Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Solar Panels effect on Pod Skin

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Solar Panels effect on Pod Skin

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10510
Printed Date: 01 Jul 2025 at 7:40am
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Topic: Solar Panels effect on Pod Skin

Posted By: Don Halas
Subject: Solar Panels effect on Pod Skin
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2017 at 10:20am

I have a 100 watt flexible solar panel mounted to my pods roof with Industrial Velcro.

I removed it for travel for the weekend and noticed that the sun seems to be having an effect on the roof. Under the panel is a light brown (toasted look). Wondering if this is going to eventually cause the fiber glass to crack or otherwise fail, and if there's something that can be applied (ie wax or cleaner) to help support the fiberglass.

The panel keeps the POD's battery charged when sitting in my yard, so removing it between trips goes against it's primary purpose.

Replies:

Posted By: sailor323
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2017 at 7:35pm

Why do you remove it? maybe just attach permanently with 3m vhb tape

Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 15 Aug 2017 at 7:34am

My guess is it's a heat issue. The panel is dark, and right up against the pod skin. How much cooking the skin can take is probably an unknown.

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Posted By: Don Halas
Date Posted: 15 Aug 2017 at 9:36am

Definitely looks like the effects of the sun 'cooking' the top under the black grids. It's only a very slightly discolored brown now.

I'm not sure if it's a problem long term. I'm going to try some sort of cleaner/restorer and see if it takes away the dis-colorization.

I want the panel to be mounted 'semi-permanent', that's why I have Velcro. I do in fact use USB tape to keep the Velcro attached to the pod, but it's not necessary on the panel side. I learned the hard way in early May traveling with the panel attached. I lost it on the highway and had to replace it.