Sailrite DIY Bimini frame as support for solar panels?

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by LLCoolDave

Using solar panels as a bimini is great for fair weather but a lot of sailors will like the option of a full enclosure.

Also take a look at gemini bimini fittings. You can use aluminium angle as support.
https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?id=6722078

Nice connectors there Dave.

BTW, I sail in Newfoundland, so not exactly fair weather .

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by CassidyNZ

I’ve been reluctant to add any obliques to the back frame because they would need to be “inside” the frame but we use that as access to the aft deck and don’t want to clutter the opening. I suspect your structure is not only narrower but also a lot lighter. With the solid roof, I have 180kgs up there Turns “wobbly” into an art form.

I figured you'd already thought of all the possibilities. Mine definitely is a lot lighter. That's a huge amount of weight up there! My frame only supports two solar panels, so hardly any weight at all.

[CapnBazza]

Originally Posted by George_SD

Hi all,
I'm considering using 1" stainless 2 bar DIY bimini kit from Sailrite to support 2-3 rigid solar panels. I know that a few people have installed rigid solar panels above their canvas cover, but since I plan to cover a similar space with just panels, i figured I can skip the soft cover all together. I would add at least one set of steel supports instead of webbing to ensure that the bows stay in place. so there will be in the shape of "IV". Then install one in the center level and two on edges slightly tilted to the respective side so they sort of follow the curve of the crown. I could do all 3 level, but not sure if that's the best way.

I'm also considering closing the gap in between them.

I've seen this image floating around and figured it should work:




Anyone else with rigid panels on a bimini mounted to stern stanchions/pulpit?

Do you think this will support 30lbs fairly well? I figured about 10lb per panel?

No problem. I have 2 x 380w panels on my bimini.

[CassidyNZ]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

I figured you'd already thought of all the possibilities. Mine definitely is a lot lighter. That's a huge amount of weight up there! My frame only supports two solar panels, so hardly any weight at all.

Sorry getting mixed up with my American spec and the NZ one - that should have read 180lbs. Still heavy but manageable.

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by CassidyNZ

Sorry getting mixed up with my American spec and the NZ one - that should have read 180lbs. Still heavy but manageable.

Phew... I was almost in a panic when you said 180 kg. Yes, still heavy, but that's reasonable for a hard top of that size. Looks great, btw.