[C320-list] Solar bimini

[Scott Thompson]

I'm tired of having to replace batteries every few years due to poor 
charging, primarily because Surprise spends most of her time off the 
grid (on a mooring (when idle), anchored (when cruising), or in the 
boatyard (winter) and so rarely gets a full recovery charge. I'm 
thinking of modifying my ancient bimini or buying a new one so that I 
can have some of the newer types of solar panels built in or attached to 
the fabric. Is anyone on the list experienced with this kind of setup? 
An example (and one recommended by a local canvas shop) is here: 
http://www.bruceschwab.com/solar-power/solbian-flex-high/

A related question: What's the best way for bringing wiring down the 
backstay and into the boat? I need something that is weatherproof, not 
highly vulnerable to UV degradation, and removable at the end of the 
season when the bimini comes off. (Ideally I would have some kind of 
connector arrangment that would let me replace the bimini solar panel 
with a smaller one for battery maintenance over the winter.

Scott Thompson
Surprise, #653