Install lightweight flexible solar panels on roof

[bigbadtony]

I see some ebay sellers with 200w "flexible solar" panels that are really designed for boats - but they seem fairly resilient (e.g. marine environment).

These weigh something like 5-10lbs rather than 30-40lbs for the regular solar panels.

Whats there to stop me installing these on my roof? Is this against some standard etc that I'd run into when getting a permit from a township etc?

Is there any mounting system that would support these panels?

They seem to be really thin so I guess I'd need something that can prevent them flying off!

[J.P.M.]

I see some ebay sellers with 200w "flexible solar" panels that are really designed for boats - but they seem fairly resilient (e.g. marine environment).

These weigh something like 5-10lbs rather than 30-40lbs for the regular solar panels.

Whats there to stop me installing these on my roof? Is this against some standard etc that I'd run into when getting a permit from a township etc?

Is there any mounting system that would support these panels?

They seem to be really thin so I guess I'd need something that can prevent them flying off!

What's the point ? ordinary panels at ~ 3-4 #/ft^2 are not the problem with panels affixed to structures. It's the wind loadings. Flexilble panels will have the same wind or perhaps more severe wind loads. Additionally, the support structure for "flexible" panels will likely be at least as robust as for standard panels, maybe even more so depending on design.

[bigbadtony]

What's the point ? ordinary panels at ~ 3-4 #/ft^2 are not the problem with panels affixed to structures. It's the wind loadings. Flexilble panels will have the same wind or perhaps more severe wind loads. Additionally, the support structure for "flexible" panels will likely be at least as robust as for standard panels, maybe even more so depending on design.

Thanks for the response, I'm totally new to this.

I'd guessed wind would be the main concerns. But I've seen these bonded to boats ... is that not viable with an asphalt shingle roof?

[Mike90250]

Thanks for the response, I'm totally new to this.

I'd guessed wind would be the main concerns. But I've seen these bonded to boats ... is that not viable with an asphalt shingle roof?

Nope, can't bond anything to the granules on asphalt shingles. Might be doable on a smooth metal roof, but having a 4" air gap helps cool things and increase power output.