Solar panels for boats

Solar systems are a reliable way to recharge your boat's battery. All batteries discharge so solar panels make excellent chargers as long as they have a dedicated regulator in the circuit (see details below).

Why should we use solar panels?

The first reason to exploit solar energy is to save fuel. The second reason is noise pollution, as generators usually make noise, and the third reason is that you can charge the boat's batteries while you are not on board. The larger ones not only charge the batteries but also provide power for boat functions such as AC heaters.

Types of panels

Amorphous panels with a thin silicone film, which are ideal for shady conditions, but produce 50% less energy than crystalline panels.

Polycrystalline or monocrystalline, which are the oldest and are ideal for larger loads. These panels are also distinguished as fixed or flexible. Of course, for the selection of the panels we will install, we will have to calculate the energy required for our boat depending on the load of the devices on the boat, as well as the space we have to install them.

Panel mounting method

Place the panels as perpendicular to the sun's rays as possible and of course in a place that does not have many shadows.

Charge controller

The charge regulator controls the amount of power passing through and maintains the output voltage at a predetermined value, such as the charge voltage of 13.4V. The power of the amount that passes depends on the required energy of the vessel. We recommend Maximum Power Point Trackers (MPPT) provide more usable power by seeking the optimal panel power voltage.

Energy yielded by each panel

With a well-tuned system and an MPPT controller you can get the maximum possible efficiency while accounting for the inevitable energy losses