Attaching Semi-Flexible Solar Panels with Nuts and Bolts
Several customers have successfully mounted their semi-flexible solar panels using nuts and bolts. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on their approach:
-
Position and Mark: Place the solar panel on the canvas. Use the panel’s grommet holes to mark drilling points on the canvas.
-
Reinforce Canvas: Glue a 2-inch vinyl disk to the underside of the canvas at each marked point to reinforce the area where the bolts will pass through.
-
Puncture the Canvas: Create a hole through both the canvas and vinyl reinforcement at each marked point.
-
Attach Bolt and Washers: Insert a stainless steel 10-24 (or similar) bolt with a fender washer (1 inch diameter or larger) through the canvas from the underside.
-
Secure Washer and Nut: On the top side of the canvas, place another fender washer over the bolt and secure it with a nut, creating a sturdy canvas “sandwich” between the washers.
-
Attach Panel: Pass the bolt through the solar panel grommet and secure it on top with an acorn nut.
-
Repeat as Needed: Follow these steps for each grommet on the solar panel.
This method provides a durable and stable mount for semi-flexible solar panels on canvas.
See diagram below for details.
On the installation shown above, the solar wires were run through the channel used to attach the canvas to the frame thus hiding most of the wiring.