Magnets - An Innovative Way to Mount Flexible Marine Solar Panels

Mounting flexible marine solar panels on a canvas bimini or dodger can be practical and efficient, especially when they need to be quickly attached and removed. Our auxiliary solar panel mounting kit is specifically designed for this purpose.

One of our trusted business associates, Ed Foster, developed an innovative mounting solution that avoids the need to drill holes in your canvas bimini or dodger. The key to this approach is the use of high-powered rare earth magnets, which provide a strong, secure hold without damaging your canvas.

👉 Looking for the mounting kit? Our Magnetic Solar Panel Mounting Kits are designed for temporarily mounting flexible solar panels on bimini and dodger canvas without drilling holes:

• Magnetic Solar Panel Mounting Kit - Small Panels (set of 8)
• Magnetic Solar Panel Mounting Kit - Large Panels (set of 12)

Our kit includes rare earth magnets with up to 20 pounds of pull strength each, making them perfect for temporarily mounting flexible solar panels on a bimini or dodger. Each kit comes with 8 or 12 magnets, along with adhesive for easy attachment to the top side of the solar panel.

The magnets we provide are high-quality, triple-coated with nickel-copper-nickel or epoxy-copper-nickel to enhance durability. We also offer options with plastic or rubber coatings, and we are actively testing various designs to assess their corrosion resistance in saltwater environments—an essential consideration for marine use.

During a six-week cruise on Lake Huron’s North Channel in the summer of 2018, we tested this system with a 110-watt flexible panel. Despite high winds, the magnets held the panel securely in place, preventing any lifting or movement. The magnets proved highly effective at keeping the panel stable even in challenging conditions. 

Instructions for Attaching Semi-Flexible Solar Panels using the "Magnet" method

The magnet mounting kit contains 8 or 12 high-power rare-earth magnets and 4 or 6 pieces of double-sided tape. 

1. Attach 4 or 6 magnets to the top of the solar panel using the double-sided adhesive dots provided.  Attach a magnet in each corner next to the grommets. For longer panels, attach a magnet in the middle of the panel on each side. 
2. Place the solar panel on the canvas where it is to be mounted.  Give it time to be warmed by the sun and nestle into the canvas.  Be sure panels are positioned such that the wires can reach where necessary to connect to the other panels. 
3. Attach the second set of 4 or 6 magnets to the underside of the canvas by holding the magnet in the vicinity of the upper magnet.  They will find each other.  If the magnets repel each other turn the magnet over.  A pair of magnets are most effective if they are separated by the panel and a single layer of canvas. 
4. To remove the solar panel, slide the lower magnets away from the upper magnets until the attraction force is minimized.
5. Finally, connect the solar panel to your system using an MC4 T-branch connector. When the panel isn’t in use, it can be conveniently stored under a bunk.

Refer to the diagram below to see how the components of the kit are used. 

Caution:

• The magnets are very strong and can cause personal injury.  Separate the magnets by sliding them apart carefully in a shear motion.  The magnets are brittle so handle them carefully. 
• The magnets should be at least 3 feet away from a magnetic compass to avoid 
  interference.  Observe the impact of the magnets carefully to be certain the distance is sufficient to avoid affecting the compass. 

🎥 Real Customer Footage – Magnetic Solar Panel Mount in Action

Watch Peter’s Ring camera footage showing his flexible marine solar panel securely mounted on his boat’s bimini top during a powerful winter storm.