SOLAR FLEX PANEL INSTALLATION

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1. Check the voltage and current on the solar panel.​

2. Plan the layout of the solar panels on the RV rooftop. You can use the shipping boxes to cut out templates of the panels and use them again to cover the panels when beginning the install. ​

3. Placement of the panels should be as close together as possible. Each panel has 3.3’ of cable coming from the junction box. It may be necessary to use solar panel extension cables (can be purchased from Go Power!).​

4. Plan out wire routing before permanently mounting the solar panel(s). In many installations it is better to mock-up the whole installation before adhering the panels. High bond tape and adhesives can create a permanent mounting situation.​

5. Panels should be placed close together but with a minimum 1/2” gap between to allow for expansion and contraction.​

6. Ensure that all wiring is protected from rough or sharp edges.​

7. Ensure fixed obstacles, such as air conditioners, will not shade the solar panels. (Shading can greatly reduce the performance of the solar charging system)​

8. Panel(s) should be located a minimum of 3’ from the front of the RV/truck/tractor roof to reduce wind load on the panels, or mechanical fasteners are required.​

9. If using fasteners, ensure the mounting surface is at least 3/8” thick and strong enough to support the panel(s) mounting hardware. Internal wiring should be avoided when selecting solar panel mounting locations for drilling mounting holes.​

10. Panel(s) are not recommended to bend beyond 30⁰ (for 100W modules, 30⁰ = 2.7” / 69mm bend)​

11. Panel(s) should be tested prior to installation by measuring the DC voltage with a voltmeter when exposed to sunlight.​

12. Panel(s) with backing tape should be checked to ensure that tape is no more than 1/4” from panel edges.​

Surface Preparation​

1. Temporarily place solar panel(s) on surface and trace around perimeter. Remove panel(s) after trace is complete. ​

2. Determine mounting surface material and follow the steps outlined the surface preparation flow chart below​

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Surface preparation methods described on the left should be made 6” outside the trace line(s).​

Installation​

1. Once the surface is prepped, allowed to dry and above 45⁰F/8⁰C, the installation may begin. The panel and mounting surface should remain at the minimum surface installation temperature of 45⁰F/8⁰C throughout the installation and for at least 1hr before exposure to colder environments or wind loading during transit.​

2. Remove the thin transparent protective layer on the top surface of the panel. (See note to the right to remove as last step).​

3. The nonstick layer can also be completely removed before installation; however, care must be taken that the panel is lowered evenly onto the mounting surface as the panel could flex/flop down and contact the roof unevenly, preventing the panel from lying flat.​

4. Apply even pressure to the entire panel to ensure it is properly adhered to the trailer roof. 3.5 – 5.5 psi is recommended for each location of pressure. This range is roughly equivalent to applying 30-50 lbs with the palm of each hand (palm area being ~3x3”). A clean, soft cloth may be used between hands and panel for sliding and distributing pressure evenly across the panel. Ensure the cloth is soft to not scratch the panel. Ensure the panel is completely adhered to the roof.​

5. If mounting hardware was included with your panel(s), install the screws and washers through the grommet holes in the panel. Apply sealant under, around and on top of each of the screws to ensure a watertight installation. Drilling a pilot hole smaller than the screw diameter is recommended for most roof compositions.​

6. If 4EvaSeal Tape was included with your panel(s), apply around the perimeter of the panel. Ensure solar cells are not covered. If using tape, ensure good adhesion around entire perimeter of solar panel. High bond sealing tape, such as 4EvaSeal or equivalent, or high bond self-leveling adhesive sealant, such as Sikaflex 221 or equivalent, is recommended for all installations around the panel perimeter to prevent water ingress underneath the panel. ​

7. If installing multiple panels, repeat steps 1–5 for each panel. Locate multiple panels adjacent to each other. ​

8. Cover solar panel(s) with opaque material or the boxes they came in to halt the production of electricity while installing the remainder of the solar charging system. ​

9. The installation of the Flex Panels is now complete. Refer to the solar charging kit install guide to complete installation of the whole system.

The protective layer can also be removed after installation if desired, however, care must be taken that the direction of pull is as parallel to the surface as possible to avoid lifting forces acting on the panel before the backing tape has set​.