I wouldn't even attempt to replace the glass. You'll void any warranty and will probably ruin an expensive solar panel.
The glass is quite thick and strong and is intended to handle hail and other small flying debris. It also provides rigidity to the panel, which more flexible Lexan will not do.
If you're really worried about it, install the Lexan on top of the glass with maybe a 1/2" air gap between the two, to absorb any impacts.
If you want to integrate your PV into the deck or other structure, there are flexible panels made for the purpose.
Willie
--- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, "Myles Twete" <matwete@...> wrote:
>
> You might be able to pull these panels apart, remove the glass from the
> frame and use some other protective coating for weather instead and
> integrate the panel into a different, well supported roof structure. Just
> be sure to never walk on them or allow them to bend. They use rigid silicon
> solar cells. Those will break if their substrate bends much at all. Read
> as much about the integrated panels built by high school kids for the
> Solaraycer cars. Rather than applying a thick, rigid or flexible clear
> panel in front of the cells, those cars have a clear coating that is painted
> over the top of the cell array for encapsulation. And they probably pull a
> vacuum on that assembly in the gluing stage to ensure air gets out and it
> properly seals and is smooth.
>
>
>
> -Myles
>
>
>
> From: electricboats@yahoogroups.com [mailto:electricboats@yahoogroups.com]
> On Behalf Of F Neil Simms
> Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2011 5:21 AM
> To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Electric Boats] Re: Solar Panel - glass replacement
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:electricboats%40yahoogroups.com> , "traveler_lloyd"
> <lloyd545220-wyoming@> wrote:
> >The glass panel cover can be replaced with Lexan or something from >your
> hardware store to allow walking on them. Make sure that it is >sealed well.
> Glass breaks easy on a boat.
>
> Is this practical on most glass covered solar panels? Can you replace the
> glass in a non-marine panel without destroying the panel? If so I assume
> you'd have to seal it up properly with a good sealant.
>
> I have a boating application in mind where I'd like to use two non-marinized
> panels like the ones below. I wouldn't need to walk on them, but I'd prefer
> them to be more impact resistant than glass, for trailering (Application
> would be a trailerable trimaran, with the panels on a frame suspended over
> the vaka, acting as bimini/sunshade. Frame would pivot down to sit at deck
> level for trailering.).
>
> http://sunelec.com/index.php?main_page=product_info
> <http://sunelec.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=123
> 6> &cPath=5&products_id=1236
>
> Anyone here ever used such panels in a marine application?
>
> Neil
>
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