Installing Solar Panels On A Boat

Adding solar power to a sailboat panel positioning and wiring considerations.

Installing solar panels on a boat.

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. 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.

Small panels maintain or trickle charge batteries while you re unplugged from shore power. 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. These are dc wires for a 12 volt system so you need 2 sets of wires. Mount your panel on your stern rail see photos details below.

Attach marine grade copper wires to the panel. Depending on the type of boat you have this space may be easy or difficult to come by. Sticks put your lightweight solar panel on a sturdy backing panel and. Ideally your solar panels can be installed in an area with uninterrupted sunshine.

Solar panels should be installed where they won t interfere with the boat s operation. However there can be obstacles to installing solar on a boat perhaps the largest of which is available space. 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.

Shade s impact on sailboat solar. 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. Lifelines a simple place to hang panels. 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.