Solar on Bimini

[Bruce Pennycook]

I in the process of aquiring Vagabond - a 1986 NS30U.

Before a voyage from Jackonville to Tampa, I intend to add a solar power system.

(I built on my Carver 36 in Ontario last year - worked great).

The problem is space on NS30U.

My question .... is there a way to secure a 6'x3' fixed panel on top of a bimini?

A single large panel can provide 400+ W .... perfect for the boat.

Yes, there lots of flexible panels but none with that power rating ... more like 150W.

Any ideas out there? 

Bruce Pennycook

Vagabond NS30U #389

Twin Dolphins Marina

Bradenton, FL, USA

[Mike BIANKA]

I use a solar panel bimini on my boat using a combination using two 75 watt 12 volt panels (house bank) and two 60 watt 48 volt panels (electric propulsion ). 

https://biankablog.blogspot.com/2013/07/92-in-shade.html

[Phil Orsay]

Hello for me the best solution that I have already validated on my previous sailboat is to put on each side of the bimini a panel of this type in length (picture 1). This makes 2 panels of 180 w but this is optimal to manage the shadows on the solar panel. I will add on one of the lines a panel of 120 w with this system (picture 2)

Philippe Dupront

KARIBU NS30U # 384

Cap d’Agde / France

[329a...@gmail.com]

I am no expert on the subject and also looking to secure solar panels to a rigid platform atop my dodger /not Bimini . The one that caught my eye ( but concerns me drilling through the canvas of my dodger) is the Gemini system. If anyone has used that method, could  you kindly sound off? It’s available direct from up in Maine or via defender products on line. Best , Gary Forster/ Aloki/ Oyster Bay NY

Geminiproducts.net 

[Christian Pastore]

Hi Bruce,

I have an NS22 with a 10kw electric motor powered by four 50 amp LifePO4 batteries. The batteries are currently charged only by shore power through a Renogy 3500 watt inverter/charger. The inverter/charger also functions as an MPPT solar controller, however, and can therefore also charge the batteries through solar panels, and I am planning to mount panels for that purpose on my existing bimini frame (slightly modified), replacing the bimini fabric with the panels. The panels will thus provide shade in addition to power. I am thinking of using two Aptos bifacial solar panels together measuring 82" x 69". Each panel is "41 x 69". The plan is to mount them on the bimini frame with the 82" side going across the cockpit to leave the helm outside of the bimini with a full view of the sail. This will be just 2" wider and 9" longer than my existing bimini. Each panel is rated at 370 watts but because they are bifacial they can provide a significant amount more power than that. I have seen claims that they can provide up to 500 watts each, but I am planning around the 370 figure. These panels (which will be wired in series to provide the minimum voltage required by the inverter/charger) will charge only the batteries that power the motor. I have two separate 100 watt panels (measuing 25" x 40" more or less) that charge two 90 amp AGM batteries for everything else (which in my case is very little). One of them is currently mounted atop the bimini, above the fabric, and the other on the starboard lifeline, next to the cockpit, where I can tilt it up when needed. I will either move the one currently on the bimini to the port side lifeline or replace both with Renogy 115 watt bifacial panels (30" square) mounted on the stern rail; since they are bifacial they can be mounted vertically or with only a slight tilt.

I'm still at the drawing board stage but I think it's a good idea.

Mike, nice setup!!

Hope this helps.

Christian Pastore

Magic Time (NS22 no. 47)

Fishing Bay Yacht Club

Deltaville, VA

On Sunday, August 25, 2024 at 9:21:17 AM UTC-4 Bruce Pennycook wrote:

[Christian Pastore]

Hi Bruce,

I have an NS22 with an electric motor. I am planning to replace the fabric of my bimini with solar panels, with the panels providing shade in addition to power. I am thinking of using two Aptos bifacial solar panels together measuring 82" x 69". Each panel is "41 x 69". The plan is to mount them on the bimini frame, modified slightly, with the 82" side going across the cockpit to leave the helm outside of the bimini with a full view of the sail. This will be just 2" wider than my existing bimini. Each panel is rated at 370 watts but because they are bifacial they can provide a significant amount more power than that. I have seen claims that they can provide up to 500 watts each, but I am planning around the 370 figure.

I'm still in the drawing board stage but I think it's a good idea.

Hope this helps.

Christian Pastore

Magic Time (NS22 electric)

Deltaville, VA

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[Darren Plumbe]

Hi Bruce. I have a NS22, and one flexible 50W solar pannel. Small pannel... for a small boat. I intend on attaching it to the Bimini Canvas using 8 large (110lb. each) Neodymium Round Base Cup Magnets. Bolt 4 to the pannel corners and back then up on the inside with 4 more. I don't have any experience on this solution yet, but it might be worth investigating.

Darren
NS 22 #20
Presquile Yacht Club
Brighton, ON

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[Bruce Pennycook]

nice!  thank you.  There are now rail mounted bi-facial panels. But the aft rails on NS30 are quite short ... lifelines where you have the panel.

I am now looking at a 330W single semi-flexible panel for the bimini. That is more than enough kwh maintain battery bank at anchor (according to all the ]

calculation methods from the vendors).

But it is 6' wide and I am nowhere near the boat to measure the bimini top at the moment.

I watched a bimini solution on Youtube - the bimini was reinforced with sail battens cut to fit.

Bruce Pennycook

Vagabond NS30U #389

Twin Dolphins Marina

Bradenton, FL, USA

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[Darren Plumbe]

Hi Cristian,
How are the current panels affixed on-top of the Bimini?

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[Paul Miller]

The NS30U has an area of cabin top on each side that will accommodate a 100W rigid panel without being in the way of sail handling access. In addition to this area I have a 50W panel on each side of my dodger. This gives me 150W in the sun at just about any time and often more. Hey sometimes I get lucky and have all 300W in the sun. This summer through all my cruising I have never seen my batteries fall below 75%, mostly starting the day at ~85-90% after running the fridge overnight and reaching 100% by noon or shortly thereafter.

Paul M

NS30U #211, Sandpiper

Cowichan Bay, B.C.

[BRIAN CAYER]

Hey Paul,

Do you have any pictures of your solar panel layout. I would love to see them.

Brian Cayer

Spirit~Wind

N30U 419

Westbrook, Ct.

On Aug 27, 2024, at 3:37 PM, Paul Miller <sandpip...@gmail.com> wrote:

The NS30U has an area of cabin top on each side that will accommodate a 100W rigid panel without being in the way of sail handling access. In addition to this area I have a 50W panel on each side of my dodger. This gives me 150W in the sun at just about any time and often more. Hey sometimes I get lucky and have all 300W in the sun. This summer through all my cruising I have never seen my batteries fall below 75%, mostly starting the day at ~85-90% after running the fridge overnight and reaching 100% by noon or shortly thereafter.

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[Bruce Pennycook]

Paul, et al - many thanks for this and the pics.  nice work!

FTI.. I put 400W on the aft hard top of my Carver 3607. Never a battery issue.

Sold it for a real boat. :)

I am planning a trip from NE FL to Tampa assuming the boat sale finalizes in the next few weeks.

Upon arrival,  I will be settled into a full-service marina in Brandenton and can complete/expand the process.

So for now - I am considering a 200W semi-flex on the bimini. Yes, with holes but also a ventilation 

panel underneath (corrugated plastic) along with some batten strips to firm it up. Both of these

ideas came from extensive you-tube hunting.

Victron MPPT direct to 2 lead-acid house batteries. (starter battery has a small solar trickle charger - ok for now).

Victron battery monitor/shunt. 

That should get me home I would think.

Bruce Pennycook

Vagabond NS30U #389

Twin Dolphins Marina

Bradenton, FL, USA

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[BRIAN CAYER]

Where are the pictures?

On Aug 27, 2024, at 5:27 PM, Bruce Pennycook <brucepe...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Christian Pastore]

Darren I have been trying to upload a picture showing how the solar panel is attached to my bimini currently, but every time I do I get a message saying my post is too big. I don't get it but if I figure it out I will post. If you want to give me your email I can send it directly to you.

Christian

[BRIAN CAYER]

Christian ,

Keep trying ,

Brian

On Aug 27, 2024, at 6:13 PM, Christian Pastore <christian...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Darren Plumbe]

Hi Christian. You can send the pics to plumb...@gmail.com. Thank you!

Darren

S/V Madeline Grace

NS22 #20

PYC, Brighton, ON

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[Aviator 32]

Since 2018 I have had 2x100 watt flex panels on my Bimini each with its on charge controller to mitigate the effects of shade due to boom and sail.  They work OK though I’m expecting to replace them as they are clouded and not as effective as I would like.  Not yet sure of the replacement solution - manufacturer and mounting location.  The Bimini is a good place but the shade issue is a problem.

Ed Strazzini

PELICAN, N33#36

Deltaville, VA

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