Flexible Solar Panel Mount System

Install Directions

The Mount System allows flexible solar panels to slide in and out of a track so that you can reposition them for better sun exposure while you are stationary. The Mount System also keeps the solar panel off the vehicle roof while your drive, keeping it cooler, and increasing its efficiency. The Mount pieces use a combination of heavy-duty magnets or double-sided tape and semi-permanent adhesive to eliminate the need to drill or screw into the vehicle roof. All parts are 3d printed from recycled PETG plastic for higher quality and durability.

There are several Mount System designs and bonding options depending on our customer’s needs. The Flexible Solar Panel Mounts can fit a variety of panels and be attached to steel mounting surfaces or other materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, and aluminum. There are two general Mount designs, single solar panel, and double solar panel. There are also two different bonding methods, heavy-duty magnets for steel mounting surfaces and heavy-duty double-sided tape for non-magnetic materials. Both bonding methods use silicone adhesive to create a vacuum grip between the mounting surface and the Mount piece, as well as protect the magnet or tape from the elements. The images below illustrate the differences:

The Benefits of the Flexible Solar Panel Mount System

-The flex panel can be removed and repositioned for better efficiency

-The panel is kept directly off the hot roof for better efficiency

-No drilling or permanent adhesives needed to secure the mounts

-The mount system can be custom fit to almost any surface or flex panel

-Mount pieces are 3D printed out of tough, recycled plastic

-Mount pieces can form around bent and curved surfaces

-The System is designed to be aerodynamic and reduce noise

Important: Once the Flexible Solar Panel Mount System is purchased, it is the operator's responsibility to

-Only use the solar panel the Mount System was designed for.

-Only install the Mount System on the mounting surface it was designed for.

- Install the Solar Panel Mounts in the orientation it was designed for.

-Do not install the Solar Panel Mounts in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit or in raining/snowing environments.

-Follow the install directions to completion. Do not skip any steps or perform the steps in a different order.

-Do not drive the vehicle with or without a solar panel before the Mount silicone has properly dried. The silicone wait time is directed per the manufacturer on the packaging.

-Perform monthly strength checks on the Flexible Solar Panel Mounts as described below. Remove the solar panel immediately if the silicone starts to degrade or weaken. Remove affected pieces and reinstall as directed below.

Standard Mount System Pieces

Standard Flexible Solar Panel Mount System

Install Set-Up

-Lay out the pieces in the orientation pictured above, *unless your Mounts are custom designed. Lay out the Mount pieces to visualize the arrangement and check the fit. All the pieces need to be making complete contact with the roof. No pieces should be hanging off an edge or placed on an uneven/curved surface.

*If your Mount System is custom designed, the instructions will be email to you with your specific pieces illustrated.

*There should be a small gap between the Front and Side Mount pieces on both sides to allow water to escape from under the panel.

-There should be a few millimeter (2-5mm) gap between the panel and Mount pieces so that the panel can easily slide in and out of the track. This small gap will not cause excess noise or vibrations while driving at high speeds.

-The Slide pieces can be placed as needed. These pieces aid in guiding the panel through the tracks, as well as supporting the weight of the panel as it sags over time due to hot temperatures and aging. Keeping the panel a few millimeters off the roof increases the panel’s efficiency and allows water to escape/evaporate in case of rain or high humidity. These pieces only need silicone to hold them in place, magnets/tape is unnecessary.

*Pro-tip: Have rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle prepared so that after the install you can mist the silicone beads before smoothing them out with your finger (alcohol reduces the stickiness of the silicone). This will help get the silicone into the cracks and make it less noticeable.

Mount System Install

-Clean and dry the area where the Mount pieces will be placed prior to install. Impurities such as dust, paint flakes, or corrosion will not allow the magnets/tape and silicone to properly bond to the mounting surface.

-Arrange the Mount pieces in the correct orientation. Masking tape can be used to mark where the Mounts should be placed, as well as keep unwanted silicone off the mounting surface.

* There should be no vertical gaps between the Front Mount pieces, the Front Mount pieces should butt up together to eliminate wind getting under the panel while driving.

-After all the pieces are positioned, remove one piece at a time and cover the bottom with silicone. The magnet can be covered with silicone but the tape should NOT be covered with silicone (see below). Place the siliconed piece onto the roof with some downward pressure and allow the excess silicone to seep out the sides. The silicone creates a vacuum bond between the piece and the roof, as well as protects the magnet/tape from the elements. Once the pieces are placed, silicone any vertical gaps between the Front pieces to block all airflow from getting through the Mount pieces and under the panel.

- After several hours the silicone will set enough to drive the vehicle without a solar panel. Let the silicone set for 72 hours before driving with a solar panel in the Mount System.

Monthly Check

-The Panel Mounts need to be checked monthly to ensure they retain their strength and bond. This can be done by slightly twisting and prying on the pieces. It is easiest to twist and pry on a Slide piece to check for silicone degeneration. If the piece moves, twists, or breaks off the silicone should be replaced. If the silicone begins to degrade, individual Mount pieces can be removed using silicone remover and refastened as needed. The Mount system is broken down into many small pieces to allow for flexing due to temperature changes, rise in humidity, and anyway your metal roof may flex/bend.