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How to remove adhesive from a solar panel?


MAG

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Somehow  while keeping the Ollie under a cover we got duct tape adhesive on a solar panel, and I'm wondering how to safely remove the adhesive.  Would using GooBeGone be a reasonable choice?

Thanks for the help!

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Mary        My husband and I have Hull # 55.  An Elite 2, bought in 2014

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WD40 is my adhesive residue cleaner of choice.   It softens the adhesive enabling removal, yet should not harm the solar panel.  Spray it on, let it soak for a few hours or overnight, then wipe it off with something non-abrasive, like a shop towel.  If necessary, repeat.

I now use residue-free duct tape!

 

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Hull #1291

Central Idaho

2022 Elite II

Tow Vehicle:  2019 Tundra Double Cab 4x4, 5.7L with tow package

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I think the most active ingredient in wd40 is mineral oil. I'd try that. Let it sit. Out of sun .

Don't use any mechanical scrapers, unless plastic, imo. You don't want to damage the panel coatings. 

And, no residue duct tape is the way to go, as @Rivernerd said, in the future.

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2008 Ram 1500 4 × 4

2008 Oliver Elite, Hull #12

Florida and Western North Carolina, or wherever the truck goes....

400 watts solar. DC compressor fridge. No inverter. 2 x 105 ah agm batteries .  Life is good.


        
 

 

 

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Well, thanks everyone for your great advice!  The adhesive melted in the WD40 while I went for a walk, and  I gently wiped the mess away when I got back.    Neat to learn such an easy solution.  You are the best!

Mary

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Mary        My husband and I have Hull # 55.  An Elite 2, bought in 2014

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https://www.zampsolar.com/blogs/solar-101/how-to-clean-zamp-solar-panels

I personally would not use WD40 or any other solvent other than the recommended strong isopropyl alcohol for tree sap. I am a big fan of this glass cleaner.

https://www.invisibleglass.com/clear-dry-formula/

John Davies

Spokane WA

 

SOLD 07/23 "Mouse":  2017 Legacy Elite II Two Beds, Hull Number 218, See my HOW TO threads: https://olivertraveltrailers.com/topic/john-e-davies-how-to-threads-and-tech-articles-links/

Tow Vehicle: 2013 Land Cruiser 200, 32” LT tires, airbags, Safari snorkel, Maggiolina Grand Tour 360 Carbon RTT.

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3 hours ago, John E Davies said:

recommended strong isopropyl alcohol for tree sap

Good point.   I’m guessing the petroleum products could degrade the elastomers or sealants that secure the frame. 

“Ramble” - 2021 Legacy Elite II #797;  2020 Ford F-250

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