Epoxy on back of solar panel ?

[hex705]

HI All,

I am building a mount for a long term installation of an Ada Fruit solar panel.

I have a bolt on plan but life would be simpler if I could epoxy an aluminum strip down the back for the panel. The strip is 1.25 in wide and 8 in long.

Does anyone know if it is safe to epoxy to the back of the solar panels. The white material looks like a plastic cover (self adhesive?). So, things that may go wrong include:

1) the white plastic melts (I can test this)

2) the white plastic survives the glueing but gets ripped off / delaminated especially if exposed to wind.

In short -- is the white stuff a glue-able substrate?

I am planning to start with the mount bolts but -- this would open some interesting doors.

Has anyone tried this ? Success? Fail?

Thanks in advance.

s

[adafruit_support_bill]

Which panel specifically? We have several types.

One thing to look out for when bonding dissimilar materials that may be exposed to temperature extremes is differences in their thermal expansion coefficients. Aluminum generally expands much more than glass. And unless your design allows for stress relief, the panel assembly may warp or crack due to the differential.

[hex705]

Sorry should have mentioned the panel number ...

5.6W, 6V solar panel part 1525

https://www.adafruit.com/product/1525

i have built small aluminum support that are not glued for the time being -- the temp difference issue is a good point -- would not have thot of that.

thanks

[adafruit_support_bill]

The good news is that panel has an aluminum backing, so your aluminum support should have a compatible expansion coefficient. I'm not sure exactly what type of plastic it is coated with. Some are more compatible with epoxies than others. But it also has built-in mounting screws. That is probably the best attachment option.

[hex705]

Thanks for all the info -- I am mounting with the integrated screws -- i appreciate your help.

s