Gemini SIDE Mounts used to support solar panel frame OVER bimini top

Now may be the time to mount solar panels to your bimini or dodger.

 Gemini Solar Mount on a bimini frame

 

Gemini mounting hardware creates very direct and simple approaches to mounting solar panels on top of biminis and dodgers. Most of the solar mounts assemblies we have seen come down to two simple approaches.

 

We’ll detail the pros and cons of both methods and show how you can create a mount for nearly any boat.

 

 

Here's an article written about installing solar panels using the Gemini Solar Mounts, posted a great blog called, "News From the Bow"

 

 

 

Method one:  

Over the top frames. As the photo on right shows,  Gemini side mounts, whether sliding or clamping, are used to make exterior fore & aft rails.

These normally serve as grab rails or tensioning struts. They can also provide a base for mounting rails. On top of these rails we mount a pair of athwartship bent bars. The solar panels will be mounted directly to these by screws or clamps. We prefer slip-T’s for the bases because they are a socketed base that stabilizes the upper bars. Once the solar panels are attached the frames are locked in and rigid with no need for additional diagonal braces (see photo).

 

 

This method has following advantages:


There is no cloth work required as the entire mounting frame is above the fabric and there are no penetrations. This means no leakage and the fabric can be removed without any frame disassembly.

 

 

Disadvantages:


Field assembly for the boat owner will require bending the frames that go over the top. This may involve a canvas shop or metal fabricator and increases the complexity and cost.

Some may feel as we do that this system is too busy and too much visual clutter.

 

 

Method two:

 

Roof top rack.

This method uses either of the new Gemini concave base solar mounts.

 

Here we have a low profile frame that mounts directly on top of the bimini frames.

 

 

 

The concave bases are screwed into the bimini frame directly through the fabric. Much of the solar frame will disappear under the solar panels with not much left to attract the eye. Standard plastic quick release clamps or screws will attach the solar panels to the frames.

 

 

Advantages –

-A very clean look and very little visual impact.

-The installation does not require frame bending so owner installations are made easier.

-While this method does require penetration of the fabric, the holes are on top of the frames and under the mount bases and very easy to seal. A hand cut rectangle of gray elk hide leather placed under the mounts will protect the fabric from chafing. No need fro a canvas shop.

-If the transverse fork style mount is used, they can be fitted with quick release pins so that the

 

entire rack can be pulled off as a unit.