Solar Panel Type and Installation Tips

dlochner · Apr 16, 2020

Solbian panels are probably the best panels for attaching to a soft surface, they are not budget minded. And here's an article to help install them.

Installing Semi-Flexible Solar Panels - Marine How To

Panel Layout In this article we used a Solbian panel that is no longer in production. Solbian solar panels are a unique product that fill a great niche for the marine market. They are really the absolute top tier semi-flexible panel

marinehowto.com

One issue with solar panels and their efficiency is heat, hot panels will not produce their rated power. Panels mounted on a frame will allow air to circulate beneath the panel, helping to keep it cool.

capta · Apr 16, 2020

I'm not a fan of the velcro idea for us. If we were to mount a few $800.00+ panels on our bimini, I would definitely want to use them on crossings and not have to worry about losing them in a sudden 60+ knot squall in the middle of the night, at anchor or at sea.
There must be a better way to attach them to a bimini.
I also wonder if direct attachment wouldn't cause the back to heat up excessively, making them less efficient and last a shorter time?

Charlie Jones s/v Tehani · Apr 16, 2020

My flex panel has been mounted on the bimini for years, and many miles, with zero problems. Sad to say, it has reached the end of it's life and needs replacing, which has me a bit stymied since I haven't found another flex panel like it. It's just lashed to the bimini supports at the four corners.

dlochner · Apr 16, 2020

Some flexible panels are not up to be installed on something soft, like a Bimini. They are flexible in the sense the panel can be fit to a modestly curved surface, such as the top of the hard dodger or on deck with the deck's camber. They are flexible but need firm support under the panel. The one that failed might have been one of those.

Then there are really flexible panels that can be rolled, they might work better on a soft surface.

When I was planning my solar install, I considered the Solbian panels and ultimately opted for a marine grade rigid panel that is mounted on a SS frame above the Bimini.

In the world of solar panels you get what you pay for.

joker460 · Apr 16, 2020

I saw another forum where the guy used magnets Neodymium Disc Countersunk Hole Magnets with 10 Screws, 1.26 inch D x 0.2 inch H Strong Rare Earth Magnets - Pack of 10: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
I was going to investigate this idea on my flex panels as there would be no holes and sewing required. Easy to remove. Each magnet has a vertical pull force of 12kg (Aprox 24 lbs).
Just an idea :huh:

jmce1587 · Apr 16, 2020

I have 2 flexible panels on my Bimini. I tried similar snaps to a mainsail cover for the first one I had before adding a second panel. I have the 2 panels temporarily connected to each other with zip ties and the corners tied/secured to the Bimini tubing for now. I need to have some work on my Bimini and when I do, I intend to use these Loxx fasteners. Sold by sail-rite, on amazon and other places. Kinda pricey but looks like they will do the job.

Marine Fasteners | Quick Release Fasteners | Custom Fasteners | LOXX®

LOXX® Fasteners USA is your source for the strongest, most versatile, self-locking, quick release fasteners ever made.

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videos on fasteners from sail-rite

THECUSCUS · Apr 16, 2020

I mounted my Solbian panel with zippers, it stays on securely and comes off easily if needed. It's been working fine for the past 3 seasons. The key is to make sure the canvas is tight and don't go over any of the bimini framework.

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JohnShannon · Apr 16, 2020

Sunpower makes a very similar panel to Soliban and I think is a bunch cheaper. Sunpower cells are among the best.

Davidasailor26 · Apr 17, 2020

SV Delos showed an installation of flexible panels recently -

They sewed an extra pocket on their Bimini that the panels could fit into, so they aren’t likely to get blown around. Doesn’t solve the problem of getting airflow under them though.

sesmith · Apr 17, 2020

I put 420 watts of panels on our bimini last year. I used Renogy flexible panels. Way too early to be able to tell you how long they will last but so far so good. I'm sure they won't go as long as rigid panels, so not expecting that. Being able to do a low profile mount rather than deal with building an arch was more important to us. I had to beef up the bimini by adding rigid struts in place of the straps. I also added fiberglass battens under the fabric and up over the center arch to keep the panels from hitting a hard spot at the point over the center arch. See pics below.

To attach them, we used 3-m Dual Lock (part # SJ3440 for the fabric side and SJ3870 for the panel side from itapestore.com). The dual lock on the bimini fabric can be sewn in place with a decent machine. My wife did this and also added the pockets for the battens. The panels have been through 60 mph thunderstorm winds last season without issue.

jmce1587 · Apr 17, 2020

Sesmith. Thanks for input and I like the idea of adding battens to support on Bimini. One problem I’m having is sag on my Bimini due to added weight of flexible panels.

Captain Larry-DH · Apr 17, 2020

dlochner said:
Some flexible panels are not up to be installed on something soft, like a Bimini. They are flexible in the sense the panel can be fit to a modestly curved surface, such as the top of the hard dodger or on deck with the deck's camber. They are flexible but need firm support under the panel. The one that failed might have been one of those.

Then there are really flexible panels that can be rolled, they might work better on a soft surface.

When I was planning my solar install, I considered the Solbian panels and ultimately opted for a marine grade rigid panel that is mounted on a SS frame above the Bimini.

In the world of solar panels you get what you pay for.

Don't let them flex repeatedly, or they won't last! I've been using solar panels since 2001 and have been through 4 generations. The latest are 2x Renogy 160w panels and a single Lensun 50w ahead of the mast. Mounting on the (curved) deck was done with 3M VHB 2-sided tape. No holes and it holds well even in high winds and decks awash (especially the amas).
I should add that the Renogy quality is not great, but the output has been good and (so far after 2 years) they are holding up (after 3 early returns). The eyelets are brass plated steel that rusts. I would recommend Sunware or Solbian, at a higher price point. Lensun is also good quality. I stuck with the Renogy only because they exactly fit the area (see image) but the defect rate of the new ones was not good. Hopefully these will last (they're inexpensive so I have a spare still in the box).

RonRelyea · Apr 29, 2020

Any suggestions for running the wiring through bulkheads??

Captain Larry-DH · Apr 29, 2020

RonRelyea said:
Any suggestions for running the wiring through bulkheads??

Interior bulkhead? Just avoid chafe - perhaps rubber grommet or extra shrink-wrap or electrical tape on the wire itself. If exterior, there are numerous thru-deck fittings that are water tight.

Hello Below · Apr 29, 2020

Geoff E said:
Thanks in advance for any info.

Jeff, add Gioco flexible solar panels to your “will consider” list. They are one of the few that are recommended by MaineSail. I used a backer board and 3m velcro on all 4 sides to attach to my bimini and after 4+ years have had no issues. Jeff Cote at PYS in Vancouver can assist with whatever you need. You will find him very receptive and very easy to work with. For years he has writen monthly articles in Pacific Yachting Magazine and a while back he wrote a couple about installing flexible Solbian panels (450W total) on his Catalina 36. He carries both Solbian and Gioco.

Here are some videos that you may find helpful.

Pacific Yacht Systems - Solar