This picture may show better how the fair leads and the sliding hatch cover help keep the panels off the lines.
Yes - for simplicity, in series is easier, particularly the more remote the panel is from the controller. If there is shading, it might be better to consider a series parallel arrangement but I would try to balance them and my Bimini only has room for three panels. And yes, a high quality MPPT controller is important.
I watched the video - sorry couldn’t find it again to give credit - about panels on Bimini’s and agree that the bimini should be very rigid. My experience is flexible panels will bend a little and hold a shape (hence mine cross the middle bar) but shouldn’t be forced to bend and flex repeatedly. I have considered pacing battens on the underside of the panels in the bimini to even minimize the flexion you see here. This is the third dodger Bimini complex that I have made and is new this summer. I consider it incomplete b/c I continue to make little adjustments for a while. It may be worth noting that the forward edge of the the panels and the wiring is under a flap. In addition to protecting both from UV exposure, the flap decreases the chance that strong winds or a stray reefing line will be able to gain a purchase. you could do this with the edges but then rain/spray would not drain off. I have reinforced patches with sewn in line to tie down the remaining middle and stern grommets. This arrangement has stayed put through a lot of 30+ knot wind sailing and doesn’t add to windage and comparatively little to weight. In optimal conditions it will pump out 13+ aH of power but more typically sit in the 5 - 7 aH range during most of a summer day. I hope these details help.
Brad,
s/v Be Calm
Nonsuch 33
