Attaching rigid solar panels to canvas dodger.

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

I like this. If I had an existing bimini I would have done it this way.

Ken, notice any chafing with the flexing? I’ve read others who say this is a concern, but I guess it speaks to how the pockets are designed?

No chafe, minimal flexing with all four sides fastened down. I might even try what was suggested on another thread, which was to reinforce using sail battens.

[sanibel sailor]

I already own the rigid panels.

[CarinaPDX]

I did something similar to post #7's photo. I didn't have to modify the canvas other than to sew small leather patches on the canvas where the rail mounts attached on top with screws through and into the existing tubing. It also served to stretch the canvas and allowed the removal of a pair of supports on the aft of the aft arch. Clean and simple. Since then I have replaced the lot with a wood and glass dodger and don't have any photos at hand - sorry.

Even if you didn't have rigid panels I would still recommend going that way. The flexible panels made with amorphous silicon (as opposed to crystalline or poly-crystalline silicon) require 2-1/2 times as much area for the same output and are notoriously short-lived.

Greg

[Smokeys Kitchen]

Here is a photo of what I did with our existing bimini. The panel came with the stand offs that fit right onto the crossbars which actually fit through a reinforced bolt hole in the top of the fabric. We get no rain through the attachment points. We will probably add two more panels in the near future.

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by sanibel sailor

I already own the rigid panels.

Yes. But you might end up spending more on stainless fabrication to install what you have than you would by intalling flex panels.

[njoynthewater]

Be careful with the flexible panels as there have been numerous complaints that they aren't lasting very long. Seems to me that I read one manufacturers instructions being that they are designed to flex but the expectation is that they are mounted on a stiff curved surface. The other requirement is that they need to be able to get rid of excess heat. We recently mounted our ridgid panels above our davits and so far it's working well.

[guykane]

Hi, I installed a rigid solar panel exactly like you plan to do. I just added an aluminium bar on each side and then attached the aluminium bars on the dodger bars with stainless steel fishing wires. It did make tiny holes in the canvas but they are invisible. I’ll try to send you photos

[Shaunskie]

The PO's of my boat put 90,000 miles on her over 14 years and didn't have to remove the setup once for weather so I guess its good enough.

[Shaunskie]

Chaps whilst we are here can someone tell me how to insert a picture please I just triwed to add a picture of my solar setup and bimini and it asked for a URL but I was trying to add a picture from my desktop folder. Help

[Shaunskie]

Did this work ?

[sanibel sailor]

Don’t use quick reply

Below the typing area is “manage attachments”

[sanibel sailor]

Had 2 flexible panels before. One died. Output seemed modest.

[daletournier]

Originally Posted by Jammer

So with a setup like that, how bad does the weather forecast have to get before you take everything apart and put it in the aft cabing?

I had a similar setup on my last boat, never took them down in seven years. It would need to be very strong wind to be a problem, 50knts was not an issue.

[daletournier]

Gemini products that were mentioned earlier enable a very neat install, I've seen excellent results.

[alaskaflyfish]

Thanks for the pic hint.
Right on top of the dodger like you want.