin floats of the wood so I decided to screw them down as well. One question: Is the 5200 permanent, not removable by a future owner?jor
Re: Mounting Solar Panels Reply #3 – October 02, 2023, 11:53:12 pm I have been talking with Vince about assessing my roof to determine is resealing is needed. I mentioned I added 2 solar panels and screwed their brackets into the roof, just as Larry described. Vince expressed concern about hitting wires in the ceiling with the screws. He said the factory was careful to install wood blocking to avoid this concern.
Re: Mounting Solar Panels Reply #4 – October 03, 2023, 02:52:57 am Quote from: jor - October 02, 2023, 02:59:21 pmOne question: Is the 5200 permanent, not removable by a future owner?It can be cut off using a vibratory tool with a sharp blade, it is tough stuff. If you might want to move the panels in the future, use Dicor, it's easier to cut off. Thoughtful planning should reduce the need to do this.Larry
Re: Mounting Solar Panels Reply #5 – October 03, 2023, 03:08:02 am Quote from: Keith S - October 02, 2023, 11:53:12 pmI have been talking with Vince about assessing my roof to determine is resealing is needed. I mentioned I added 2 solar panels and screwed their brackets into the roof, just as Larry described. Vince expressed concern about hitting wires in the ceiling with the screws. He said the factory was careful to install wood blocking to avoid this concern.When mounting panels, use sheet metal screws that are too short to fully penetrate the plywood sub-roof, #10 X 3/4" stainless-steel sheet metal screws seem to work well. With a strong sealant/adhesive, the screw's main purpose is to hold the panel's metal foot in firm contact with the sheet metal roof while the adhesive cures.Larry 2 Likes
Re: Mounting Solar Panels Reply #6 – October 03, 2023, 09:30:57 am QuoteIt can be cut off using a vibratory tool with a sharp blade, QuoteWhen mounting panels, use sheet metal screws that are too short to fully penetrate the plywood sub-roof, #10 X 3/4" stainless-steel sheet metal screws seem to work well.5200 and 3/4" ss sheet metals it is!! Thanks, guys.jor 1 Likes