Velcro tape for attaching solar panels to bimini

[skunther]

I am looking for a workable solution I can tackle until my seamstress is available later this fall to sew the Velcro strips in place on my Bimini to secure my solar panels in place.

What I have seen others do is adhere Velcro to the panels and sew the paired strips to the Bimini.

My thought is to attach adhesive backed Extreme OutDoor Velcro Tape to the Bimini, then to hand sew as much as I can of it, and attach the panels with the Velcro taped to the bottom. I have only been able to find the tape in 1” width. I have found the Velcro Heavy Duty Industrial Tape in 2” wide rolls, but it does not seem to have the same UV resistance.

Is 1” wide strips of the Velcro Extreme Outdoor Tape sufficient to keep the panels in place in heavy wind? I would plan to tape 3 sides (leaving the aft facing 4th side for circulation and drainage). I do not want to have to remove these for storms. Should I instead use the wider 2” adhesive backed Velcro Heavy Duty Industrial tape as it will be under the solar panel and not really exposed to UV?

Is it realistic to think I can sew the taped Velcro strips to the canvas by hand? I don’t have anything other than a normal sewing kit, and have never tried to sew anything to the canvas before. Any tips there?

Is it inadvisable to use Velcro tape with adhesive on the canvas? Should it only be non-adhesive backed strips?

 

[Foswick]

Well, I used 2" wide industrial vecro to attach my panels to the deck of my first boat. I did it this way so that I could easily remove them to clean, reposition temporarily, or whatever. What I found was almost practically permanent. I actually had a bit of a tricky time getting the panels off without damaging them. So, the question isn't really whether the velcro will do the job.

I would use 2", but only because it makes alignment a bit less fussy. If you only plan to remove them only rarely, then maybe go for about 50% coverage with the velcro. Keep in mind, this is based on my experience mounting to a hard surface.

 

[Hello Below]

I have used Velcro Extreme Outdoor hook and loop on both top and bottom sides of my 175W flexible bimini panel for 12 years. It has worked well. I don’t even think about it anymore. On the bimini itself, 1” hook tape is sewn into both sides of lapels (sewn into the bimini) made from Sunbrella fabric. On the panel bottom, the loop is the same 1” width as the hook. On the panel top, so that I don’t cover any solar cells, I am limited to about 5/8” - 3/4” loop tape. I buy 1” tape and trim to size. All has worked well. Every couple or 3 years I do replace the panel loop tape due to moisture/UV degradation of the adhesive more so than the loop itself. The sewn in hook tape thankfully is the original.

 

[skunther]

Thanks @Hello Below. I assume the Velcro tape attached to the Bimini also has adhesive backing?

 

[Hello Below]

Thanks @Hello Below. I assume the Velcro tape attached to the Bimini also has adhesive backing?

Your call. Velcro sells both sew only without adhesive. Don’t think there would be any harm sewing the tape with Velcro except it will definitely gum up the needle. If you’re temporarily doing it by hand you can clean the needle with alcohol (rubbing) as needed. If machine sewing you may curse it.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I've sewn adhesive backed velcro before. It took a fair amount of oil on the needle to keep the machine running but it worked in a pinch. I wouldn't recommend it as it stalled/jammed often

 

[Joe]

I would suggest keeping an assortment of sailmaker needles, along with the proper thread in your ditty bag....You can peruse the Sailrite.com catalogue for any and all items related to boat fabric. If you're having any apprehension about using velcro outside, why not look look for alternative fastener solutions? For instance, you could attach eyelets to your solar panel frames and simply lash them to the bimini frame with good quality cord or webbing. (maybe even zip ties) Good Luck

Hand sewing supplies

 

[JBP-PA]

I just have some line attached to each corner of my panel. It leads around the outside of my bimini and tied to the bimini frame. It hasn't been a problem even in high winds.

 

[fred1diver]

My panels are on my dodger since I do not have a Bimini, but my panels have holes at the corners and on the center of the edges, I simply got studded magnets, installed those on the panels, and with good magnets under the canvas , I just place the panels and put the magnets, never moved, even in big wind storms.
Cheap, very effective, and you don’t need to modify your Bimini

 

[skunther]

My panels are on my dodger since I do not have a Bimini, but my panels have holes at the corners and on the center of the edges, I simply got studded magnets, installed those on the panels, and with good magnets under the canvas , I just place the panels and put the magnets, never moved, even in big wind storms.
Cheap, very effective, and you don’t need to modify your Bimini

Sounds interesting - do you have any pictures of your setup? My panels have grommets. Which magnets did you get that could be attached to grommets?

 

[fred1diver]

Here are the magnets I use
Got them from Amazon

 

[skunther]

My panels are on my dodger since I do not have a Bimini, but my panels have holes at the corners and on the center of the edges, I simply got studded magnets, installed those on the panels, and with good magnets under the canvas , I just place the panels and put the magnets, never moved, even in big wind storms.
Cheap, very effective, and you don’t need to modify your Bimini

What size are your panels? Mine only have grommets at each corner, so I’d only have 4 attachment points compared to your 6. However, my panels are only 26”x 20” (50w panels), so maybe that’s fine. If this is a viable permanent solution, it is very compelling. As long as it can withstand solid blows…

Do the magnets noticeably affect your nav equipment?

 

[fred1diver]

They are far enough to not affect anything

 

[skunther]

They are far enough to not affect anything

I ordered some for general delivery, picking them up tomorrow and installing them. Hope they hold well. How many seasons have you had yours?

 

[fred1diver]

Third year now, still as strong as ever

 

[skunther]

I went with magnets. Velcro to be sewn in the fall. So far so good!