Bimini for Solar Panel Support

Duke 48 · 05-09-2008, 17:52

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

**Ex-Calif** · 05-09-2008, 20:31

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.

over40pirate · 05-09-2008, 21:03

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

billyehh · 05-09-2008, 21:38

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.

Duke 48 · 06-09-2008, 04:46

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

bottleinamessage · 06-09-2008, 06:18

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!

bottleinamessage · 06-09-2008, 06:24

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.

Duke 48 · 06-09-2008, 06:57

bim, You have a nice looking setup. Any chance you have pics. of the underside of the bimini?
Duke

bottleinamessage · 06-09-2008, 07:19

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.

Duke 48 · 06-09-2008, 08:34

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

bottleinamessage · 06-09-2008, 08:49

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!!

**Ex-Calif** · 06-09-2008, 20:48

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.

Sorry for my wrong assumption.

henryk · 06-09-2008, 22:10

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!!

Next time buy a Laser ,no maintenance there, just sailing

bottleinamessage · 07-09-2008, 05:45

Here are a few pictures. It's a fairly long bimini/dodger combo. All the side canvas/screens and windows are off as we prepped for Hanna.

Duke 48 · 07-09-2008, 14:56

bmi: Thanks for the extra pics. And you are right, work aboard the boat will be never ending.

05-09-2008, 17:52	#1
Duke 48 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Western KY Boat: Morgan 321, BELIEVE Posts: 30	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

05-09-2008, 20:31	#2
Ex-Calif Moderator Site Helper Join Date: May 2007 Location: Singapore Boat: Maxi 77 - Relax Lah! Posts: 2,935 Images: 4	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. __________________ Dan Relax Lah! Changi Sailing Club

05-09-2008, 21:38	#4
billyehh Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Toronto, ON. CAN. Back from Grenada Boat: Voyage 38 - Oceanaire Posts: 62	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

06-09-2008, 06:18	#6
bottleinamessage Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: On the boat Boat: Jeanneau, SO 42.1 "Far Niente" Posts: 166	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!

06-09-2008, 06:24	#7
bottleinamessage Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: On the boat Boat: Jeanneau, SO 42.1 "Far Niente" Posts: 166	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!

05-09-2008, 21:03	#3
over40pirate Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 134 Images: 2	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

06-09-2008, 04:46	#5
Duke 48 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Western KY Boat: Morgan 321, BELIEVE Posts: 30	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

06-09-2008, 06:57	#8
Duke 48 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Western KY Boat: Morgan 321, BELIEVE Posts: 30	bim, You have a nice looking setup. Any chance you have pics. of the underside of the bimini? Duke

06-09-2008, 07:19	#9
bottleinamessage Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: On the boat Boat: Jeanneau, SO 42.1 "Far Niente" Posts: 166	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!

06-09-2008, 08:34	#10
Duke 48 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Western KY Boat: Morgan 321, BELIEVE Posts: 30	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

06-09-2008, 08:49	#11
bottleinamessage Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: On the boat Boat: Jeanneau, SO 42.1 "Far Niente" Posts: 166	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!

07-09-2008, 05:45	#14
bottleinamessage Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: On the boat Boat: Jeanneau, SO 42.1 "Far Niente" Posts: 166	Here are a few pictures. It's a fairly long bimini/dodger combo. All the side canvas/screens and windows are off as we prepped for Hanna. __________________ I wish I'd done this sooner!

07-09-2008, 14:56	#15
Duke 48 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Western KY Boat: Morgan 321, BELIEVE Posts: 30	bmi: Thanks for the extra pics. And you are right, work aboard the boat will be never ending.

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