Installing New Solar Panels pt. 2

Installing New Solar Panels 2026 Pt. 2

Ok, I think I have everything but don't hold your breath. 

Saturday, we mounted two beams of 4040 Aluminum Extrusion ( made from 2 1m pieces, so 2 meters long )  They were secured to the Bimini Frame at the four corners using 1/2" AL Spacers and 3 1/2" M6 Bolts that threaded through the Bimini tube hinge fittings.

That all went well, but, because of the position of the Backstay Bridle, I had move the aft solar panel a little further that means the beams will need extending by about 6" I have the bits to do that.

To attach the Solar Panels to the Beams, I ordered

Once cut to length, they can be connected into the rectangular frame and mounted on the boat over the top of the Bimini.

These will be attached to the Beams using the T Nuts and the M8 Bolts then they will be bolted to the sides of the Solar Panels with nuts and bolts.

So far this has turned out better than I thought. It looks good, is pretty simple and very sturdy. I did run the Inverter once the panel was connected and turned on the Water Heater, that's about an 1,800w load. The panel output ramped up to 295Watts! From a 320w panel that's pretty good.

Next to extend the beams and mount the 2nd panel for a total of 640Watts of Solar power. The two panels will be in series which should give about 40+ Volts and 24Amps well within the 100v / 50Amp Victron MPPT Solar controller.

Should have some pics of the setup this week. Later I'll move the wiring to inside of a conduit and eliminate the UV damaged cable clamshell on the outside of the coaming.

Well that went really well.

Turns out the simple method was enough.

There was a Aluminum tube that braced the Radar pole to the old Backstay bridle that was just above where the panels are now. I never liked that setup. But I can mount another piece of the 4040 from the Port side mounting frame to the pole and will improve the stability of the Radar. I'll take pics of that too.

Meanwhile, another job to cross off the list.

Sailing plans are for a week Monday down to Biscayne Bay.

See you there.