Fragen und Antworten
zum Solar-Bimini

The output of solar panels is measured in kilowatt-peak (kWP) using a standard procedure. On average, you can currently expect a yield of around 200 watts peak per square meter. During the day, at least 4 times the kWP output of all panels can be expected as an electrical yield (in kWh) as a guideline, although this value can also reach 6 times in midsummer in the Mediterranean. With an output of 2 kWP, approx. 8-12 kWh usable energy yield can be expected per cloudless summer day in the Mediterranean. Our solar panels can have almost any number of cells in both dimensions, which allows us to make the best possible use of the entire available area. Depending on the size of the boat, we can cover an area of 10 - 20 m2 and have an output of 2 - 4 kWP. For example, we achieve exactly 2.1 kWP on a Bavaria C 42.

The power is fed into the cabin through the front port upright. On request also by another upright. With the solar bimini, no cables are visible from the outside. Of course, no fiddling with cables or solar panels is required when opening and closing.

Due to the shading of parts of a solar system, it must be ensured due to Ohm's laws that the shaded cells do not block the current flow of all other cells by an increase in resistance. This is done in the solar panels used by means of several bypass diodes, which are positioned in such a way that if the panels partially overlap one another, only the shaded area is switched off. The wiring and curvature of the solar panels also ensures that at least one side of the solar bimini always provides high power output, e.g. in the evening, from the side of the sun.

A delivery of the solar bimini consists of the steel substructure, the sandwich panels, the solar panels that are firmly connected to the sandwich panels, the necessary wiring to the batteries and a charger. When ordering, please let us know which battery solution you are using or intend to use on board, in particular the on-board voltage. The number of panels depends on the size of the yacht and in particular the distance between the backstay(s) and the mainsheet. It is usually between three and six panels.

In principle, a solar bimini can be attached to all yachts, where there is a way to attach the four posts and there is sufficient headroom between the main boom and the cockpit floor. It should be noted that the solar bimini, in contrast to normal biminis, is made of solid material and this naturally does not give way if there is a lack of headroom.

The solar bimini is inherently stable, its weight rests on four solid stainless steel posts that are bolted to the deck from the inside. In addition, like classic biminis, it must be braced with lashing straps, shrouds or tubes with fixed points on the railing, pushpit, skirting board or rings on the deck so that it can also be used in strong winds.

In contrast to some textile bimini solutions, the sandwich panels used are completely waterproof. Water penetration between the panels is prevented by a mechanism similar to that of roof shingles.

The opening and closing can be done equally and manually from the front or aft, so that all sandwich elements can be stacked on top of each other at the front, aft or optionally in the middle. Therefore, even when fully open, at least one panel is always available for power generation.

The Solar-Bimini is a one-fits-all solution for yachts up to at least 65 feet. This means that you can still make corrections during the installation on site and place the uprights as you wish. What you need to know to order is the number and desired width of the panels. The available dimensions are 3.40 m, 3.80 m and 4.10 m. We can offer special dimensions on request. The number of possible panels (3-6) depends on the distance between the traveler (in front of the sprayhood) and the stern rail. For 40-50 foot yachts there is usually room for 4 panels. We recommend measuring the distance between the aft stays and the distance between the aft stays at 2 m above the cockpit floor to each other, as well as the available length between the traveller/sprayhood and the stern rail. A schematic drawing of your yacht with length information is helpful.

We deliver worldwide directly to your yacht. The installation can be carried out by experienced marine personnel and takes about one day. If desired, we can assist with the installation on site for a fee.