Installing Solar Panels On A Boat

Ideally your solar panels can be installed in an area with uninterrupted sunshine.

Installing solar panels on a boat.

Fitting a solar panel to your narrowboat will give you much more freedom to explore the waterways and canals. Adding solar power to a sailboat panel positioning and wiring considerations. Out of the way easily moved from side to side to follow the sun and quickly removed and stowed below. Our marine solar panel design choices.

Solar panels should be installed where they won t interfere with the boat s operation. Sticks put your lightweight solar panel on a sturdy backing panel and. However there can be obstacles to installing solar on a boat perhaps the largest of which is available space. One of the biggest challenges for sailors installing solar power on a.

The solbian panels are a tremendous option for those needing light weight high output per sq in and easy stowage. Tie up to the river bank to enjoy the peace of the countryside without having to worry about keeping the fridge cool or restarting the engine. Small panels maintain or trickle charge batteries while you re unplugged from shore power. Ideally the installation will also be adjustable allowing you to turn the panels toward the sun periodically throughout the day which can increase power generation by up to 40 percent.

Depending on the type of boat you have this space may be easy or difficult to come by. Mount your panel on your stern rail see photos details below. While no sailboat has the perfect spot for a solar panel to 100 eliminate shading on this boat the bimini top was still the best bet. Installing one or more photovoltaic solar panels on your boat is a great way to keep your batteries topped off and in larger installations replace the power consumed by house loads.

Run the wires into the main cabin this usually means drilling a small hole in the cockpit. Of course if you want to put glass panels on your hard top and don t mind the weight and bulk then go for it. In our installation we decided to mount three 185 watt 24 volt nominal. Shade s impact on sailboat solar.