Solar Panel on Bimini

[Helidan]

We're looking to beef up our power system on the boat and that will certainly mean adding a solar panel of around 120-130w. About the only place to mount it would be on the bimini but not too sure on the best method to secure it? Would heavy duty outdoor rated velco suffice? I see you can buy kits that require holes to be punched in the canvas and the panel is then attached with nuts and bolts. I did also wonder about glueing small d-ring patches onto the canvas to act as mounting points.

 

[Neeves]

You may engender other, possibly better, options if you provide a picture of your Bimini and give an indication of size, between the supports for your Bimini and the size of the panel(s) you wish to attach. Some panels are quite heavy - what weight is the one you propose?

Jonathan

 

[geem]

A friend has a set of solar panels that are the bimini

 

[Bobc]

I've had some strips of velcro sewn onto our bimini, and now have 4 x 100W panels up there connected in series through a 100v MPPT controller. Works well.

 

[roaringgirl]

I guess it depends on what conditions you are expecting it to stand up to.

 

[samfieldhouse]

I sometimes put my flexible renogy 100w on the bimini and just tie it down.