Author Topic: How to mount solar panels on bimini?  (Read 2038 times)

Krumelur

  • Old Salt
  • *****
  • Posts: 310
  • Karma: +2/-3
  • Boat Model: Bavaria 40
  • Boat Year: 2010
How to mount solar panels on bimini?
« on: December 07 2023, 11:13 »
My flexible solar panels arrived with six reinforced grommets each. The inner diameter is 6mm.
The Loxx button's diameter seems to be more (don't know the actual number).
I'm looking for ideas how to mount the panels on top of my bimini while using the exiting mounting points.
Ideas are welcome.

I'm currently considering using a 6mm Loxx lower part as shown in the attached image and make it point downwards. Then I could use a Loxx button mounted to the inside of the bimini. That would allow me to "unloxx" the solar panel from underneath, without having to stretch over the expansive bimini.


Ailatan

  • Able Seaman
  • ****
  • Posts: 181
  • Karma: +3/-0
  • Boat Model: Bavaria 44
  • Boat Year: 2003
Re: How to mount solar panels on bimini?
« Reply #1 on: December 07 2023, 21:25 »
A picture better than a thousand words

Krumelur

  • Old Salt
  • *****
  • Posts: 310
  • Karma: +2/-3
  • Boat Model: Bavaria 40
  • Boat Year: 2010
Re: How to mount solar panels on bimini?
« Reply #2 on: December 08 2023, 09:49 »
Yes, that's what I had in mind.
What about wind going under the panels? Is that an issue? Having a pocket sewed to the bimini would prevent it.

Ailatan

  • Able Seaman
  • ****
  • Posts: 181
  • Karma: +3/-0
  • Boat Model: Bavaria 44
  • Boat Year: 2003
Re: How to mount solar panels on bimini?
« Reply #3 on: December 09 2023, 09:30 »
I only use the solar panels in summer but I found a few days with 20knts TWS and no problem.
I have a pocket but for the cables.
Bear in mind that if the bimini is too long you may find difficult to attach the middle points