Mounting solar panels on bimini

[Peregrine1983]

I originally bought hard panels for my boat (300w). Then I priced out the frame... makes no sense financially.

[Flyingriki]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

Because it'll look awful.

Why not instead purchase some flexible panels and attach them directly to the bimini, then it won't look like a "jungle gym" made with an erector set. Less expensive too.

Because most don't last worth squat. A buddy paid a fortune for his and finally sold them to get something that worked and lasts.
By the way, what's with all the snarky posts?

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by Flyingriki

Because most don't last worth squat. A buddy paid a fortune for his and finally sold them to get something that worked and lasts.
By the way, what's with all the snarky posts?

The OP asked for opinions, just because you don't agree doesn't make them "snarky."

Maybe your "buddy" should have purchased quality flex panels from a reputable company offering a five year performane guarantee instead of the cheap ones off ebay? Mine seem to be working fine.

[Polux]

Originally Posted by Flyingriki

Because most don't last worth squat. A buddy paid a fortune for his and finally sold them to get something that worked and lasts.
By the way, what's with all the snarky posts?

Mine work well. That's the 2º season (4000nm). They are flexible but I mounted them on marine plywood in a way they are structurally a part of the bimini (by traction).

[epiic]

I mounted 5 Solara solar panels to my bimini frame. I think it turned out pretty good.

I used Gemini Hinge connectors.

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by epiic

I mounted 5 Solara solar panels to my bimini frame. I think it turned out pretty good.

I used Gemini Hinge connectors.

Your installation looks very nice. Good job!

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by Flyingriki

Because most don't last worth squat. A buddy paid a fortune for his and finally sold them to get something that worked and lasts.
By the way, what's with all the snarky posts?

Flyingriki, For what it's worth, I suggest you don't waste you time on that character's remarks. He rarely has anything useful to offer and somehow seems to be under the impression that snide remarks win him accolades or admiration while the opposite is the case. Perhaps as a child he was abused or bullied and so has, consequently, become an abuser/bully himself. Ignore it/him and he will, eventually simply go away for want of attention.

IMHO of course...

[N4585K]

Originally Posted by epiic

I mounted 5 Solara solar panels to my bimini frame. I think it turned out pretty good.



I used Gemini Hinge connectors.

Epiic, that’s a super clean install. Any issues with the weight up high on a not very rigid frame in big winds?

[CS Cruiser]

Epiic that is awesome looking hard panel install!

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by epiic

I mounted 5 Solara solar panels to my bimini frame. I think it turned out pretty good.

I used Gemini Hinge connectors.

That is a very nice installation! Looks smooth. Well done!

-----

TO ALL READING THIS: (yes, that is a shout out)

This thread has shown some good photos of different Solar Panel Installations.

If you have not done so already, please add your photos and a description of your Solar Panel Installation to the following sticky or ongoing thread:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ts-179638.html

Thanks!

[foggysail]

Originally Posted by epiic

I mounted 5 Solara solar panels to my bimini frame. I think it turned out pretty good.

I used Gemini Hinge connectors.

Nice installation. I previously had 4 each 145 watt panels mounted onto the top of my rear hard top which is also contoured. I paid a performance price because the panels were not mounted flat.

A month ago I replaced my old panels with higher wattage ones. Two are mounted on each of my two hard tops but this time I mounted them flat. My new panels are Canadian 295 watt monos. To date the best performance I have seen is about 800 watts charging into two paralleled banks of 430 AH flooded batteries. Controller is a Victron 150-70.

[Flyingriki]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

The OP asked for opinions, just because you don't agree doesn't make them "snarky."

Maybe your "buddy" should have purchased quality flex panels from a reputable company offering a five year performane guarantee instead of the cheap ones off ebay? Mine seem to be working fine.

"A buddy paid a fortune for his..."

I guess to a snarky poster who is so quick to insult that he can't read well and respond appropriately that sounds like Ebay. They weren't....
Do you really want a listing of the snotty things you post? I'll gladly go back and quote a dozen or so.
That kind of insulting nonsense isn't necessary. But since you must be in the moderators clique you continually get away with it.
Money and an oyster doesn't put you above anybody and the snark is not appreciated.

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by svHyLyte

Flyingriki, For what it's worth, I suggest you don't waste you time on that character's remarks. He rarely has anything useful to offer and somehow seems to be under the impression that snide remarks win him accolades or admiration while the opposite is the case. Perhaps as a child he was abused or bullied and so has, consequently, become an abuser/bully himself. Ignore it/him and he will, eventually simply go away for want of attention.

IMHO of course...

Originally Posted by Flyingriki

"A buddy paid a fortune for his..."

I guess to a snarky poster who is so quick to insult that he can't read well and respond appropriately that sounds like Ebay. They weren't....
Do you really want a listing of the snotty things you post? I'll gladly go back and quote a dozen or so.
That kind of insulting nonsense isn't necessary. But since you must be in the moderators clique you continually get away with it.
Money and an oyster doesn't put you above anybody and the snark is not appreciated.

Let's see some pictures of the solar install on your boats...

I've offered up mine and so have others to give the OP some working ideas.

[downunder]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

Because it'll look awful.

Why not instead purchase some flexible panels and attach them directly to the bimini, then it won't look like a "jungle gym" made with an erector set. Less expensive too.

Because as others have indicated panel efficiency, life and cost are important factors for many.

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by downunder

Because as others have indicated panel efficiency, life and cost are important factors for many.

Have you ever installed quality flex panels on your boat? Can you offer up some first hand knowledge regarding the performance of recent vintage flex panels?

Ours are 22% efficient, does it get any better than this at this point in time with solar development?

BTW: Our home and business is 100% solar powered by two arrays, so I do know a thing or two about rigid panels. As it's been pointed out on this thread several times by various participants.... by the time you add in the cost of the unsightly and unnecessary stainless "monkey bars," the cost to install rigid panels will usually exceed the cost to mount quality flex panels to the top of the bimini. So... flex panels can in fact be the less expensive, more efficient option.... not to mention less weight, less windage, you can store them down below in off-season to extend life of panels, etc. Many advantages.