horizontal pipe mount ?

Re: horizontal pipe mount ?

I don't sail, so I can picture what you are asking...

Basically, a solar panel is a 1/8" of tempered glass with the solar cells and backing bonded to the rear of the glass. The Aluminum frame of the the solar panel is there for mounting--but structurally it is very weak against twisting and other differential forces (i.e., you can pretty easily pull the frame apart from the edge of the glass).

When you make a structure to hold the panel--the underlying structure must be ridgid and not flex/bend in any axis that can cause the glass to flex.

Also, if you are working with salt water (especially), stainless or other hardware that is compatible with the aluminum framework must be used.

-Bill

Re: horizontal pipe mount ?

Mounting the panel across two "ridgid" poles (in theory, each pole should be in 1/4 the panel width from each end to support maximum wind/snow loading). The poles cannot subject the panel aluminum frame to any bending or twisting stresses:

[FONT=Fixedsys]   +---------+
   |         | 1/4 over hang
===|         |=== (pole)
   |         |
   |         | 1/2 panel height pole spacing
   |         |
===|         |=== (pole)
   |         | 1/4 over hang
   +---------+[/FONT]

Remember the panel is thin glass (1/8")... Anything more than a golf ball sized object falling from any distance can shatter the glass (tempered, so the entire panel will probably break). Broken/shattered glass panels cannot be repaired.

Also, any shadows (including those from lines/rigging/etc.) will dramatically reduce the panel's output (like 50%-100% reduction in power).

-Bill