What You Need to Know About Marine PV Solar Panels

Posted by Custom marine products on August 26th, 2019

Marine solar panels can make a significant difference in your boating experience, especially if you anchor out or make long passages.  The state-of-charge of the battery bank is always a concern but with solar power generation on board that concern is diminished.

Marine vs residential solar panels

Solar panels for boats are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment and the vibration that occurs on a boat.  Strong sealants and properly sealed junction boxes combined with the highest output solar cells available are key aspects to the longevity of solar panels in the marine environment. 

Types of solar panels

There are many shapes and sizes of solar panels and they come in rigid and flexible configurations.  The highest output per square inch is of critical importance because there is limited space on a boat.  Both flexible and rigid solar panels with high quality, high output cells have about the same output per square inch.   Monocrystalline solar panels generally have higher output than Polycrystalline solar panels but are more expensive.

Solar controllers

Solar controllers with MPPT technology optimize the power generated from the solar array and manage the charging power going to the battery bank.  A quality solar controller is important to the overall performance of the marine solar system.  PWM technology controllers are less expensive and well suited to small solar arrays (under 200 watts) and panels with low voltage output.

Marine batteries

The boat’s battery bank is an integral component of the marine solar system.  Recent advances in battery technology, specifically safe and powerful LiFePO4 batteries, can make a significant difference in the overall performance of the marine solar system.

Solar system kits are easy to assemble

Pre-assembled solar panel kits simplify the selection and installation of marine solar systems for boats.  Custom Marine Products solar kits are well designed and provide all the components needed for a high efficiency solar system.  Custom designed kits are available on request.

How to design a solar system for your boat

Custom Marine Products has developed a simple straight forward approach to designing a solar system for your boat.  This approach addresses determining your power needs, determining your battery storage needs and selecting the proper solar system components.  This approach is documented at custommarineproducts.com under the heading Support, Manuals & Info.

For more info : -  Marine Solar Panel Mounting Kits