Reducing installed costs of residential solar by the use of adhesive mounted lightweight solar modules

Residential non-hardware “soft costs” can be substantially reduced by simplifying photovoltaic (PV) installation. Adhesive mounting of lightweight (glassless, frameless) PV modules onto steep-slope shingled roofs eliminates roof penetration and the need for structural review. In this work, adhesive performance is evaluated via pull-testing, creep testing as well as durability testing. Results show adhesive uplift resistance sufficient for 150mph wind (safety factor = 2) and an increase in adhesion after most aging tests. Creep is observed at extreme roof-pitch and high temperature. An approach to predicting creep over the lifetime of a PV installation is outlined.