Adding Solar Panels

[seadaddler]

Has anyone added solar panels over the bimini and making any kind of bracket or support from the arch next to the travelar.
I did see solar panels on the new electric H-36 and stainless tubing was mounted to the arch some how but don't remember how it was done.
I saw the e36 at the miami boat show and they were doing some demo with the news media and did not get a chance to check it out,anyone doing this and can show photo's would be a good thing.
Nick

 

[Benny17441]

We have thought about fabricating a hardtop back section of the bimini to support a solar panel. We have currently eliminated the use of back straps by adding cross members to the existing tubing. We had thought about using sheet metal but we realized that with the sun beating on it it would require some heavy duty insulation. We also thought about wood but shied away from the maintenance. We are now considering molding a fiberglass piece. The front we'd like to keep in canvas so that it can be easily removed. We have not moved ahead on the project as there is no dire need but is something we keep thinking about. Our requirements are 1) Sturdy enough to hold a solar panel, 2) Something that looks good enough to have come from factory, 3) reflects or fails to retain solar heat 4) Low maintenance. Nick if you come up with something let us know.

 

[Jeff Jellick]

Solar Panels

Take a look at www.emarineinc.com and take a look at their solar mounting kits. A little $$, but you can get an idea and possibly do it yourself. As for all of the compoments I recomend Northern Arizona Wind and Sun. I think their web site is www.solar-electric.com. I installed 3 Kyocera 135-watt panels and a charge controller on my boat. Good luck, by the way Northern Arizona Wind and Sun also has a web based forum that was very helpful to me when first starting the project. Let me know if you need any more information.

Jeff

 

[Bob 04 H260]

here are a few pictures of the Hunter design...........
Bob