Mounting Systems

Customers have found that using our canvas bolt-on kit works well for mounting our semi-flexible marine solar panels directly to their boat's bimini or dodger canvas.  The kit includes fender washers to secure the bolt to the canvas, a bolt and nut to tighten the washers to the canvas and an acorn nut to secure the solar panel to the bolt.  The kit includes 4 or 6 sets of attachment hardware depending on the solar panel. All metal components are stainless steel. It is not necessary but some customers like to add a bit of silicone between the washers before tightening.

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There may be times when it is desirable to mount flexible solar panels on a boat's canvas bimini or dodger and be able to quickly and easily remove them.  Our auxiliary solar panel mounting kit is designed for such an application. 

​This mounting system does not require holes in the canvas. 

We have found very high power rare earth magnets (up to 20 pound pull strength per magnet) are ideal for temporary mounting of our flexible solar panels on a boat's canvas bimini or dodger.  Our rare earth magnet kit includes 8 or 12 magnets and adhesive to attach the magnets to the upper side of the solar panel.

Using the magnet mounting kit is easy.  Attach magnets to each corner of the solar panel and optionally attach two near the center of larger flexible panels using the included double sided adhesive tape.  Position the flexible solar panel on the bimini or dodger and attach a mating set of magnets on the underside of the canvas.  Connect the solar panel to the solar system using an MC4 T-branch connector.  Store the panel under a bunk when not in use.

Note that customers have had solar panels come off their bimini in 35 knots of wind and we have also had them hold at over 55 knots. Some customers have bolted only the grommets on the leading edge of the panel, others have secured lines to a couple grommets on each solar panel in case of a big blow.

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There are at least three ways to mount the semi-rigid solar panels on a rigid surface.

• They can be screwed down directly to the deck surface at each corner.  We recommend a stainless screw with an oversized washer.
• They can be taped down directly to the deck with double sided Very High Bond (VHB) tape.  Because the back side of the panel has a pebbled surface like the front side for air circulation, the tape must have a foam core of at least 1/8 inch to secure the panel.
• The third method is our preferred method.  We have assembled a mounting kit consisting of two 'J' shaped aluminum extrusions.  The extrusions are mounted on each side of the long sides of the panel and adhered to the deck surface with the tape.  If the deck surface is not conducive to adhering the tape, the 'J' extrusions can be screwed to the deck and the panel slid into position.  This mounting method allows for the panel to be slid out of the extrusion for removal and cleaning of the deck surface.

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We offer ready-to-assemble kits for commercially available solar panels and for our CMP high performance marine solar panels.  We also offer a complete kit that includes everything you need to install solar on your boat; solar panel, mounting kit, charge controller and wire.

Our adjustable pole mounted solar tracking systems are easily customized to accommodate most solar panels and most boat stern rail configurations.Contact us for a quote to customize a system to your specific requirements or purchase a kit and do it yourself.

A note about our high performance solar panels: Our experience indicates that adjusting a 140 watt panel 3-4 times a day will achieve power generation of up to 65+ amp-hours on a clear day.   A 180 watt panel can produce 85+ amp-hours on a sunny day.  Approximately 30% more than a panel generates when mounted statically.

Getting started:

1. Determine your power requirements and select the solar panel that best meets your needs.  (See our our Power Consumption Worksheet for ideas on how to accomplish this.)  
2. Select the panel mounting kit for your solar panel.
3. Select the pole system that best fits your boat.
4. Select a solar panel controller.
5. Electrical Components to obtain your appropriate wire.
6. Assemble and install your system.

Our experienced staff will help guide you through this process. Call or email us.