Solar panels on a 26X
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 2:04 pm
As requested, here's more information about the solar panel setup on my 2002 26X.
There are actually three sets of panels.
1. Two 175w panels mounted on the stern rails.
2. Two 100w panels mounted over the dodger.
3. One 200w Renogy "solar blanket" lying on top of the bimini. https://www.renogy.com/renogy-200w-solar-panel-blanket/ This is not in the photos because I just ordered it and it hasn't arrived yet. I did a lot of research to try to find the most lightweight, most sturdy for transport folding panels that were available. These seem to be the best currently.
Stern Rails:
The panels on the stern rails are mounted using a variety of mostly bimini stainless hardware, mostly purchased on Amazon.
The 1-inch rail is from West Marine. Used an angle grinder to cut to fit.
The attachments to the rail are Sea Dog 327199-1. https://www.google.com/search?q=Sea-Dog+327199-1
I used aluminum angle from Home Depot to make more solid attachment points for the Sea Dog clamps to attach to the panels.
Drilled out most of the places where the bolts would normally attach and use stainless steel Bimini quick release pins instead.
This is a thing that has grown up over the years. I initially had 50w panels. Then I changed to 100w panels. Then I changed to 175w panels and moved the 100w panels to over the dodger.
Over the dodger:
I'm in the PNW and go boating year-round, in fact I prefer the offseasons and winter. The panels over the dodger provide extra protection from the rain and snow. I used two 100w panels rather than a single large panel in case there is shading from the boom or mast. At anchor, I use a preventer to hold the boom out all the way so there's very rarely any shading. By the companionway, I attached the rack directly to the cabin top. Closer to the mast, I glassed on a couple of small blocks of cedar and put the anchor screws in those instead because I did not want to put eight holes in the cabin top at that location.
I have a Victron 150/70 charger. The boat also has an extensive electrical house system.
There are actually three sets of panels.
1. Two 175w panels mounted on the stern rails.
2. Two 100w panels mounted over the dodger.
3. One 200w Renogy "solar blanket" lying on top of the bimini. https://www.renogy.com/renogy-200w-solar-panel-blanket/ This is not in the photos because I just ordered it and it hasn't arrived yet. I did a lot of research to try to find the most lightweight, most sturdy for transport folding panels that were available. These seem to be the best currently.
Stern Rails:
The panels on the stern rails are mounted using a variety of mostly bimini stainless hardware, mostly purchased on Amazon.
The 1-inch rail is from West Marine. Used an angle grinder to cut to fit.
The attachments to the rail are Sea Dog 327199-1. https://www.google.com/search?q=Sea-Dog+327199-1
I used aluminum angle from Home Depot to make more solid attachment points for the Sea Dog clamps to attach to the panels.
Drilled out most of the places where the bolts would normally attach and use stainless steel Bimini quick release pins instead.
This is a thing that has grown up over the years. I initially had 50w panels. Then I changed to 100w panels. Then I changed to 175w panels and moved the 100w panels to over the dodger.
Over the dodger:
I'm in the PNW and go boating year-round, in fact I prefer the offseasons and winter. The panels over the dodger provide extra protection from the rain and snow. I used two 100w panels rather than a single large panel in case there is shading from the boom or mast. At anchor, I use a preventer to hold the boom out all the way so there's very rarely any shading. By the companionway, I attached the rack directly to the cabin top. Closer to the mast, I glassed on a couple of small blocks of cedar and put the anchor screws in those instead because I did not want to put eight holes in the cabin top at that location.
I have a Victron 150/70 charger. The boat also has an extensive electrical house system.
