re: custom solar panel mount

[Dcneuro]

I am trying to fabricate a mount (finally) for my 24" x 20" 20w solar panel. I plan to use those fast mount rail clips to hold the mount to the stern rail. I found planks of press-board in a 1x2 at Home Depot, which have some coating on them, they are white, and are said to be water resistant. I presume this would not work as is, but would if I were to coat them with epoxy? I have also heard that home stores also carry a similar version made of vinyl, in like a 1x3? I presume this would work as is, as it would be similar to starboard.

Thoughts?

[killarney_sailor]

Don't know what your solar panel is like but my panels came with 2" or so wide aluminum straps from one side to the other. I drilled these to fit two of the white plastic clamps (with screws to tighten/loosen) used to hold BBQs and the like. I can store the panel folded down or rotated 90* when I want to use it. When it is up I support it with a piece of 1 x 4 cedar with appropriate notches at top and bottom. I also have a light line that goes from the panel to the lower rail although I am not sure it does much.

At first I thought that I would fold the panels down a lot but they are up pretty much all the time unless we are coming into a dock.

[mdbee]

Here is a 20w solar panel and mount that I just made up. The panel itself is very strong, so I just added the bracket and mount. It turned out very stable and strong. I even leave it mounted when trailering. I've even sold a couple.

Originally Posted by Dcneuro

I am trying to fabricate a mount (finally) for my 24" x 20" 20w solar panel. I plan to use those fast mount rail clips to hold the mount to the stern rail. I found planks of press-board in a 1x2 at Home Depot, which have some coating on them, they are white, and are said to be water resistant. I presume this would not work as is, but would if I were to coat them with epoxy? I have also heard that home stores also carry a similar version made of vinyl, in like a 1x3? I presume this would work as is, as it would be similar to starboard.

Thoughts?

[Dcneuro]

I would like to see a picture of the mount on Ainia if possible.

Mdbee, how did you assemble that?

Mine is a bit different as I have a flexible panel which is only about 1/8" thick. There is a grommeted hole at each corner for mounting, I am just figuring out what to mount it to, and how to attach it to the boat.

[mdbee]

I didn't realize you were working with a flexible panel. I had one that came with my boat that was used. It was pretty old and it seemed to have a short in it & sometimes wouldn't charge properly when it became hot in the sun.

I went with a solid panel because of cost and output. The panel is about 14"x20". The other advantage here in Texas is cooling. The solid panels tend to cool better because of air flow. You will need to mount some spacers to let air flow under the panel if you are in a hot area.

Let me know if you want one. Not sure the price of your flexi panel but this would run about 195.00 like you see.

Originally Posted by Dcneuro

I would like to see a picture of the mount on Ainia if possible.

Mdbee, how did you assemble that?

Mine is a bit different as I have a flexible panel which is only about 1/8" thick. There is a grommeted hole at each corner for mounting, I am just figuring out what to mount it to, and how to attach it to the boat.