CMPower Semi-rigid Solar Panel Mounting KitThe performance of a solar panel decreases as the solar cells are heated by the sun. CMPower has developed an effective method for mounting walk-on solar panels that will secure them to the boat and keep them cool for an increase in energy production of up to 15%. We now package the key components of this mounting system with our CMPower walk-on solar panels as an installation kit free to our customers.
Our innovative CMPower walk-on solar panel installation kit includes a CMPower walk-on solar panel, a twin wall polycarbonate panel that is installed between the solar panel and the boat surface and specially designed J-channel mounting brackets. 
Advantages of the CMPower installation kit:
1. Performance - The cooler the solar panel the higher the energy production. The twin wall polycarbonate sheet enables air flow under the solar panel so it is air cooled from both the top and the bottom. This will result in up to a 15% increase in the solar panel output. 2. Protection - The heat buildup between the solar panel and the boat fiberglass/gelcoat can damage the gelcoat. Air flowing through the twin wall polycarbonate sheet plus the sheet itself will insulate the boat from the very warm solar panel and prevent heat damage to the gelcoat. 3. Ease of installation - The J-channel mounting system generally enables the entire solar panel assembly to be secured with VHB tape. Very High Bond (VHB) tape adhered between the back of the J-channel and the boat will secure the panel assembly so there is often no need for penetration of the boat deck for fasteners. (VHB tape is not included in the kit). This may not apply for boat decks with coarse non-skid finishes. 4. Aesthetics - The solar panel assembly with the polycarbonate and the J-channels provides a clean low-profile look. There may be other approaches to installing a walk-on solar panel that will provide similar benefits. We work with our customers to determine the best system for their application. |
Twin Wall Polycarbonate -
Also good for mounting walkable panel on uneven surfaces.
Twin wall polycarbonate under walkable panel - for heat dissipation, keep heat off boat deck, and added stiffness
J-channel mounting bracket on a CMPower solar panel
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Mounting System Semi-rigid Walkable Marine Solar Panels - Options
There are at least three ways to mount the semi-rigid solar panels on a rigid surface.
- Panels can be screwed down directly to the deck surface at each corner. We recommend a stainless screw with an oversized washer.
- Panels can be taped down directly to the deck with double sided Very High Bond (VHB) tape. If 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 VHB 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. See pictures above.
- See J/H channel installation Instructions here.