Solar panels are a fantastic way for homeowners to harness renewable energy and lower their electricity bills. But they aren’t only for stationary buildings — you can also install solar panels to power your boat or yacht.
It’s worth noting that the most effective rooftop solar panels for houses aren’t necessarily the best option for boats. Why? Let’s explore what makes a solar panel suitable for marine vessels and identify the best solar panels for boats.
What are the benefits of boat solar panels?
Whether you own a live-aboard canal boat or take your yacht out at the weekends, installing solar panels can create a more eco-friendly and energy-efficient way to travel around.
- By converting sunlight into electricity, boat solar panels can reduce the amount of money you need to spend on fuel. As well as reducing your expenditure, this lowers your carbon footprint.
- Installing solar panels on your boat can also extend your vessel’s battery life, keeping it topped up to power your electrics.
- Moreover, boat solar panels reduce your reliance on marinas and moorings, providing you with more energy independence, whilst also saving you money on mooring fees — this can be particularly helpful when you’re cruising in remote areas or on a budget.
- Running your boat engine is noisy. Solar panels, on the other hand, provide a silent way to power your vessel, which can benefit both those onboard and any surrounding wildlife.
Domestic rooftop solar panels vs boat solar panels
Solar panels can be a wonderful addition to any home or boat. But while they ultimately have the same goal — to transform sunlight into electricity — domestic and marine solar panels have some key differences. Understanding the variation can help make sure you find the best solar panel system for your boat.
Design and construction
While domestic and boat solar panels are both made from similar materials, marine designs tend to be more compact and lightweight, making them more suitable for marine vessels.
Boat solar panels are also specially constructed to be waterproof and resist harsh conditions at sea. This means they are often more durable and able to withstand constant motion and exposure to saltwater. Alpax Solar Panels over 30W, for example, are certified against damage caused by salt mist corrosion, making them an excellent choice for yachts and leisure boats.
Size and energy output
When installing solar panels at home, you’ll usually need to harness a large amount of sunlight to cover your household energy consumption. On a boat, your energy usage tends to be much lower. As such, boat solar panels are usually smaller than domestic panels and don’t produce as much energy.
Mounting
Most domestic solar panels are installed on property rooftops or ground arrays. However, you generally have a bit more flexibility regarding where you install boat solar panels to ensure the best sun exposure. This might be on the boat roof, on the deck, or on the guard rail.
Finding the best solar panels for your boat or yacht
If you’re interested in fitting your boat with solar panels, it’s important to consider a few key questions to help determine which models are best for your vessel.
1. Do you need rigid or flexible solar panels?
Solar panels for boats are available with varying degrees of flexibility:
Rigid solar panels
Rigid solar panels, such as our Ameresco Solar Panels, are fitted onto a non-flexible frame. If you have plenty of flat space on your boat roof or deck, rigid solar panels can be the most durable option.
They are particularly beneficial for yachts and other seafaring vessels that may need to endure choppy conditions.
Rigid solar panels can also be an excellent choice for live-aboard narrowboats as they tend to offer a higher energy output. Bear in mind that because rigid solar panels have a glass front, you won’t be able to walk on them.
Flexible solar panels
If your boat has curved or irregular edges, you may find flexible solar panels to be the best option. These panels are also ideal if weight is a factor — for instance, on a small sailboat or racing boat.
Alternatively, some flexible solar panels can be a good choice for canal boat rooftops as you can walk over them.
Semi-flexible solar panels
If you need something in between, there are plenty of semi-flexible solar panels which can offer the best of both worlds.
Semi-flexible models, like our SpectraLite SemiFlex and SunWare solar panels, balance durability with adaptability. They can often fit slightly curved surfaces while being robust enough to face all kinds of weather conditions.
2. How much energy do you need to generate?
It’s also helpful to think about how much use you get out of your boat. This will guide the level of energy you need to produce, how many solar panels to install, and the optimal peak power.
The solar panels you need for a live-aboard narrowboat, for example, may vary vastly from the panels needed to power a weekend yacht.
One way to think about this is to look at the size of your boat — as a general guide, you’ll need 100 watts for every 10 feet of boat. However, if you wish to power several appliances, such as a fridge, TV, and lighting, every day, you’ll need a higher wattage than a boat that only requires occasional lighting and navigation power.
3. What is your budget?
In some cases, your boat may be suitable for rigid, semi-flexible, or flexible solar panels. Once you know what level of power generation you need, it’s a good idea to consider your budget.
For the most part, rigid solar panels are generally at a lower cost. So, if you’re on a tighter budget and you have the space for rigid solar panels, these can give you the best value for money.
Whichever solar panels you choose, you’ll also want to factor in the cost of a solar regulator and installation.
Find the best solar panels for your boat or yacht with Marlec Engineering
At Marlec Engineering, we have over 30 years of experience in solar power. From sailboats and yachts to narrowboats, we provide durable, high-quality solar panels for a variety of vessels.
With a range of framed and semi-flexible designs on offer, we can help you find the right boat solar panels for your needs. Take a look at our solar panels for boats, and please feel free to contact our friendly team if you have any questions.