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Magnets - An Innovative Way to Mount Flexible Marine Solar Panels

6/9/2018

11 Comments

 
PictureSolar Panel Attached to Canvas Bimini Using Rare Earth Magnets
There may be times when it is desirable to mount flexible marine solar panels on a 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. 

​One of our business associates, Ed Foster, came up with a brilliant idea for a mounting system that does not require you to put holes in your beautiful bimini or dodger canvas - high power rare earth magnets. 

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 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. 

Quality magnets are triple coated with a nickel-copper-nickel or an epoxy-copper-nickel coating.  These magnets are also available with a plastic or rubber coating.  We are testing various designs to determine resistance to corrosion in a saltwater environment.  This is the big unknown.


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 marine 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.

We tested a set of these magnets on a 110 watt flexible panel during 6 week cruise in the North Channel of Lake Huron during the summer of 2018.  We were in heavy winds and the panel did not move a bit.  The magnets held the panel secure and there was no air getting under the panel to lift it.


11 Comments
antonio salas
10/24/2019 11:17:23 am

do make ligth weath magnet soloer metrials

Reply
Scott Johnson
7/7/2020 11:37:45 pm

Looking to find out how much a kit is and what boat you had them
Mounted on and where. What speed do you travel at ?

Reply
Samuel Galvez
5/5/2021 08:17:57 am

I have 2 flexible panels aprox 2 meter long each by 70 cms do I need 2 kits of 8 magnets each? Or 12 each?
Do you ship to Kelowna bc. Canada?
Total price with shipment please

Reply
Herry Alan link
5/19/2022 10:28:43 am

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Reply
Jordana link
5/19/2022 10:28:51 am

Nice article! informative article for reader...Appreciate your work on solar (Energy), Thanks for giving us a informative article <a href=">https://solargridspasadena.com">solar panel installation in pasadena</a>

Reply
John Smit... link
5/19/2022 10:28:59 am

Thank you so much for sharing this important information article...
We are also providing complete solar services in the United States of America.<a href="http://www.solargridsmiami.com">solar panels miami fl</a>

Reply
Majid Abrari
5/21/2022 02:41:23 pm

Do these super strong rare earth magnets interfere with compass and autopilot functions?

Reply
Rochester Hills Locksmith link
10/6/2022 05:32:20 pm

This was a lovely blog posst

Reply
Iris Smith link
12/7/2022 12:54:56 am

We appreciate you mentioning that double-sided adhesive tape should be used to affix magnets to the solar panel's four corners and if desired, two more towards the center of larger flexible panels. My husband claims he wants to tape the solar panels with equipment that is extremely adhesive. I'll advise him to purchase the rare-earth magnets.

Reply
Mark link
3/5/2023 01:48:43 pm

Just came across this blog on magnets to secure solar panels and interested to find out if this is a long term solution, are they still being used on the boat that you originally tested these magnets back in 2018?

Reply
Erik
9/7/2023 04:08:40 pm

looking at using magnets to attach 100 ah Sunpower flexible panels that has grommets to my Bestop Softtop cap. will they withstand highway speeds?

Reply



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    Thomas Trimmer has been cruising with his Ericson 38 sailboat on the Great Lakes for over 20 years.  He has pioneered the use of solar energy for wilderness cruising.  He is continually designing and building equipment to simplify and enhance the cruising experience.

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  • Home
  • Marine Solar Panels
    • All Marine Solar Panels
    • Flexible Marine Solar Panels >
      • Flexible Panel Specifications
      • Flexible Panel Bimini Solar System Kits
      • Flexible Solar Panel Mounting Kits
    • Semi-Rigid Walk On Marine Solar Panels >
      • Semi-Rigid Panel Specifications
      • Semi-rigid Solar System Kits
      • Semi-rigid Panel Mounting System
    • Rigid Marine Solar Panels >
      • Rigid Panel Specifications
      • Rigid Solar System Kits
      • Mounting System - Top Of Pole
    • Van Solar Panels
    • Stern Rail Mounted Solar Panels
    • Discounted Solar Panels
    • Portable Solar Panels
    • Shop Our Store
  • Products
    • Marine Solar Panels
    • Lithium Batteries >
      • LiFePO4 Lithium Batteries
      • Portable Power Stations
    • Solar Controllers >
      • Victron MPPT Controllers
      • EP Solar Controllers >
        • DuoRacer Dual Output Series
        • Xtra-N Series
        • MPPT Tracer Series
        • PWM Duo Dual Output Controller
    • Accessories >
      • Wire & MC4 Connectors
      • Outboard Motor Lifting Crane >
        • Lift Crane Features and Specs
      • Solar Water Heating System For Boats
    • Victron Products >
      • Victron MPPT Controllers
      • Victron Electrical Components
      • Inverters
      • Victron Batteries
    • Shop Our Store
  • Reviews
    • Reviews
    • Gallery of Installations
  • Handy Info
    • Learn About Solar
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    • Solar System Installation Pointers
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    • FAQ
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