Where did you put solar panels?

[mdbee]

Iv'e built several of these panels for myself and others. These are smaller 20watt models, so only one clamp was needed.

I used clamps for the Magna grills:
MAGMA PRODUCTS | DUAL RAIL Mount 1" | T10580 from the ShipStore.com ™ on-line catalog.

Originally Posted by tdw

We've just installed panels on the Womboat but I'm not impressed with the rail clamps.

Norstar .. where did those clamps you've used come from ?

Regards

tdw

[night0wl]

Using magma grill mount clamps...BRILLIANT!!!

Why didn't I think of that!

[Norstar]

Steve, No big deal to take the canvas bimini and dodger off for storm prep. We leave the frame up.
TDW, Hardware clamps were all supplied from E-Marine as a kit. I believe they have them available for individual purchase.

John S
PSC 34 #201
Norstar

[matt195583]

I know this thread is old but I am looking at mounting panels above my bimini also ... the magma grill clamps are about $80 odd here. so that rules them out. What I was thinking is hydraulic pipe clamps ... has anyone used these ?

[MarkofSeaLife]

Originally Posted by matt195583

the magma grill clamps are about $80 odd here. so that rules them out. ?

Nylon blocks drilled for 1 inch rail the cut length-wise and drilled for bolts.

Need a shop doing that sort of fabrication. Simple quick job so shouldn't cost much.

You might be able to find a kitchen cutting board thick enough to do it, and make the holes yourself.

[erps]

That's what I did, only I used Trex deck like board material. It comes in a couple colors. I'm still evaluating whether it was a good choice over the long haul, but so far, so good. It's cheap enough, that I don't mind a little trial and error.

[tdw]

We ended up using the Magma clamps but .. The cheap rail clamps we bought from Whitworths


are quite adequate for holding the panels in place but they don't have the strength to stop the panels from moving. We have two panels mounted on twin rails over the bimini so eight clamps. Four of these are the cheapies, the other four Magma. in the light of day it is apparent that we could have gone with six of the cheapies and just two of the Magma as a final clampdown. Thus far it all seems to work well. If we want to change angle of the panels we can loosen the Magmas as required.
Ultimately the size of panels will determine how much 'clamp' you need. We have two by 80w.

That said our problem now is that the our bimini frame mounts onto the pushpit, it is not anchored to the deck. With the panels up top it now has a bit of sideways movement. I seriously doubt it will fail, but the 'wobble' is a bit off putting.Somehow I am going to need to add a couple more uprights anchored down to the deck or perhaps simply a couple of horizontal angled bars.

We still need to tidy up the wiring and have the new canvas refitted but I'll post some pics when complete.

[erps]

If you drink enough and wobble at the same frequency, it may become less off putting?