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.
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.
Setting up the magnetic mounting kit is straightforward. Attach magnets to each corner of the solar panel, and add two additional magnets near the center for larger panels, using the provided double-sided adhesive tape. Place the panel on the bimini or dodger and secure it by placing corresponding magnets on the underside of the canvas. 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.
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 with Nuts and Bolts
To securely attach your semi-flexible solar panels, follow these steps:
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Position and Mark: Place the solar panel in its intended location on the canvas, and mark the canvas through each of the panel's grommet holes.
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Reinforce the Canvas: At each marked point, adhere a vinyl disk (approximately 2 inches in diameter) to the underside of the canvas to strengthen the attachment area.
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Puncture Holes: Once the vinyl disks are set, carefully puncture holes through the canvas and vinyl at each marked point.
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Prepare the Bolt Assembly: Insert a 10-24 (or similar size) stainless steel bolt through a 1-inch or larger fender washer. Push the bolt and washer through the prepared hole from the underside of the canvas.
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Add a Top Washer and Nut: Place another fender washer on top of the canvas, over the bolt, and secure it with a nut. This forms a reinforced "sandwich" with the canvas and vinyl layer between the two washers.
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Attach the Solar Panel: Pass the bolt through the solar panel’s grommet and fasten with an acorn nut.
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Repeat for All Grommets: Follow steps 1-6 for each grommet on the solar panel.
Refer to the diagram below for a visual guide.
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.