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Old 16-12-2017, 17:50   #1
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Aimable Solar Panel Mount for an arch?

I have a pair of 315 W solar panels hard mounted to the top of the stern arch.

I have seen a few boats now with arch mounts that allow them to angle the panels at least fore and aft. The extra power generated by being able to aim the panels toward the sun is appealing...

Anybody have a reference to a commercial design or (better yet) a simple DIY mount that would allow me to aim my panels?

Thanks!
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Old 16-12-2017, 18:40   #2
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Re: Aimable Solar Panel Mount for an arch?

Bill if you have a couple pictures of the underside of them I should be able to figure out a couple ideas for you
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Old 16-12-2017, 22:28   #3
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Re: Aimable Solar Panel Mount for an arch?

https://www.emarineinc.com/categorie...Mounting-Kits/
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Old 16-12-2017, 22:43   #4
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Re: Aimable Solar Panel Mount for an arch?

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guaranteed I can design a diy that is better and a lot cheaper than those.
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Old 17-12-2017, 15:23   #5
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Re: Aimable Solar Panel Mount for an arch?

I am adding solar to my 88 Catalina 30 and would love advice on what panels and other equipment to use? I only want 3 panels at the most but want 4 to 500 watts. Is this possible?
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Old 17-12-2017, 15:29   #6
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Re: Aimable Solar Panel Mount for an arch?

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I am adding solar to my 88 Catalina 30 and would love advice on what panels and other equipment to use? I only want 3 panels at the most but want 4 to 500 watts. Is this possible?
definitely possible 500 watts+ with 2 panels mounted over the pushpit easy peasy.
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Old 17-12-2017, 16:45   #7
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Re: Aimable Solar Panel Mount for an arch?

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guaranteed I can design a diy that is better and a lot cheaper than those.
Chop Chop!
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Old 17-12-2017, 16:57   #8
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Re: Aimable Solar Panel Mount for an arch?

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Chop Chop!
ok 2 pieces 1/4" by 2" by 24" aluminum flat bar $8.00 my cost x2
2 sea dog rail mounts $19.00
Sea Dog 327199-1 REMOVEABLE RAIL MNT CLAMP 2/PK
Misc stainless bolts and nuts $5.00
About $40.00 USD
This would be the cost for my 100 watt panels .
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Old 17-12-2017, 17:48   #9
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Re: Aimable Solar Panel Mount for an arch?

So with each panel a different controller? I am looking at room for a 150 and 2 50 watt flex panels on my Bimini. In parallel one controller?
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Old 17-12-2017, 17:58   #10
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Re: Aimable Solar Panel Mount for an arch?

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So with each panel a different controller? I am looking at room for a 150 and 2 50 watt flex panels on my Bimini. In parallel one controller?
I would actually recommend running the 150 watt panel on its own controller and both of the 50 watt panels on the other controller.
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Old 17-12-2017, 18:04   #11
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Re: Aimable Solar Panel Mount for an arch?

Quote:
Originally Posted by newhaul View Post
ok 2 pieces 1/4" by 2" by 24" aluminum flat bar $8.00 my cost x2
2 sea dog rail mounts $19.00
Sea Dog 327199-1 REMOVEABLE RAIL MNT CLAMP 2/PK
Misc stainless bolts and nuts $5.00
About $40.00 USD
This would be the cost for my 100 watt panels .
the mount I actually built for my panels I used channel aluminum instead of the flat bar which would add about 5 bucks but improve the mount by increasing the rigidity of the mount .
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Old 17-12-2017, 19:10   #12
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Re: Aimable Solar Panel Mount for an arch?

Quote:
Originally Posted by newhaul View Post
ok 2 pieces 1/4" by 2" by 24" aluminum flat bar $8.00 my cost x2
2 sea dog rail mounts $19.00
Sea Dog 327199-1 REMOVEABLE RAIL MNT CLAMP 2/PK
Misc stainless bolts and nuts $5.00
About $40.00 USD
This would be the cost for my 100 watt panels .
Mark it up and sell it online. I also used channel aluminum.
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Old 17-12-2017, 19:19   #13
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Re: Aimable Solar Panel Mount for an arch?

Quote:
Originally Posted by zboss View Post
Mark it up and sell it online. I also used channel aluminum.
z I can actually get the metal for less than half that if I go to my local salvage yard. Like the price is a buck a pound . But I don't want to market it sounds to much like work to me. I just do one off installs for customers locally. A dozen or so a year.
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Old 18-12-2017, 05:42   #14
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Re: Aimable Solar Panel Mount for an arch?

Although more expensive than the seadog clamps, Magna, the grill company , makes some clamps that are super strong and durable. They make several types, you want the one with the long tangs that are not used in a solar installation. Something like $60 each??

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Old 18-12-2017, 05:45   #15
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Re: Aimable Solar Panel Mount for an arch?

Here you go, $90 for a pair. I have used them on two installs, discarding the stainless "Tab" on each.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/magma...89?recordNum=1

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