Seeking Hinged Brackets for Rigid Solar Panels

[j-hood]

I am reworking my solar and would like to mount my panel onto my stern rail so that it can swing up for maximum exposure and swing down so it can be secured. I've looked around on the net but haven't seen the components for this solution.

I'm confident it's out there. My net searching capabilities aren't the best from my old phone out on the boat. Any direction would be appreciated.

Cheers.

[Stu Jackson]

Installing A Small Marine Solar System Photo Gallery by Compass Marine How To at pbase.com

[sailorchic34]

Being a cheap, er..., frugal sailor, I made stern mounts by laminating 1/4" oak strips for the supports. Then epoxied the oak and painted them. I used SS U bolts to mount to the stern rail and I have 1/2" aluminum angle braces to support the outer edge of the panel. I can adjust from down to 120 degrees up from down position.

Cost about $40.

[Greene]

When we installed two additional solar panels on top of our bimini we purchased a chunk of UHMW on eBay for $20. Drilled some holes, rounded the edges and mounted them. The same idea would work perfectly for pivoting blocks. Some UHMW is formulated for additional UV stability, but plain old UHMW will last a long time.



Mike and Brenda

[Greene]

Here is a picture of the top side as well.

Mike and Brenda

[pickpaul]

I have a solid panel I want to mount too (on the rail of my Alberg 30) but the rail is curved. Any leads on stainless brackets that have adjustment to make the upper parts of the two clamps can adjust to maintain a straight line with the rectangular panel. It's a long skinny 55w panel I got used for $10. I know the hardware and wire will cost me more :-) I do have an mmpt controller already though. Any help appreciated.

Sent from my SM-G925T using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Sailshabby]

eMarine in Florida.

[pdenton]

I have built two largish boats a 42 foot trawler and a 65 foot gaff rigged cutter. I'm currently upgrading my 35 foot Pearson. So I have had many things to fabricate out of stainless steel or galvanized steel.
Here's the trick. Every town of almost any size in the United States has a metal recycling outfit, what we used to call a junkyard.
The main thing that they do is buy crushed cans, old batteries, copper wire etc, etc.
What you might not be aware of is that they sell things as well.
For example I just bought 4 feet of 1 inch by 4 inch aluminum channel bar ($5) to use in the complicated triple roller system on my bow.
I can almost guarantee that you could pick through their stock and find something close, prefabricated, to what you're looking for. Or you could find something that modified on a drill press would work. Or you could find something that you could take to a welder.
On my gaff rigged cutter I found a 2 inch diameter 316 solid stainless steel shaft which I dragged to a machine shop and had a taper and the appropriate thread machined.
I would say in general that your cost using this method as against West Marine is a dime on the dollar.
In building 2 big boats I have saved tens of thousands of dollars.
Oh yeah, I found pieces of copper wire 2, 4, 6 guage.
The limit really is your imagination.
PHD, PhD

[mitiempo]

My preference is the Magma bbq mounts. They can be locked in place or unlocked with a quarter turn. If they are mounted on crossbars under the panel with a single bolt they can swivel allowing attachment to a curved rail.

T10-580_Rectangular

[j-hood]

Lots and lots of good info there. Thank you all!!

[powsmias]

Originally Posted by j-hood

I am reworking my solar and would like to mount my panel onto my stern rail so that it can swing up for maximum exposure and swing down so it can be secured. I've looked around on the net but haven't seen the components for this solution.

I'm confident it's out there. My net searching capabilities aren't the best from my old phone out on the boat. Any direction would be appreciated.

Cheers.

Check out the Mantus Anchor site for brackets.. good luck

[pickpaul]

Thanks so much for the Magma link, perfect. A bit pricy at $90 but worth it I think.

Sent from my SM-G925T using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by j-hood

I am reworking my solar and would like to mount my panel onto my stern rail so that it can swing up for maximum exposure and swing down so it can be secured. I've looked around on the net but haven't seen the components for this solution.

I'm confident it's out there. My net searching capabilities aren't the best from my old phone out on the boat. Any direction would be appreciated.

Cheers.

Try Marinepartsdepot.com

[powsmias]

Originally Posted by j-hood

I am reworking my solar and would like to mount my panel onto my stern rail so that it can swing up for maximum exposure and swing down so it can be secured. I've looked around on the net but haven't seen the components for this solution.

I'm confident it's out there. My net searching capabilities aren't the best from my old phone out on the boat. Any direction would be appreciated.

Cheers.

Mantus Anchors | Mantus Rail Clamp - Mantus Anchors 22.00 fpr two... might wanna take a look

[mitiempo]

Originally Posted by powsmias

Mantus Anchors | Mantus Rail Clamp - Mantus Anchors 22.00 fpr two... might wanna take a look

Okay for mounting but you will have to arrange a way to position the panel at whatever angle desired and tie the panel in a stored position when sailing.

The Magma mounts I linked to solve all these issues.