Solar Installation Guide & Accessories

Canvas Installations

Solbian panels can be installed directly into canvas biminis and dodgers because they are so thin and light. The panel can actually be stitched through for velcro or zipper attachment. With this type of installation, the panels can be removed easily and stowed safely during the off season. Additionally, this type of installation is a great option if you don’t want to affect the aesthetics of your boat.

Canvas Installation Instructions

Deck Installations

Panels can be installed into the deck a number of different ways. Some panels can be ordered with a back side, peel and stick adhesive. Panels can also be installed with fasteners or double sided VHB tape. Solbian SP panels can be ordered with backside wiring so that the wiring can go below deck through a hole under the panel. If the panel has a junction box you will need some sort of deck seal or cable port to route the wire below deck. We recommend that the panel is fully supported and unable to bend if it will be walked on at all.

Flexible Solar Panels Install

Picture Frame Installations

An alternative for mechanical fastening is the ‘Picture Frame’ method. Using starboard, or wood, create a rabbeted frame that captures all four edges of the panel, but still allows it to move with heat expansion. This frame is then fastened to the surface, and the panel ‘floats’ inside of the frame.

Davits and Rail Installations

Glass panels are great for these installations. Semi-flexible panels can be installed for these applications as long as they are well-supported and cannot bend beyond their rating.

More Information

Solar Arrays with Series or Parallel Wiring

Check out our Electrical Installation Guidelines for some insight into the different ways that solar arrays can be wired.

Solbian User’s Manual

Ready to Design or Purchase Your System?

Get in touch for purchasing or questions.

Cable, Connectors & Deck Glands

OPE Solar Prices & Specs

Part #	Description
Philippi WP-3C Plug	Watertight 3-wire plug with screw-in terminal. Dimensions: 3” x 1” x 1” Includes the end cap that screws into place when plug is not being used. Needs a matching socket. (See below WP-3C Socket) Also available as a flange unit for permanent mounting (See below WP-3C Wall Plug).
Philippi WP-3C Wall Plug	Watertight 3-wire plug with screw terminal. Dimensions: 1.2” x 1.5” x 1.5” Includes the end cap that screws into place when plug is not being used. Needs a matching socket. (See below WP-3C Socket) Also available as a stand-alone unit (See above WP-3C Plug).
Philippi WP-3C Socket	Watertight 3-wire socket with screw terminal. Dimensions: 3” x 1” x 1” Includes the end cap that screws into place when plug is not being used. Needs a matching plug. (See above WP-3C Plug & WP-3C Wall Plug)
MC4 Connectors	Standard waterproof MC4 connector pair for solar installations 1 male, 1 female IP 76 waterproof rating MC4 Assembly Instructions
AWG-10 Cable	10AWG Stranded & tinned single-conductor cable Priced per foot
Diode Connector	A 10A diode integrated in a MC4 pass-through connector. The simplest method to insert a blocking diode in your circuit for panels connected in parallel to a single controller
Lightweight Polycarbonate Backing for Solbian Panels	Twinwall polycarbonate plastic sheet that can be cut to size any Solbian panel. When installed as a backing with Solbian panels, it adds some rigidity and support without adding weight. Perfect for bimini installations where the panel must go over a cross bar.
Marinco 12VCPS2 2-Wire ConnectPro Plug and Receptacle Combo	The ConnectPro system also features a locking plug and receptacle with a spring clamping connection that provides a secure electrical contact. excellent for use with Merlin Panther Series