Re: Solar Panels on Bimini with Split Backstay
On Feb 28, 2025, at 10:25?AM, Velina Barnes via groups.io <velina@...> wrote:
? Yes, we had custom panels made to fit around our (oversized) window. We planned the Bimini and panels at the same time but not necessary with the custom panels. I would be glad to answer any questions. They do take some time to be produced so that needs to be in the equation.
Velina?Second WindSabre 426Oakland Ca
Velina Barnes
Swiftsure Yachts
2540 Westlake Ave N. Suite?A
Seattle, WA 98109
Office:?206.378.1110?l?Cell:?510.697.1418
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On Feb 28, 2025, at 5:57?AM, Allison Lehman via groups.io <allisonleh@...> wrote:
?Brian we have the same problem. ?We were not willing to give up the window in the Bimini for solar. ?I believe Peter and Velina have more solar than we do. ?I suggest you look at Solbian custom panels to see what you can fit there. ?The ¡°custom¡± cost is not exorbitant.?
Allison Lehman
Swiftsure Yachts
allison@...
Cell: 510.912.5800
Fax: 510.860.4640
On Feb 28, 2025, at 7:38?AM, Nauset Beach via groups.io <nausetbeach@...> wrote:
My main winter project is upgrading the electrical charging system: Part 1 of new alternator / regulator / monitoring is underway. ?Part 2 is adding solar; am on a mooring so shore power charging is limited, and for cruising. ?
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Has anyone with a split backstay been able to add solar panels to their bimini? ?My bimini has a forward, mid and aft support frame, and several sources advise against having a panel lay fore / aft across a frame member as it creates a flex point which will break down the panel. ?I possibly could fit several 50W panels [presumably wired at least in part in series] but that seems inefficient and higher cost. ??
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Anyone come up with a solution for bimini solar? ?The dodger is a secondary possibility, but there is more shading, especially when sailing. ?And the wiring access would be more complicated. ?
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In the archives Jordan mentions having to redesign the bimini frame to get this to work, but that is not something I want to do. ?
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TIA
Brian
Escapade ?S426
CT / LIS ?
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Has anyone with a split backstay?
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Allison
S426 Kingfisher
SF Bay/Pacifc Northwest
--Velina Barnesvelina@...
Cell: 510-697-1418
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