EMT conduit for solar panel mounting

[Aiki]

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,

[sww914]

It will work unless it gets windy, but it will probably drip rust on your boat like your wife says.

[capn_billl]

How heavy are the panels? You could look into PVC conduit? Schedule 80, plus go up a size?

[hellosailor]

Rust?

Zinc primer! The silver 'cold galvanize' primer probably will prevent rust long enough for what you want to do. Couple of heavy coats, with or without a top coat.