I've got two bars: Putting the solar panel above the bimini

George and Sterling add hardware to the bimini in preparation for two new stainless bars.

I liked having the solar panel on the stern pulpit because it was out of the way, but it interfered with using the swim platform and made the crew less safe. I had my sailmaker add reinforced holes in the bimini cloth and hardware to the structure so that two 6-foot stainless bars could be stretched across the frame. I placed the panel atop these bars using the same quick-release plastic clamps that I have been using.

Solar is so inexpensive and easy to add that all boaters should consider adding a panel to their vessel.