It really is an excellent article but since I am a Electronic Engineer I know most of that stuff, but thanks as it is an excellent reference for future use. What I need to know is the mechanics of how to clamp the vertical stainless steel tubing to the rear seats on a cat 250 for a 7' overhead mount across the stern to hold 2 ea 80 watt panels. I have not been able to find the right brackets for attaching the frame. Thanks,Chief
Your best bet is probably to measure then custom order a pre-made heavy walled SS bimini frame then mount the panels to the bimini frame using Gemini mounts. No canvas, just the frame and then you buy the tube and fittings to make it a free standing frame (strapless)...
I see far to many poorly and unsafely executed solar installs. Two 80W panels at 7' is a lot of load on a pushpit by the time you get done with all the added weight of the panels & mounting accessories...
A good 1" heavy walled "strapless" bimini frame will do fine but will still wobble if not cross braced (see images below) to the stern push pit or toe rail.
Just to give an example this was a poorly constructed and installed 1" thin walled SS three bow bimini on a 41 footer. With only the canvas it was swinging more than 6" side to side in lumpy seas..... With canvas and bimini's you get what you pay for..... Doh'......
Before adding an ultra-light Solbian panel, about 6 pounds, this was the level of reinforcement needed to make this a safe install.
Before Reinforcements (a strap bimini):
After Reinforcements (a strapless bimini):
And this is all that was added, very light weight: