Attaching rigid solar panels to canvas dodger.

[sanibel sailor]

I am considering ways of attaching rigid solar panels to a canvas dodger- what works well, or not. Pictures greatly appreciated.

[Kenomac]

Rigid can't be done without ruining your canvas due to chafe or tearing. You'll need to use flexible panels zippered and Velcro on all four sides. If you must use rigid panels, attach them using a wing assembly to your lifelines.

[sanibel sailor]

I was thinking of elevating it off the canvas with some standoffs or something. May be difficult, but I am quite sure it is not impossible.

[WSMFP]

Stand offs can be easily be used but the dodger canvas will need to be resewed. You'll want to have metal to metal connections with no canvas in between. Zippers will also need to be added so prepare for some canvas work. Frames for the panels are are easy to make with 90 degree and T connectors.

[JohnHolland]

On previous boat I marked dodger, installed HD stainless grommets, tapped threads into ss tubing at the 4 points intersecting panels, then used as machine screws to fasten on top of Delton o-rings about 1/2" above fabric. Crossed carib. and Pacific with no problems. Had a boom gallows to prevent boom from touching panels

[mportdmd]

I attached rigid solar panels over my bimini by having a stainless steel arch built over the bimini and attached to the framework of the bimini.
It's been about 6 years now and still working very well

[Dooglas]

Commercial products are available.

https://www.geminiproducts.net/solar-mounts/

[Mike OReilly]

A friend’s boat is set up exactly as you propose sanibel. As others have said, just build a frame offset, or a frame on top of the frame. The canvas will have to be altered though.

On my boat I didn’t have a canvas bimini, and after pondering it for a while just decided for forgo the canvas entirely.

[Jammer]

So with a setup like that, how bad does the weather forecast have to get before you take everything apart and put it in the aft cabing?

[MJH]

Originally Posted by sanibel sailor

I am considering ways of attaching rigid solar panels to a canvas dodger- what works well, or not. Pictures greatly appreciated.

In 2015 I installed 4 x 140 = 560W Kyocera rigid panel on my boat; two above the dodger and two on a new stern arch, in preparation for a trip to Hawaii. The two above the dodger were installed in conjunction with a dodger refit installation. You can't have too much solar and where else are you going to put them where it will be useable in all offshore conditions without additional adjustment and securing...I'm not keen on the flexible/walk-on panels. I never have to mess with mine. The only downside thus far is the difficulty in cleaning the dodger canvas under the panels...hosing is about all I can do.

A lot depends on the height available between the mast boom and top of the dodger.

~ ~ _/) ~ ~ MJH

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by Jammer

So with a setup like that, how bad does the weather forecast have to get before you take everything apart and put it in the aft cabing?

I can’t comment on my friend’s setup (the first pic), but for mine (the second one), I have not yet had to remove the panels for weather. We’ve sat through 50+knot winds at anchor with no noticeable issues.

I would remove them if preparing for hurricane-level storms, but that is the same for any bimini. I’m quite sure my solar panel bimini is stronger than any cloth version.

[Kenomac]

Why not just forget about adding all the stainless bars and attach some flexible panels like this?

[SuW]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

Rigid can't be done without ruining your canvas due to chafe or tearing. You'll need to use flexible panels zippered and Velcro on all four sides. If you must use rigid panels, attach them using a wing assembly to your lifelines.

Agree with flexible panels. Sailrite has a nice idea to make "picture frames" out of chafe resistant material, covered with Sunbrella, the whole thing sewn into the canvas then using Tenax-type fasteners to secure the panel in place.

I've done this on both dodger (2x40W) and bimini (2x50W) and it works well. No longer need to plug in, winter or summer. The panels work well enough to keep the batteries topped up, even through white plastic winter cover.

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

Why not just forget about adding all the stainless bars and attach some flexible panels like this?

I like this. If I had an existing bimini I would have done it this way.

Ken, notice any chafing with the flexing? I’ve read others who say this is a concern, but I guess it speaks to how the pockets are designed?

[alaskaflyfish]

I have done exactly what you have suggested doing. It works well.
https://www.amazon.com/Threads-Plus-...838539&sr=8-48
Use these brackets to slide over the tubes and under the fabric. Then fabricate L brackets out of 1" stainless steel strap to attach to the Bimini fittings shown above. Next, attach the rigid solar panel to the L brackets. Easy. I don't know why my pics are not attaching.