Cheap solar panel mounting to pushpit

[chrisbitz]

I've splashed out on a pair of small solar panels to fit either side of the pushpit on the rear. Can anyone suggest somewhere cheap that sells adequate accessories for connecting rods to the pushpit, so that the panels might have a diagonal support from the bottom of the pushpit? (I'd draw a picture if I wasn't so lazy)

I've seen a couple of places, but they only seem to sell the very most expensive Arctic salt water proof royal stainless steel, guaranteed for the next 100 years. And Only £100 PER component. Specially designed for 100' yachts who would think nothing of spending £1500 on mounting a £150 solar panel *perfectly*!

Is there anywhere that just sells quite good ones that might last 5 years and cost a lot less? I'm guessing I need a couple of rods and a clamp to clamp onto a pushpit upright?

A friend has had his solar panel suspended on 4 pieces of carefully measured string for well over a year now, and I'd like to do it *just* a little bit better than that! But if it doesn't end up less than £100, I might just revert to the string!

 

[alahol2]

Kayospruce sell all sorts of clamps for stainless pipework etc. http://www.kayospruce.com/index.asp?selection=category&catref=Cover Accessories&InBox=Clamps&cct=2&TypeSearch=

 

[William_H]

Maybe someone else can point you to a supplier who can give you what you want. I think however that you will end up witha diy solution. Panels on a pushpit can be mounted on a single pole. This looks right if the panel is angled to the horizon and orientated towards the midday sun. Just right for a trot mooring or jetty mooring.
However if you are on a swing mooring then you probably would go for flat mount in which case struts from underneath as you seem to describe would be the logical way.
Much depends on the structure and strength of the frame. Do you need another base under the panel or can you just attach to the edges of the panel? Light stainless steel tubing perhaps 12mm you could heat and flatten the ends to make a flat area to put screws through top and bottom. Or maybe aluminium tube would suit. The attachment at the rial could be made of flat ss plate bent around the rail. If you think you need a frame to sit it on then this could be made from SS tubing or aluminium angle with brackets at the corners. I think it is a good case for using your imagination.
If you go the single pole route then sometimes an old music stand or microphone stand will provide the necessary elevation adjustment that will clamp tight enough to hold. A large flat plate for the base might be easier to make attachment in the middle. Sorry not much help but good luck olewill

 

[elton]

I used rectangular u-section aluminium tubing from Homebase to make a frame to bolt the panel to, and brass water pipe clips to attach it to the pushpit rail. Works very nicely. I've it angled it to catch the most sun on my pontoon berth.

 

[xeitosaphil]

I've splashed out on a pair of small solar panels to fit either side of the pushpit on the rear. Can anyone suggest somewhere cheap that sells adequate accessories for connecting rods to the pushpit, so that the panels might have a diagonal support from the bottom of the pushpit? (I'd draw a picture if I wasn't so lazy)

I've seen a couple of places, but they only seem to sell the very most expensive Arctic salt water proof royal stainless steel, guaranteed for the next 100 years. And Only £100 PER component. Specially designed for 100' yachts who would think nothing of spending £1500 on mounting a £150 solar panel *perfectly*!

Is there anywhere that just sells quite good ones that might last 5 years and cost a lot less? I'm guessing I need a couple of rods and a clamp to clamp onto a pushpit upright?

A friend has had his solar panel suspended on 4 pieces of carefully measured string for well over a year now, and I'd like to do it *just* a little bit better than that! But if it doesn't end up less than £100, I might just revert to the string!

I have made numerous Solar Panel support poles from fittings I bought from this supplier Sea Screw, see this link

https://www.seascrew.com/browse.cfm...---TUBE-FITTINGS--BOAT-HANDRAILS&l=0000000031

 

[simonfraser]

I have made numerous Solar Panel support poles from fittings I bought from this supplier Sea Screw, see this link

https://www.seascrew.com/browse.cfm...---TUBE-FITTINGS--BOAT-HANDRAILS&l=0000000031

+1

 

[NornaBiron]

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?302130-Sailing-in-the-Greek-Ionian-life-at-anchor/page3

Description of how we attached ours here

 

[chrisbitz]

Thanks for the great ideas guys, I think the only hurdle left is how to mount it to the panels themselves, but they seem to come with some sort of mounting already..

(I bought them from http://www.lensunhk.com/ by the way...)

 

[Topcat47]

I have made numerous Solar Panel support poles from fittings I bought from this supplier Sea Screw, see this link

https://www.seascrew.com/browse.cfm...---TUBE-FITTINGS--BOAT-HANDRAILS&l=0000000031

Thanks for that, what a useful link

 

[Salty John]

Some people use these brackets to mount solar panels, tables, corner seats and so on to 1" rail.
View attachment 37078

 

[chrisbitz]

Thanks to Ole Will, and Elton, I went to B&Q and bought 2 10mm aluminium tubes for £5 each.

I intend to flatten the ends and drill a hole for connecting to an electrical 1" P-clip (maybe even with rubber edge if I can find one in stainless?)
I've had a look, and cant find any rubber coated Pclips - anyone know

Any tips on hammering the Aluminium flat and bending?
Can it be heated up to cherry red or whatever is needed with a butane blowtorch?
Will that even help?