Adaptability
Our innovation gives you options
Options and choices
In general we use two basic options for mounting rigid solar panels – one gets you up and over the canvas, and the other is a bit leaner. We then adapt the basic concept to the boat in question.
You can read more about these basic models in our article in Marine Fabricator magazine. This will give you a good idea where to start in planning your solar panel project.
Please also see our page of advice and FAQs on adding solar panels in seven easy steps.
Once you have a basic mounting option in mind, you can choose what Gemini Marine Products you want to use to execute the build.
Option 1: Low and lean
We designed our saddle-type post and fork mounts with solar panels in mind. They give you easy, secure mounts for a solar panel frame that won’t draw attention to itself.
The saddle fittings bolt onto the top of the frame through the canvas of your bimini top or dodger. Rails running fore and aft create the base, and athwartship rails can augment the frame if needed. The entire installation can be made from off-the-shelf materials on the boat.
This option puts the entire rack up on the roof and largely hidden from view.
Option 2: Up and over
Alternatively you can use our sliding or split side mounts to create exterior side rails between your bimini’s end frames. Paired with a set of side-to-side bent rails, they go up and over the top to create the mounting platform.
This method does not touch the canvas and can be retrofitted without any fabric modifications. It provides good clearance and additional features such as a protective crash bar (think boom).
DIY Hybrids to meet your needs
You can of course mix and match our hardware and methods to create exactly what you need to suit your boat and the solar panels you’ve chosen.
Don’t take our word for it
The good folks at Abroad Reach Travel go through all the pros and cons of solar panel installation on boats, and when it comes to rigid panels, our rail mounts are right there on the shipping list.
Over at Tugnuts you’ll find lots of people using our mounts to install their solar panels. (Just search “Gemini” and see.
Easy enough for DIY. Strong enough for liveaboarders.
What they’re saying
Tonya Ricketts and Captain Dave Pickering, writing for the North East Canvas Products Association, say using Gemini Marine Products as the foundation for solar panel addition is “easily executed“.
Need a helping hand?
Use our DrillSteady for clean, easy drilling every time, even on a rocking boat.