Solar panel supports

[Kommy000]

I was hoping someone built this and I could replicate it.
Basically I'm trying to build an extra shade on the back of the boat behind the Bimini. My Bimini was installed too forward so when you seating and steering you are not covered.
I'm thinking of building on to the existing rail extra vertical supports and then adding the solar panels and make them work as a shade. My solar panels are light flexible kind so not much weight so I thought I would build something out of PVC. Don't know if that's something that will be OK plus trying to figure out how to attach a PVC structure to existing horizontal rails without removing them.
I even thought of using stainless steel tubing but again don't want to remove existing rail to attach new structure plus price is a lot higher than PVC. Anybody had any success with PVC type of setup?

 

[centerline]

lots of people have added solar panels over their bimini.... like the photos here of my boat. but I also have a bimini cover that I have built and need to get installed, that will shed any leak thru of sun or rain... the sun leaks isnt an issue so much, but the rain is annoying at times.
the bimini laces to the front and rear support, and goes over the middle support, and is wide enough so that it comes down to the horizontal supports on the sides....

EDIT... I missed the part about your bimini being mounted to far forward, but the good news is, its quick and easy to move rearward. so it would probably be better to move it rearward, mount your panels to it and then build an extension cover to cover the area forward..... or add another bimini bow to the rear with the proper supports..

 

[Ed Schenck]

That's an excellent arrangement. I guess your bimini is modified to go around the panel mounts. How many amps do you generate?

 

[centerline]

That's an excellent arrangement. I guess your bimini is modified to go around the panel mounts. How many amps do you generate?

these are (2) 140w panels, due to the angle they are mounted and the region Im in, I believe that I can get a strong 8amp average in the winter and 10amps in the summer....
the total combined rating according to the label would be 15.8 amps.

I have a pro-remote battery monitor on its way (ordered it sunday evening) that I will install so I can adjust the settings on the charge controller and monitor the system to insure the best usage and longest battery life... and I will then know how close to reality my penciled out average really is.

the bimini cover is custom made for the application.... my plan is to get it installed next week.