Sometimes, it’s desirable to mount flexible marine solar panels on a canvas bimini or dodger in a way that allows for quick, easy removal. Our auxiliary solar panel mounting kit is designed specifically for this purpose.
Thanks to our business associate Ed Foster, we now offer a unique solution that avoids drilling holes in your beautiful canvas: high-power rare earth magnets. With pull strengths of up to 20 pounds per magnet, these magnets provide a secure, temporary mounting solution for flexible solar panels on canvas surfaces.
Our magnet kit includes 8 or 12 rare earth magnets along with adhesive to attach them to the upper side of the solar panel. Each magnet is triple-coated with nickel-copper-nickel or epoxy-copper-nickel, offering added durability, and we’re testing various designs to ensure corrosion resistance in saltwater environments.
Using the mounting kit is simple. Just attach magnets to each corner of the solar panel and, for larger panels, add two magnets near the center. Position the panel on the bimini or dodger, and place a matching set of magnets on the underside of the canvas. Connect the panel to your solar system using an MC4 T-branch connector, and store it safely under a bunk when not in use.
We tested this mounting system extensively on a 110-watt flexible panel during a six-week cruise in Lake Huron’s North Channel in the summer of 2018. Even in high winds, the magnets held the panel securely in place with no lifting or movement, proving it to be a highly reliable solution for marine applications.