Mounting solar panels on stanchion

[heidiho1964]

We have two 135W solar panels and are looking at our options for mounting them. The least expensive would be to mount them on the aft rails. However, it was brought to our attention that this can cause strain on the stanchions if they are not supported and ultimately lead to leaks. Supporting the stanchions is not an option as it will cause a hazard (tripping over support). Has anyone had, or heard of, this problem with the stanchions?

Thank you

Heidi
SV Gypsy Wind

[killarney_sailor]

We have two panels (125w and 85w) attached to our lifelines forward of the stern pulpit. To do this we replace the wire with 1" stainless tubing that we had welded together in Carriacou last winter since there was too much movement when everything was just bolted together. I imagine that your stern rails are already U-shaped so there would be support already. Our panels are mounted using rail clamps (2 for each panel) and then swung out to horizontal when we want to use them (pretty much all the time except when docking on that side). The outer edge of the panels is supported by a cedar 1 x 4" that is rounded at one end to fit on the lower lifeline rail and notched to fit the panel. Works great.

[gershel]

That sounds really interesting. Any pictures?
Thanks, Marc