Kim, I have very good experience with the completely flexible panels (I bought them exactly a year ago at Defender's sale). I have one like this: http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|328|2290044|2290049&id=1207004. This would not keep up with your loads; you would need more wattage, but you can parallel them or buy bigger.
The panel stayed almost all of the season on top of the bimini and worked fine. You may want to make sure that it is well attached (wind may want to twist it it). I imagine that there is room for at least three or four of those on an average bimini. The big consideration is to get a good charge controller (GenaSun and Morningstar are highly recommended). from what I have read, it is more important than a good solar panel. When you decide to buy, be aware that you would probably need more connecting cable than what is supplied.Extensions are available at very good prices in other places (Amazon and Best Buy come to mind). Marek ------------------------------ Message: 8 Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 14:52:01 -0400 From: "Kim Brown" <kimcbr...@comcast.net> To: <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> Subject: Stus-List Flexible Solar panels Message-ID: <060184FC18F9483391A4961FDCF14EBE@KimDell> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" All, Looking to add some solar. Currently I am only good for about a day at anchor before I have to address the batteries. Main draw is the reefer. (wife has short hair and have gone with LEDs) We were anchored out this past weekend and by the end of day 2 the batteries (2x grp 31h - 110 amp hrs each) were about out of juice. Warm beer is not an option. Hate running the engine at anchor; don't have any room for another battery without major work; not enough wind around here to make wind work. No dinghy davits or other structure to put rigid panels on..... SO anyone have any experience with the semi flexible solar panels that you can attach (Velcro) to your bimini top? Not looking to trickle charge to top off- I am at a dock at the house and can plug in when home as needed. I need to keep the beer cold at anchor on day 2-3. Kim Brown Trust Me!!! 35-3
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