Introduction to Structural Adhesives in Solar PV Installation

Understanding the Role of Crestabond in Solar Panel Installation

Advancements in structural adhesives for solar installation, now means that flexible solar PV panels can be easily affixed to roofs in a secure manner. Traditional glass-faced solar panels can be installed by attaching the aluminium rails that provide support to the roof.

Utilizing structural adhesives for bonding flexible solar panels or aluminium rails eliminates the need for drilling holes in the roof, reducing the risk of leaks from rainwater penetration. Additionally, it preserves the warranty provided by the roofing manufacturer concerning the water-tightness of the roof. In regions near the coast, there can be concerns with galvanic corrosion from rusting of the roof and mechanical fasteners, affecting the long-term durability of the installation.

Benefits of Scott Bader’s Adhesive Technology

Scott Bader’s Crestabond M7 range consists of methyl methacrylate adhesives specifically designed for bonding flexible solar PV panels and aluminium rails for traditional solar PV installations on rooftops. These adhesives are primerless, making installation quick and straightforward.

Crestabond M7 can bond aluminum rails to various types of metal roofs, including standing seam, trapezoidal metal roof panels, polyester spray or powder-coated roofs, and PVC plastisol-coated roofs. For flexible solar PV panels, which are typically lighter than traditional glass-faced solar PV panels, Crestabond M7 can be used to bond the panels directly to metal or metal-coated roofs, as well as PVC single-ply membranes commonly used on flat roofs of commercial and residential buildings.

Applications of Crestabond Structural Adhesives in Solar PV Installation

Scott Bader Enhancing Efficiency and Durability of Solar Panel Mounting

On thin gauge steel trapezoidal roofing (0.5mm). The bond strength achieved with Crestabond M7 can be up to three times stronger than that of a mechanical fastener. For thicker gauge steel roofs (0.7mm). The strength of the bonded rail and mechanically fastened rail, when installed per manufacturer’s recommendations, will be comparable and able to withstand loads from winds equivalent to those of a typhoon.

Extensive testing, including static and climate cycling tests, has been conducted. This is to verify that the adhesively bonded rail or flexible solar panel will endure the 25-year service life of the solar PV panel. Variables such as roof preparation and proper handling of the adhesive cartridges can impact the bond strength. On-site testing by the main installation contractor can confirm the quality of the bond. For large commercial installations, Scott Bader can conduct testing to provide a report certifying the bond strength and durability.

Crestabond Installation of Solar Panel Mounting

Scott Bader’s comprehensive installation guides outline every step of the installation process. From roof preparation to attaching the flexible solar PV panels or aluminium rails. The process is simple and typically quicker than using mechanical fasteners.

The roof should be cleaned with soapy water. Jet wash if heavily soiled, then allowed to dry before bonding the flexible solar PV panels or aluminium rails.

It is possible the coating is flaking or cracking. Remove the coating in the bonding area for the solar PV panels or aluminium rails. The quality of the roof coating can be assessed with a coating adhesion tester.  This is outlined in the solar PV installation guides on the Scott Bader website.

For flexible solar panels, damaged panels can be replaced by bonding a new panel on top of the existing one. Alternatively if big heads or bonding plates were used for attachment then this will need to be removed. Aluminium rails can be removed by heating them. Use of a heat gun softens the adhesive, allowing for easy removal for maintenance.

Crestabond M7 adhesives are supplied in cartridges with a mix head. Dispensing using manual, pneumatic, or battery-powered dispense guns for user comfort.

At an ambient temperature of 23°C, Crestabond M7-05 has a working time of approximately 5 minutes. It develops enough strength within 15 to 20 minutes to begin installing the traditional solar PV panels.