Solar Installation Guide & Accessories

Installation Options

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.

Here is a link to our Canvas Installation Guidelines.

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.

 

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.  Check out the Solara page for more information on panels for these installations.

Liefline installations:  

Hallett Canvas in Portland, ME has engineered a solution involving Solbian panels sewn into a canvas “frame” with a stiffening backing. The panel is then mounted on a lifeline with hardware and it can be lifted and lowered depending on angle of the sun.  More info

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.  This information is also contained in the Solbian User’s Manual.

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

Solbian MC4 Deck Plug


  • Made from marine grade steel
  • 1 male & 1 female MC4 connector incorporated.
  • The best way to make an electrical connection through a surface.
  • Caps are also provided to protect the connectors if the panel is absent.

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.

Helpful Links

Solbian Installation Manual
Canvas Installation Guidelines
Marine How-to Installation article

Ready to design your system?

Contact Us