Do lightweight flexible solar panels need an air gap?

Date Posted:11 September 2019 

 

Does a vented air gap underneath lightweight flexible solar panels make a difference?

Can the panels be glued directly onto a surface such as caravan roof, ute or boat deck?

 

The way flexible panels are installed, and the surface they are installed on, can have a profound impact on their longevity and performance.  

Owner and engineer Phil has undertaken extensive research and testing over 6 years regarding the installation of thin, flexible solar panels and has acquired a wealth of information regarding the do's and don'ts of installation to ensure longevity and output performance of the panels.   

The performance (output power) of solar panels reduces when they get hot.  A vented air gap allows heat to escape and helps the panel, and the surface they are installed on, maintain a lower temperature.  When panels run less hot their longevity is also improved.  Our lightweight solar panels come with an install kits option for providing a vented gap.  The combo includes the panel, strips of twinwall polycarbonate (spacers) and Very High Bond (VHB) double-sided tape plus detailed installation instructions. 

Some of the topics covered:

  • Installation methods to avoid stressing solar cells
  • substrate expansion particularly on some fibreglass
  • surface materials
  • bonding methods
  • dealing with curvature
  • step-by-step installation instructions