Solar panel fixing mounts

Cardo

Cardo

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www.yacht-tinkerbell.co.uk
So, once again back to this palaver. In my ongoing search for the most practical way to mount solar panels, I have decided that an arch is simply not practical for our intentions.
As such, I've gone back to my previous idea of mounting the panels between stanchions (with a welded tube replacing the guard wire) at the stern. Also, we have a pole on which we previously had a radar mounted but now has little use (the AIS antenna lives on it) which I was hoping could be used as home for another panel.

My problem is I can't seem to find any UK companies that sell mounts for solar panels to do the above. Could anyone help with this?
 
Mounting solar panels

You don't say what size but I presume the panels are fairly big. A rail in place of the top wire of stern rail would seem like a good idea but it will hinder any access to the boat over the stern. So OK for a small panel but not good for full width. It should extend aft of the top rail with if necessary supports from under neath.
Much depends on your mooring arrangements and if always orientated one way then which way is south for max sun? If you are concerned more for power at anchor or swing mooring then there is much to be said for mounting on top of the radar pole. The panel(s) should be mounted in the middle from under neath at an angle and be rotatable so you can direct the panels toward the sun (until the wind or tide changes).

In any case your seeking a custom made mount is a bit difficult. First you must decide how and where it is to be mounted. You may then be able to find suitable tubes brackets etc but most likely it will be custom made. Sorry it is not an easy situation and indeed the biggest drawback for solar panels on boats. olewill
 
Cardo,

as Olewill summarises you're really looking for a custom made mount so you probably need a stainless steel fabricator, if your boat is anywhere near Chichester Harbour I can recommend Chris Silverthorne at CB Marine, alongside Chichester Marina - 01243 511273, no connection; when you decide where to put it, remember presents from Seagulls, Cormorants etc, it would be a sad end to go overboard trying to clean up their mess !
 
solar panel fixing mounts

Cardo,
I have mine fixed on the guard rails at the port and stbd side of the boat alongside the cockpit. They are fixed with clamp type mounts and I tilt them up and down as required, and also have a stainless steel arm to support them from underneath (made from bimini bits and pieces).

I do not find my arrangement ideal as they seriously get in the way when mooring stern to .... which we do a lot of in the med; also when at anchor at best only one is usually in the sun. I am going to go the route of mounting them on top of the bimini; the bimini is normally open when summer cruising and I have fitted two rigid arms to the bimini to keep the part with the panels open and to enable me to close the forward part of the bimini when sailing or docking (for visibility).

I would strongly urge you to consider the position of the panels before you go spending lots of dosh! Of course, for you the stern may be the ideal place.

Alan.
 
We have mounted ours on the aft quarters, adding a length of stainless steel angle iron, held to the stanchions with exhaust clamps. The panels are screwed on hinges attached to the angle iron and held up with collapsible hatch 'legs' attached to the toe rail. Works well for us and the cost was minimal compared with having something made up.
 
I converted a bimini frame over the taffrail to take two 50w panels. Fortunately the frame (22mm stainless tube) had tube uprights as well as hoops, so was rigid enough.
To mount the panels I used these, four-per-panel:

clamp.png


I simply drilled the ali frames of the panels to take the clamp bolts. The frames further add to the rigidity.
 
Before I built the arch, I mounted ours on the guard wires. Used 2 saddles to attach a piece of stainless tube to the panel frames, fed some plastic tube through that and then the guard wire through the plastic tube. Adjustment was by rope down to the toe rail. Not the best system but adequate for a temporary fix.
 
This is my set up and has been since 1996.

These clamps which I bought from the States (supplied in UK by Salty John of this parish - www.saltyjohn.co.uk) are very robust and withstood high winds and rough seas over 1000's of miles.

See pic - these are 2 x 55w panels joined by aluminium strip on which the clamps are mounted - these clamp onto the 1" tube.

See SJ link rail clamp.

Edit: Forgot to add that these clamps have a rubber pad inside so you can tilt the panel using the friction to hold it in place. For belt & braces I have cord tied to eyes on the outboard end of the aluminium strip which is tied off on a cleat on the rail.
 
Last edited:
Tradewinds said:
This is my set up and has been since 1996.

These clamps which I bought from the States (supplied in UK by Salty John of this parish - www.saltyjohn.co.uk) are very robust and withstood high winds and rough seas over 1000's of miles.

See pic - these are 2 x 55w panels joined by aluminium strip on which the clamps are mounted - these clamp onto the 1" tube.

Edit: Forgot to add that these clamps have a rubber pad inside so you can tilt the panel using the friction to hold it in place. For belt & braces I have cord tied to eyes on the outboard end of the aluminium strip which is tied off on a cleat on the rail.
Click to expand...

This is basically what I am currently setting up and was thinking of just using bolts to connect the aluminium cross piece to ss tube (£40 for two clamps seems a bit steep but I may rethink this). However, does your setup interfere with your wind vane under way? I am not sure how high above mine I should set my panel so that it doesn't affect wind over the vane.
 
I've decided to go with the NOA attachment system (the B type) - it comes with the aluminium supports and allows movement of the panel on these as well as rotation.
 
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