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05-09-2008, 16:52
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Western KY
Boat: Morgan 321, BELIEVE
Posts: 203
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Bimini for Solar Panel Support
I have been researching the possibility of using solar panels for part of our electrical supply. I find that solar panels can be very heavy, on the order of 90# for a 100 watt panel. I was hoping to mount the SPs on top of the bimini. For this to happen I will have to replace the existing light weight bimini frame with one of significant strength. How do I determine what I need to securely support this 200# load.
Duke
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05-09-2008, 19:31
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#2
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Ohio
Boat: Now boatless :-(
Posts: 11,580
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I hope this doesn't sound rude but if you cannot determine how to design the bimini frame for a 200# load maybe you should consider buying one. There are several manufacturers of frames the attach to the pushpit for example.
I mean there are a lot of considerations when designing something like this and you sure wouldn't want $1,500 worth of solar gear falling over the transom.
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05-09-2008, 20:03
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW Florida
Boat: Bristol (Alden) 35 Sloop "Zephyr"
Posts: 508
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Just curious as to what brand 100 watt panel weighs 90#'s? My largest panel is an 85 watt, aluminum framed panel and must weigh about 30#'s max
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05-09-2008, 20:38
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Back in St. Lucia
Boat: Voyage 38 Catamaran
Posts: 203
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Same here. My solar panels at 130 watts each weigh 26 lbs. each. With 4 of them it is just over 100lbs. My solution is to have two tubes of 316 1" stainless steel above the existing bimini. Although it is a 12ft. span with 2 panels close to the support gives it plenty of strength. By using 2 bars it also gives more rigidity then the single tube systems that I have seen.
__________________
Billyehh
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06-09-2008, 03:46
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Western KY
Boat: Morgan 321, BELIEVE
Posts: 203
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Dan, you are right, I am not the person to be designing the SP supports. I am looking for various designs and comments on how well they work. Also, I would rather a potential mistake be brought to my attention than wast my time and energy trying to correct it.
over40 & billyehh, Reviewed my notes on SPs. You are correct. The 93# panel I was thinking about was actually 39#.
A little foolish I feel. More learned I am.
Duke
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06-09-2008, 05:18
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Part time C.L.O.D in Velcro Beach
Boat: Jeanneau, SO 42.1 "Far Niente"
Posts: 251
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It's not that hard to do. Ours sit on 4 -1" stainless tubes with 3 -1" x 1/4" aluminum cross supporting them. Plenty strong (it actually stiffens the bimini). Will mount 2 more 130's in the next week or so. I'll be able to supply power to a small Bahamian town this winter!
__________________
I wish I'd done this sooner!
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06-09-2008, 05:24
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Part time C.L.O.D in Velcro Beach
Boat: Jeanneau, SO 42.1 "Far Niente"
Posts: 251
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PS: The only mistake I made was buying the ICP panels from WM. Two sets only lasted for one year of service shorting out internally and almost completely burning thru the bottom of the panel. A year later their charge contoller failed too. Now have Kyrocera's and a Blue Sky MPPT contoller purchased from Affordable Solar in AZ.
__________________
I wish I'd done this sooner!
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06-09-2008, 05:57
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Western KY
Boat: Morgan 321, BELIEVE
Posts: 203
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bim, You have a nice looking setup. Any chance you have pics. of the underside of the bimini?
Duke
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06-09-2008, 06:19
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Part time C.L.O.D in Velcro Beach
Boat: Jeanneau, SO 42.1 "Far Niente"
Posts: 251
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No, sorry. I'll try to take a couple shots today and post them. Not much else to do as we're in Annapolis, staying below, as Hanna approaches.
FWIW, Affordable Solar has provided superior service at the best prices I've found. They have a website. Call and ask for Quint. He's been very helpful.
BTW....I disclaim any interest in aforementioned establishment or any knowledge of what I am doing.
__________________
I wish I'd done this sooner!
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06-09-2008, 07:34
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Western KY
Boat: Morgan 321, BELIEVE
Posts: 203
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bim: thanks for the additional info.
I hope Hanna has minimal effect.. for all..
We are headed to the boat. Forecast here is for 83F, N. winds, 9 - 11, with gust to 18. It has not worked out well for us to spend much time aboard this season. The boat is so new to us we are still finding what works / doesn't work for us. I have told my wife "I'm tired of working on the boat. I'm ready to go sailing."
Stay safe and dry,
Duke
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06-09-2008, 07:49
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Part time C.L.O.D in Velcro Beach
Boat: Jeanneau, SO 42.1 "Far Niente"
Posts: 251
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Duke, you may be in for a bit of surprise. Sit down and take a deep breath before reading on....................You NEVER will stop working on your boat!!!
Our boat name "Far Niente" (Italian for "doing nothing") turns out to be a joke on us. When is there ever nothing to do on a boat.
But take heart, it's worth it!!
__________________
I wish I'd done this sooner!
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06-09-2008, 19:48
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#12
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Ohio
Boat: Now boatless :-(
Posts: 11,580
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Duke 48
Dan, you are right, I am not the person to be designing the SP supports. I am looking for various designs and comments on how well they work.
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Sorry for my wrong assumption.
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06-09-2008, 21:10
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Kelowna , British Columbia
Boat: Corbin 39 Pilot House, Tayana 42
Posts: 294
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bottleinamessage
Duke, you may be in for a bit of surprise. Sit down and take a deep breath before reading on....................You NEVER will stop working on your boat!!!
Our boat name "Far Niente" (Italian for "doing nothing") turns out to be a joke on us. When is there ever nothing to do on a boat.
But take heart, it's worth it!!
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Next time buy a Laser ,no maintenance there, just sailing
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07-09-2008, 04:45
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Part time C.L.O.D in Velcro Beach
Boat: Jeanneau, SO 42.1 "Far Niente"
Posts: 251
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__________________
I wish I'd done this sooner!
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07-09-2008, 13:56
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#15
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Western KY
Boat: Morgan 321, BELIEVE
Posts: 203
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bmi: Thanks for the extra pics. And you are right, work aboard the boat will be never ending.
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