Looking for some Solar Panel Advice

Markitect

I am planning on mounting 2-100w flexible panel to the roof of my 400 and am looking for some advice:

1. Which Tape to use? I was thinking of using the 3M VHB tape to mount them, which type specifically? it would seem i would want some thickness to guarantee a good bond, but how thick is too thick, and what is not thick enough? 

2. Tape Pattern? I had read (somewhere, so much info available!), that using tape allows for a gap under the panel which should help with heat dissipation. With that in mind, what sort of pattern would you suggest? I was thinking that just strips across the short side with the sides open would allow the air flow and provide the adhesion needed. (What am I missing?)

3. Leading Edge: I noted in a lot of what I saw, tape of some type was placed at the leading edge of the panel. This makes sense to me, but is it really needed?

4. Panel Location: I was thinking of 2 scenarios: one with both panels aft of the fan housing and the other with one in front, the other behind the fan housing. By separating them, it seemed at least one of the panels would be facing the sun, (however it may mean only one would be facing the sun). so some input there would be helpful. I wonder if both in partial sun would be the same as separating them?

5. Wiring? With the above noted, should I wire the separated ones in parallel or in series? 

6. Wire Management: Best way to secure the wires? I would like to not screw anything, is there a clamp with VHB tape available and does it work?

Thank you all for you help with this, I look forward to hearing your experiences and suggestions.

M

N7SHG_Ham

The cleanest install would be to get the 2019 and newer panel NuCamp uses and basically do a factory install. That panel works very good, is truly flexible and is more efficient. Is it the least expensive? Definitely cheaper ways to go, but I am super happy with mine 18 months or so in.

Sharon_is_SAM

Here are some maybe helpful threads:

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/117609#Comment_117609

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/7621/removing-flexible-solar-panels-mounted-with-vhb-tape

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/10721/2018-320s-boondock-mods-and-diy-solar-install

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/8958/brand-and-model-of-solar-panel-tab-400-boondock-lite

Sharon_is_SAM

Have you checked out the Renogy.com info?

https://www.renogy.com/learn-series-and-parallel/

“The downside to series systems is shading problems. When panels are wired in series, they all in a sense depend on each other. If one panel is shaded it will affect the whole string. This will not happen in a parallel connection.“

Markitect

@Sharon_is_SAM , Thank you for this, I checked them out and there seems to be a lot of good information here. I'll look deeper and post any further questions I may have.
M

Tundra57

I get a bit confused with the series parallel comparison. In parallel the panels are seperated by diodes to prevent circulating currents. The current from each panel will add. The voltage I assume will be the higher of the two panels. Since for two functioning panels, the current will be high, voltage drop on a long run could be a problem.

In series i do not think the panels are seperated but posdibly the diode is still in circuit. The voltage will be the sum of the two panels, but the current? I would expect it to be limited by the panel impedance if there is a "dark panel," Is it affected by the lowest voltage panel? The series connection reduces the current (ohm law still applies) and will reduce voltage drop over a long length.

I asked Renogy, but they just said they reccomended parallel, but series is possible with their panels.