I have 2 solar panels now (120 watt each) over the bimini. I plan to add a third 120 watt panel over the davits. I plan to mount this in a fixed position bolted to and level with the existing panels and then braced via legs up from the stern rail.

This idea will allow me to fold in the davits if needed. But will I ever need to?

The other idea is that this will be more secure for this third panel since the davits tend to flex offshore in waves due to the dinghy weight. We do keep the motor OFF the dinghy when offshore, but we do carry the AB (110 lbs) in the davits. Even with the Kato braces, the davits still flex.

Maybe I should just accept this and mount the 3rd solar panel like others have down on the davits only. Then this one would tilt. What you you think?

Tilt or fixed?

Where I buy Solar Panels:
partsonsale.com/solarpanels.htm

Thanks

Hayden

I can't comment on the davit mount, but the reason I chose to mount my 2 panels over the bimini was to avoid the extra storage costs that I would have to pay if the davits remain extended while on the hard. I don't know how they charge in MD, but here on LI is by the LOA.

I finally added the third solar panel and because I found 1/2 width X full length solar panels, I was able to mount these 1/2 with panels next to the full width ones. These are by SOLARLAND.com and are 65 watt panels. So we now have 350 watts of solar.

Here are a few photos of the mounting...









REFERENCES:

www.solarlandusa.com/poly.html

Panels for 1/2 width are:
model #: SLP065-12M

PDF Link:
www.solarlandusa.com/image/pdf/1-Poly/SLP065-12M.pdf

Hayden, if there is any way to tilt your panels make it happen! With 3 panels on a bright sunny day I can keep up with all needs , problem comes when it is a cloudy day or partial sunny. Those are the days we have solar lost. I have worked with several home installs and the lost is almost 30% on fixed panels..

I will try to find the report,i may not have any more

Gregg

Hayden,

Do you have any photos of how your solar panel mounts are attached to your bimini? Did you add any additional supports?

Thanks,

Randy:
YES, I used conduit plastic U shaped clamps and then plastic rescue tape to stand the panels off the SS tube frame. It worked great. I did not add any extra frame supports BUT I need to add a SS tube down strut to help support this. I plan to add that soon.
Here are the photos...