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flandria · 12-07-2012, 15:52

Hi,

This my first posting on this forum. I am contemplating installing solar panel(s) on my Catalina 36MkII and came across Aurinco. The notion of a thin, smooth penal appeals to me, but I wonder if there is some experience with this product out there. If so, can I also get some information on how it can be installed (I have a hard bimini supplied by Atlantic Towers in New Jersey that is essentially a stainless steel frame with a thin fiberglass roof).

Many thanks to anyone with wisdom to share!

CrazyRu · 13-07-2012, 04:12

I have two 25 watt panels, mounted directly on a cabin top. They do what they claim to do. Thin, small, light, you can walk on, at least step on them. Basically it is thin sheet of aluminum with solar cells It is covered with very hard transparent nonskid material. There are several holes on sides. You can bent the panels slightly. Mounting is simple - just bolt it or screw it to
a surface.
Electric output is OK. I'm getting 11-12 amps a day on average in summer time in NY, out of 50 watt. it is fixed panels on a deck with some shadows from boom and masts at times.
I'm satisfied so far and thinking of adding another 50 watts of very expensive panels. Hard to beat mounting options although.

flandria · 13-07-2012, 04:57

Further follow up: since I plan to mount the panels on the bimini, the bolts would have to go through the frame of the bimini support at perhaps as few as four attachment points per panel (2 on either side). Would the panels be stiff enough (given their flexibility) so that any wind might not get under them and "fold them upward" (if you get my drift). Thanks again.

CrazyRu · 13-07-2012, 08:03

Panels are relatively stiff but may not be stiff enough.
In my opinion using these panels on bimini top is counterproductive. They are designed to be walked on. There are many of low profile solar panels on a market. Most of them work fine on a bimini and can be had at 1/3 of price of aurinco.