BUY THE WEIGH
If you have been looking for an update.... I am still here.
The title for this blog article is a bit deceiving as are the general conditions under which I have been working. Not new to you are the interesting advancements one expects to see, such as a relaunch into the Great Loop, new solar and power drive. Over the last year or so all these and more have either become quite limited, delayed and/or priced beyond planned expectations. So, in order to weigh anchor there is still stuff to buy.
The 170 Watt photovoltaic modules (PVs) were abruptly stopped out of China and the new replacements, maybe not from China, only started to flow again in August at an increased price. Adding to that is the more important funding investments that took a nose dive, stretching out the buying of at least 30 new lightweight 160 Watt modules. The PV sales company has had their business disrupted too, yet remain most gracious.
This quelling of physical progress was a bit disheartening, although has brought about some very unique improvements in design. The previous new flexible modules to be mounted to the roof were to be fastened to frames for easier deployment and disassembly for storms, than the current eleven 45 pound PVs. Flexible PV modules weigh a bit less that 7 pounds each, thus a 280 pound drop in roof loading.
The mounting was changed of late (once again) because of a fairly new adhesive tape used by the wife and Cape Fear Garden Club, used to secure Christmas decorations and greenery indoors and outside. (go figure that one out).
Although my new tape will be expensive, its use negates aluminum extrusions, fasteners, welding and attachments that could compromise roof integrity to the point of rain leakage. I have learned that some increased expenditures can radically decrease overall costs while providing optimal solutions. Result, un envisioned gains. That is serendipity worth the perceived lost time. A gain in functionality, lowered weight, increased power, simpler design, easier installation/removal and better use of rooftop real estate.
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The special tape will be tested this winter for application/removal of a flexible PV module to evaluate ease of application, holding power and subsequent removal under various weather conditions. I will add more pictures to this as time & weather permit.
Update 12-28-2022. The weather was a balmy 58 degrees at 1500 hrs, so to the top of the roof with a 100 watt module measuring 22 x 45 inches, about 17 inches shorter than the new 160 watt but the backing is the same.
Video shows the PV flexibility as well as a 3 inch length of tape on the PV corner. So far it adheres aggressively to the back of the PV but has modest adhesion to the roof coating which is a silicone paint. There are mylar tapes that have aggressive adhesion which will stick very well to the roof paint and allow the double sided Alien tape to mate to the roof.
The idea then is to keep the PV modules quite secure under high winds and also allow their easy removal in case of hurricane winds, then stowed below decks. There is a balance between the tear strengths of the roof paint, the double sided tape and the interlock mylar tape applied to the roof paint. The only separation desired is the double sided PV tape from the mylar roof tape. All tapes must last at least two years in all weather.
This is why we test, getting the right solution to this problem is paramount. There are no hardware store at sea.
Hope you all had a great Christmas and have a New Year 2023 with great rewards.
