Leak Free Canvas Bimini-Top Solar

[argold57]

My wife and I have worked had over the years to maintain a leak-free enclosure. I can't count the number of times we were warm and dry in torrential rain and feeling sorry for others out there getting soaked.

But now we want to spend less time in marinas and don't have much space to put on solar panels other than on our canvas bimini top. We are considering using Solbian semi-flexible panels and there are lots of examples of canvas bimini-top installations.

Is it reasonable to think that a professional canvas shop can add velcro lapels, cable covers and covered holes big enough for MC4 connectors (all the rails in our enclosure are inside) yet still maintain a leak-free environment?

[jt11791]

Yes. I have added panels to my canvas and have no leaks.

[argold57]

Originally Posted by jt11791

Yes. I have added panels to my canvas and have no leaks.

Would you mind showing a picture?

[jt11791]

Here are some photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/8ZJbL81zYBxaY2Gt7


The sewing was done by YachtCanvas on Edgewood Rd in Annapolis, MD. They've done many solar installations and had some good suggestions. The panels are mounted on plastic backing sheets that make them stiffer and allow air to circulate under them. They sewed zippers along the long edges of the panels and to the bimini. Wiring runs through canvas tunnels to protect the cables. They use the same sewing methods as for constructing the bimini, so the seams don't leak.


I used these panels from Renogy.

[shimari]

Originally Posted by jt11791

Here are some photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/8ZJbL81zYBxaY2Gt7


The sewing was done by YachtCanvas on Edgewood Rd in Annapolis, MD. They've done many solar installations and had some good suggestions. The panels are mounted on plastic backing sheets that make them stiffer and allow air to circulate under them. They sewed zippers along the long edges of the panels and to the bimini. Wiring runs through canvas tunnels to protect the cables. They use the same sewing methods as for constructing the bimini, so the seams don't leak.


I used these panels from Renogy.

I'm curious what they charged for adding the solar pockets?

[guyrj33]

Solbian semi-flexible panels are very expensive and may not last much longer than their 5 year warranty.

[ahumbug1]

Originally Posted by argold57

My wife and I have worked had over the years to maintain a leak-free enclosure. I can't count the number of times we were warm and dry in torrential rain and feeling sorry for others out there getting soaked.

But now we want to spend less time in marinas and don't have much space to put on solar panels other than on our canvas bimini top. We are considering using Solbian semi-flexible panels and there are lots of examples of canvas bimini-top installations.

Is it reasonable to think that a professional canvas shop can add velcro lapels, cable covers and covered holes big enough for MC4 connectors (all the rails in our enclosure are inside) yet still maintain a leak-free environment?

We just added 2 Renolgy flex 175w solar panels to our Bimini top using magnets. Very strong 30 lb magnets. Saw a YouTube doing it. 6 magnets bolted to the panel an place another magnet bottom side of the Bimini. You can hardly pull the magnets apart. Our electrician was very impressed by mounting them this way.

[Redline452]

Originally Posted by ahumbug1

We just added 2 Renolgy flex 175w solar panels to our Bimini top using magnets. Very strong 30 lb magnets.

I’m curious what your compass/autopilot think of this?

[argold57]

Originally Posted by jt11791

The sewing was done by YachtCanvas on Edgewood Rd in Annapolis, MD.

Cool, my boat is very close to them. I just gave a call and am awaiting a return call from a designer.

[argold57]

Originally Posted by guyrj33

Solbian semi-flexible panels are very expensive and may not last much longer than their 5 year warranty.

I really was wondering if the price difference between the Solbian and the Renolgy panels pay off in the end.

[George_SD]

Yes, that should work. Alternatively you can have additional stainless arches added to the bimini where they would go above the canvas and provide mounting points for the panels. I've seen it done on many boats.
There are significant advantages to having hard panels.