Composite Solar Panel Installation Guide

Step-by-Step Installation Guide for Standard Composite Solar Panels (SCSP) – 115W and 170W and Custom Composite Solar Panels (CCSP)

Printable Installation Guide PDF

(Video Optimized for Cell Phone Orientation)

Before starting installation, determine your energy needs, plan the ideal placement for your solar panels, and ensure you have all equipment, such as MPPT solar controllers and other necessary compatible electrical components.

Not following these installation steps may lead to a damaged product, which is not covered by our warranty. Which is why we strongly advise following the recommended installation guide, using common sense, and understanding electrical marine setups. If you are unsure, we recommend using a local installer, we also strongly suggest contacting us regarding any marine solar questions.

Recommended Reads Before You Start
- Determine Solar Panel Energy Needs
- Solar Panel Placement: The Effects of Shading
- Which MPPT is Right for Me: MPPT Calculator
- Marine System Booklet
- Technical Specifications

What you will need:
(Not Including Equipment, Parts or Tools related to the electrical installation part)

2 Persons Recommended
Caulking gun, we recommend electric.
5 - 10oz Tubes of Marine Adhesive per 100W, we strongly recommend 3M 4200 or Sika 291LOT (Keep the tubes warm: 20°C / 68°F.).
1 tube of Marine Sealant per 1,000W (you will most likely use less), we recommend 3M Marine Sealant.
X-Acto Knifes, Blades, and Chisel
Disposable Gloves - The adhesive gets everywhere, by constantly changing gloves you can reduce the residue spread. Adhesive residue is hard to get off. It's also not good for your skin.
Cloths/Rags - For the degreaser, alcohol, residue, hands...
Work surface - When you're applying adhesive to the solar panel it's good to have a softer surface thats clean, that you also don't mind getting adhesive on. We have found Rigid Foam Insulation Boards on top of sawhorses to be a great option.
Floor Roller - Very Helpful for rolling down the panel, but optional.
Notched Trowel - For spreading adhesive
Masking Tape - Marking solar panel placement
Sander and Sand Paper - 80 Grit
Personal Protection Equipment - Gloves, Mask, Glasses... Work clothes, Knee Pads or Foam Pad helps for kneeling.
Vacuums, broom, garbage bags - Fibreglass and debris is bad for the marine environment. Please keep a tidy workspace, it's better for your installation too.
Tarp - Too much direct Sun / Heat is bad during the installation process. As well as rain and water. Being able to cover up your vessel if an unexpected rain or heatwave is a smart idea.

Step 1: Planning

Organize and plan your wiring and electrical setup ahead of time to ensure a clean installation.
Check the weather. Plan for three days including drying times. Not too hot, not too cold, no rain, minimal wind.
Clean the surface for any debris. A rock on the backside of the panel would be bad. Try to avoid stepping on the panels. And having them drag on the surface or other solar panels, this can lead to scratches.
Lay the panels on the installation surface and use masking tape to outline their placement for precision.

Step 2: Prepping

Step 1A. Only applies to rear mounted junction box panels: Rear mounted panels are a custom panel feature. Not applicable to Standard Panels that have the junction box on the surface

Because the junction box is rear mounted you will need to drill a hole into the vessel.
Our recommended method is drilling two circular holes, and cutting the excess material away with a Dremel.
When you are laying down the panel for installation, ensure someone is directing the junction box and cables into the newly drilled hole.

Sand the surface of the boat, where you will be laying the panels. 80 grit is a good choice.
Lightly sand the back of the solar panel.
Lightly wipe both the surface of the boat, and the backside of the solar panel with a degreaser/cleaner applied to a cloth first (not the panel).
Apply a marine adhesive, such as 3M 4200 or Sika 291LOT, generously to the panel backside.
Spread the adhesive evenly with a notched trowel, maintaining uniform grooves lengthwise along the longest side of the panel. For rectangular panels, this means applying the grooves in the lengthwise direction. This allows air bubbles to disperse when laying down the panel.
Make sure there is adhesive close to the edges.

Step 3: Application

Carefully roll the panel onto the adhesive (we recommend using a floor roller), following the grooves laid down by the trowel. Start slow, with the shortest side of the panel down, for standard front mounted junction box panels we recommend first laying down the side opposite of the junction box.
Roll close to the edges, but not over. Rolling over the edges will likely add residue from beneath the panel to your roller.
Immediately wipe away any adhesive residue to maintain a clean finish.
Allow the adhesive to dry. Avoid exposing the panels to heavy rain, direct sunlight, or excessive heat during this time.
Remove shoes to prevent dirt or pressure marks on the panels. Rocks are very bad.

Step 4: Finishing

Trim any excess adhesive protruding from the edges using an X-Acto knife and/or chisel.
Remove the masking tape and seal all edges and sides of the panels with a marine-grade sealant, such as 3M Marine Sealant. This is a crucial step that needs to be done promptly after the panels are down. It prevents water from seeping underneath the panel which compromises our panels durability and safety.
Smooth the sealant with your finger for a clean finish.
Once the sealant has dried, clean the panel surface with diluted alcohol applied to a cloth. Do not pour alcohol directly on the panel.

Step 5: Enjoy

Your Standard or Custom Composite Solar Panels are now installed and ready to use. All that’s left is the electrical setup. Sit back and harness the power of the sun!

Feel free to contact us regarding any solar installation questions
info@openwaterssolar.com