Solar panels above bimini

[Erik]

Hello,
I have two solar panels that I want to temporarily mount above my bimini. I say temporarily, because the long term plan is to add an arch/dingy davits off the stern and place the panels there, but that won't be until next year.

I was researching costs for using stainless steel tubes, and since this is going to be a temporary solution, did not want to spend that kind of money. I went to the big box home improvement stores and saw that EMT conduit was about 5% of the cost of stainless.

So, aside from it not being all shiny, and realizing this is only until the end of this season, what does the collective wisdom think of using the EMT conduit to build the frame above my bimini?

My wife's concern is possible rust stains on the bimini, but I think it would take more than the rest of the season before rust became a problem...

Thanks,

 

[dancerscap]

I don't remember the co. name but if you look aroung you will likely fing it. There is a company that makes biminis with flexible solar panels built in. They can be rolled just not folded.

 

[btoran]

i use two solar panels with a bimini, but in a different configuration.

i used pvc tubing as a frame around each panel because the metal on the panels get HOT. when the boat goes on the mooring at the end of the weekend, i prop the panels (in their frames) on the passenger seats non the flybridge. cables from each panel go to charge controllers in a storage locker on the bridge and i use male/female quick connect terminals on the cables and charge controllers so i can quickly setup and take down the panels.

this method requires you to fold back the bimini when the boat is not in use (so the sun can find the panels) and you also need a place to store the solar panels when they are removed. i store them in a second stateroom we typically use for storage. obviously, the panels are not charging the boat while it is in use, but for my needs, this is ok. a few years ago i contacted the company that made the bimini to support solar panels and it was expensive.

 

[Erik]

Well, after pricing everything out, going with stainless 1" tubing was only $170 more. Since I had already spent a lot of money on the panels, MPPT charge controller, wiring, and stainless conections for the bimini and panels, it was a very reasonable percentage of the whole job. So it looks like the arch may be delayed for a few years, or maybe even until the next boat purchase.

Anyway, I now have all the parts, and a plan written down for assembly. Tonight, I start the project. I'll post pictures, of the before, during and after, probably Sunday evening.

 

[mixman]

Very good, Erik. It sounds like you made the right choice considering the value,

When I mounted my single panel the other year I spent more on the stainless than I did on the panel! But it's been well worth it.