ideas for mounting solar panels on a 32 ft. sloop

[kmeeks]

Hi,

I''m hoping some of you may know of some web sites where I can find interesting ideas on mounting solar panels on a space-limited boat.

[h37skipper]

Some dockmates have beefed up either their dodger frame or bimini frame and mounted the solar panels on top. Another added a frame outside the pushpit that can be folded flat or adjusted to the correct angle for that hours sun. My own plan is to add another 2" stainless post opposite the radar tower. Then I will add a stainless tube between them and mount a large(120W) panel there. Finally there are several arch companies:
http://www.topsinquality.com/
http://www.gate.net/~radrarch/

[WHOOSH]

K, especially because you''ve got a smaller boat, loading it up with add''l windage and weight higher up/further aft isn''t a great idea. If you use google and some of the vendor website search engines, you''ll find multiple vendors who offer cockpit lifeline mounting kits for solar panels, and these can be folded down (when they will lie parallel to and outboard of the lifelines just forward of the stern pulpit) or propped up for use, whether underway or on the hook.

A related change you might consider is installing a stainless tube between your aftermost stanchion and your stern pulpit. When entering/exiting the cockpit, this might be helpful as an add''l handhold, it will be a stronger support for a solar panel, and also serves as a better anchor for weathercloths should you choose to install them at some later date.

Jack

[jamesonatom]

Here''s a link to a page with a photo of a custom solar panel mount that has survived several ocean passages:

http://www.atomvoyages.com/projects/improvementprojects2.htm

I have not found a better place for minimum shading than above the pushpit, though for some the windage and aesthetics of this are not acceptable. Depends on your priorities.

James B