• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Green Coast

Green Living. Coast to Coast.

  • Blog
    • All Blog Posts
    • Green Living
    • Renewable Energy
    • Energy Storage
    • Energy Efficiency
    • Wind Energy
    • Solar Energy
  • Dictionary
  • Solar
    • Best Solar Panels
    • Solar Monitoring Systems
    • Batteries for Solar
    • Solar ROI Calculator
    • Free Solar Handbook
  • Calculators
    • Wind Turbine Calculator
    • Potential Energy Calculator
    • Solar ROI Calculator
    • Celsius to Fahrenheit
  • Reviews
    • Renogy Review
    • Eco-Worthy Review
    • Instapark Review
    • SunPower Review
    • SolarEdge Review
    • JuiceBox Review
    • AeroGarden Review
  • Free Handbook
  • Contact
    • About
    • Contact
10 Best Boat Solar Panels: Live More Eco-Friendly While Boating

10 Best Boat Solar Panels: Live More Eco-Friendly While Boating

September 30, 2019 by Green Coast Leave a Comment

Share on Facebook
Facebook
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin
Email this to someone
email

Last updated on November 19th, 2019

Solar panels are an invention that has revolutionized the use of renewable energy. Today, we will look at the use of boat-solar panels which has brought a new source of energy for boats and sailboats.

Table of Contents

  • 10 Boat Solar Panels to Use On The Water
    • Things to Consider When Buying Boat Solar Panels
        • Amp Draw
        • Actual Output vs. Maximum Output
        • Climate Changes
        • Panel Size
        • Mono- And Multi-Crystalline
        • Amorphous Thin Slim Silicone
        • Cost
      • Guide to Buying The Right Solar Panel For Your Boat or Sailboat
      • How to Hook Up Solar Panels to A Boat Battery
    • Best Solar Panels For Boating
      • Nature Power 165W Sailboat Solar Panel by Nature Power
      • WindyNation 100w Off-Grid Sailboat Solar Panel by WindNation
      • Newpowa 30w Poly Sailboat Solar Panel by Newpowa
      • Acopower 35W Polycrystalline Sailboat Solar Panel by Acopower
      • Newpowa 160Watt Sailboat Solar Panel by Newpowa
      • Renogy 400Watt 12V Monocrystalline Sailboat Solar Panels by Renogy
      • MOHOO 50W 18V Flexible Sailboat Solar Panel by MOHOO
      • Winnewsun Flexible 100W Flexible Sailboat Solar Panel by Winnewsun
      • Nature Power 120Watt Sailboat Solar Panel by Nature Power
      • ALLPOWERS 50W Bendable Sailboat Solar Panel by ALLPOWERS
    • Conclusion on Boat Solar Panels
      • Related Resources
    • Boat Solar Panels
      • Warranty
      • Performance
      • Reliability
      • Price
      • Ease of Use
    • Pros
    • Cons

10 Boat Solar Panels to Use On The Water

Solar energy is harvested from the sun. It is sunlight converted to electricity for instant use, or it can be stored in batteries for future use. Solar energy is applicable in various places, and in this article, we will look at boat-solar panels which we use to provide power in boats.

Whether it’s for large, or small-scale lighting, solar energy is a reliable source of power as long the sun is available.

However, if it’s the only source of power you can access, you might want to buy batteries to save some electricity for use at night when the sun goes down.

Just as you can mount a solar panel for use at home, you can also mount it on your Sailboat. Mounting a solar panel right gives you the best out of the solar system. It will produce sufficient energy for you.

Before buying and mounting solar panels on a boat and sailboat, do your due diligence to know how much energy you need in a day.

Have other questions about solar energy and portable solar? Download our FREE printable PDF file that highlights the most important questions to ask about solar energy.

This free guide highlights the following:

  • Questions to ask a solar panel salesman
  • Items to consider when buying a home with solar installed
  • Questions to ask a solar panel installer

It takes 5 seconds to download and get started.

This will depend on the pieces of equipment you have in your boat and how much energy they consume each day.

With this information, you can go ahead to purchase your solar panel.

Things to Consider When Buying Boat Solar Panels

These are some of the most important characteristics to consider when buying solar panels for your boat.

  • Amp Draw

Product information will help you know its power output. Sum up all your power requirements in a day then use this information to match up the kind of panel you want to buy.

  • Actual Output vs. Maximum Output

Whatever is advertised on the solar panel is the maximum output on a perfectly sunny day. Depending on the kind of area you are sailing, what are weather conditions? Will the solar panel be perfect for the zone?

The power output can drop influenced by wind, rain, or clouds. Will the output on such a day be favorable to you?

Will you be able to operate normally low power? Make your decision wisely when buying and installing alternative energy.

  • Climate Changes

It will not always be sunny. Plan for climate change and how to cope so that your work is not affected by the changes. This is a thorough guide on how solar panels work in weather conditions.

  • Panel Size

Your boat will determine the size of a solar panel you require, inclusive of the types of equipment you have in the boat. Take your time to research and know the amount of power sufficient for your boat.

It could be big (solar panel) with a low output. A big boat needs a solar panel that is powerful enough to power it efficiently.

Get a solar panel that fits your boat needs and also the dimensions of your boat.

  • Mono- And Multi-Crystalline

Solar panels made from a polycrystalline material are more expensive, but they are long-lasting, with good power output. These are some of the most important differences between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels.

  • Amorphous Thin Slim Silicone

They are flexible to fit in curved spaces. They are cheap and less efficient compared to crystalline panels.

  • Cost

A sailboat needs good power to function without incidences. A good solar panel can be expensive. One or two panels are enough to power a big boat with a number of items on the boat that are constantly in use.

Boat Solar Panels - Nature Power

Guide to Buying The Right Solar Panel For Your Boat or Sailboat

How much energy do you need? Don’t just march to the market and purchase boat-solar panels because you need one. You need solar panels that serve you efficiently.

If you need a lot of power output, you cannot buy a small solar panel as it will not serve the purpose. Know well the amount of energy you need in a day and get your Sailboat a solar panel that will supply it with power sufficiently.

Solar Energy or Engine? Of the two, which one will you use most? If you choose solar energy over the engine, then you have to install powerful panels that are big enough to power your boat.

Again, if you decide to use both, you don’t need a big or powerful solar panel. If you are sailing in a windy zone, you can switch off your engine and take advantage.

How to Hook Up Solar Panels to A Boat Battery

  • You have already purchased your solar panel. Decide where you will mount it. The roof or stern rail
  • Use DC wires. They should be black positive and red negative depending on your boat
  • Drill small holes into the cockpit to pass the wires from the solar panel to the main cabinet
  • Attach the wires to a solar panel controller
  • Attach the same set of wires from the controller to the battery. NOTE, the red wire goes to the positive, while black goes to the negative terminal.

See Related: Solar Panel Angle by Zip Code

Best Solar Panels For Boating

Let’s get into our list of the best solar panels that you’ll want to consider for your boat or sailboat.

  1. Nature Power 165W Sailboat Solar Panel by Nature Power

Nature Power 165W Sailboat Solar Panel by Nature PowerMonocrystalline makes this solar panel powerful, durable, and efficient. The panel has an aluminum frame that protects the cells from external damage and helps it withstand high temperatures.

In addition, it has a shiny coating which makes it scratch-free. The panel does not reflect light meaning all power is contained inside. Also, it is durable and can be fixed outdoors for years.

Unique features

  • High power
  • Installation is easy
  • Comes with an in-built diode to control current flow
  • Highly flexible use, there are more options for you to use this solar panel

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

  1. WindyNation 100w Off-Grid Sailboat Solar Panel by WindNation

WindyNation 100w Off-Grid Sailboat Solar Panel by WindNationHow wonderful to sail off in your solar-powered boat to the deep sea for as long as you can, comfortably without having to worry about a power outage? You fish or tour comfortably and only come onshore for supplies. Isn’t that awesome?

This solar package offers one of the best portable solar panels for boats and has all that you require to fix a solar system in your boat. It comes with the solar panel, a 30-amp charge controller, 40ft solar cable, mounting brackets, connectors, and a manual guide.

The system produces 350watts in a day based on the sun. Upgrade power production by adding several panels on your boat for efficiency. You can customize the power controller to suit your needs and monitor the power produced using the LCD screen.

What makes the WindyNation solar panel special?

  • Perfectly made for boats
  • Comes with an off-the-grid set, you are ready for install with one single purchase
  • You can adjust settings to suit needs

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

  1. Newpowa 30w Poly Sailboat Solar Panel by Newpowa

Newpowa 30w Poly Sailboat Solar Panel by NewpowaInstalling this product is the best decision for your boat as it has high power output. However, you have no choice but to buy a reliable charge controller to save power and use just what you need.

It is firmly built and long-lasting. For those who live in hot zones, then here is an awesome match to your Sailboat. The materials used are of high quality which makes it top-rated on Amazon.

Features that make the Newpowa stand out

  • It is a slim fit
  • All its features make it a top-quality panel
  • Aluminum frames that hold together the cells
  • Smaller wattages, which makes this panel ideal for beginners

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

  1. Acopower 35W Polycrystalline Sailboat Solar Panel by Acopower

Acopower 35W Polycrystalline Sailboat Solar Panel by AcopowerA small solar panel, high power and takes the least space on your boat. It is easy to set up on your boat as it comes with four drilled holes at the corners and stripped wires.

If you are interested, then this is for you.

Why does the Acopower stand out?

  • Efficient in power production
  • Specifically designed to power sailboats
  • A ready fit for weather changes
  • Small in size and takes a small space

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

  1. Newpowa 160Watt Sailboat Solar Panel by Newpowa

Newpowa 160Watt Sailboat Solar Panel by NewpowaThis panel is a bit expensive but worth every coin. The solar panel can charge several batteries or a single large battery. If your boat is big, here is your kind of fit.

The system has top quality, high-performance cells made of polycrystalline. Fitted with an aluminum frame that protects its inner components, this panel offers the best source of portable solar energy for you.

Newpowa’s battery lasts up to a decade and can charge 90%. In two and a half decades, it might drop its charging power to 80%. This sounds like a lifetime power source for a sailboat.

Unique features include

  • The product is a built superpower
  • Made of high-quality power cells
  • It is a ready-fit for your Sailboat

Therefore, if you are looking for the best solar panels for boating, then this brand will be an awesome one to consider.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

  1. Renogy 400Watt 12V Monocrystalline Sailboat Solar Panels by Renogy

Renogy 400Watt 12V Monocrystalline Sailboat Solar Panels by RenogyThis is a powerful, easy to use panel. It can charge high capacity batteries in 3 hours max. It will take your boat off-grid and make you independent. Renogy comes with a package of all requirements to set up for the off-grid.

The package consists of the panel, mounting brackets, charge controller, cables and an adapter kit. The unit price is inclusive of all these items. In case you need more power to your boat, you can always add extra solar panels.

The Renogy sailboat solar panel features the following

  • This solar panel expandable at will
  • The panel is powerful and has a short charging time
  • Offers a high-power output
  • Full kit to allow you to install right away

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

  1. MOHOO 50W 18V Flexible Sailboat Solar Panel by MOHOO

MOHOO 50W 18V Flexible Sailboat Solar Panel by MOHOOThis solar panel stands out due to its flexibility of up to 30 degrees. The solar panel has no frame, and it has four holes on each corner which makes it easy fix to your Sailboat. To make it even better, you can fix it on any vehicle.

After installation, many panels break as the boat sails, but this one shifts with the boats without cracking. However, anything is breakable so fix your solar panels in secure places.

What makes it unique

  • Highly flexible
  • You can install it easily
  • The solar panel is light in weight

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

  1. Winnewsun Flexible 100W Flexible Sailboat Solar Panel by Winnewsun

Winnewsun Flexible 100W Flexible Sailboat Solar Panel by WinnewsunA great solar panel to fit on curved areas, which makes it flexible. Since it has an output of 100watts, it makes this product quite efficient. Winnewsun Flexible 100W has six eyelets, but it all depends on how and where you want to mount it.

Its flexibility gives you mounting options like the use of glue, tape, or zip ties to fix it. This panel is top-rated for solar conversion.

What makes it unique

  • The solar panel is light and flexible
  • You can easily install it
  • Sufficient power input

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

  1. Nature Power 120Watt Sailboat Solar Panel by Nature Power

Nature Power 120Watt Sailboat Solar Panel by Nature PowerDue to its portable nature, you can use it anywhere. You don’t have to attach it to your boat only make sure it’s in the open for the sun to reach it.

Fold and carry around wherever you go. Once you are done using it, just fold it, put it in its case until next time,

Unique features of this Nature Power solar panel

  • Compact design
  • Portable that enables you to bring it anywhere
  • Easy to carry and transport
  • Very efficient production

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

  1. ALLPOWERS 50W Bendable Sailboat Solar Panel by ALLPOWERS

ALLPOWERS 50W Bendable Sailboat Solar Panel by ALLPOWERSAnother great brand of solar boat panel is “All Powers 500W Bendable solar panel For Sailboat.” This solar panel has wonderful features than a usual solar panel. The product is water-resistant, semi-flexible, as well as dust resistant.

Resistance to dust keeps it clean and allowing more sunlight into the panel for conversion. The bendable nature of this product keeps it from breaking.

One remarkable thing about this product is that it is lightweight but still powerful, weighing 2 pounds.

You can easily fix it on your boat due to its weight and bendable nature.

Also, it gives you extra choices than rigid panels. It is best for a small space and crowded spaces.

Why is this ALLPOWERS solar panel unique

  • Considerably flexible
  • Lightweight
  • Fits in small or crowded spaces
  • Durable

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

Conclusion on Boat Solar Panels

Boat solar panels power your boat with natural energy from the sun, making it self-sufficient. You can take your boat off the grid when using solar energy, which means that you can sail as far as you wish.

Therefore, you need not worry about a power outage or having to go back to the shore to fuel your boat. You only go back onshore to get supplies or when you are done fishing or touring.

Was this article helpful understand how solar panels can work with boating? Kindly share with us your comments.

Related Resources

  • 9 Best Solar Backpacks 2019 (Including Buyer’s Guide)
  • 6 Best Solar Fence Chargers 2019: Who Makes the Best Product?
  • 13 Best Portable Solar Panels for Camping
  • SunPower Solar Panels Review

Green Coast is a renewable energy community solely focused on helping people better understand renewable energy technologies and the environment.

Boat Solar Panels

$50 - $899
Boat Solar Panels
9.4

Warranty

9.5/10

Performance

9.5/10

Reliability

9.5/10

Price

9.0/10

Ease of Use

9.5/10

Pros

  • Flexibility
  • Easy to Use
  • Multi-Functional
  • Easy to Transport
  • Optional Sizing

Cons

  • Variable Production
  • Limited Warranty
Shop Now

Filed Under: Solar Energy Tagged With: Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, Solar Installation, Solar Panels

Live Green, Save the Environment

Subscribe to my newsletter for green living tips and ideas straight to your mailbox.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Join the Newsletter

Subscribe to my newsletter for green living tips and ideas straight to your mailbox.

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Free Solar Handbook

Free Solar Energy Questions & Answers Handbook

Featured Posts

  • Best Solar Panels [Including Buyer's Guide]
  • Best Batteries for Solar
  • Should Your Buy or Lease Solar Panels?
  • Best Greywater Systems for Homes
  • SunPower Solar Panels Review
  • SolarEdge Review

Resources

  • Solar ROI Calculator
  • Wind Turbine Calculator
  • Potential Energy Calculator
  • Renewable Energy & Green Living Dictionary

Recent Posts

  • Do Solar Panels Cause Cancer? (An Analysis & Case Study)
  • Solar Panel Size Guide: How many solar panels do you need?
  • Wetland Mitigation Overview: 9 Pros and Cons to Consider
  • Solar Street Lights Overview: How they work and who provides them?
  • How the Circular Economy Will Contribute to a Sustainable Future

Categories

  • Energy Efficiency
  • Energy Storage
  • Green Living
  • Renewable Energy
  • Solar Energy
  • Wind Energy

Footer

My Favorite Posts

  • Best Solar Panels [Including Buyer's Guide]
  • Best Batteries for Solar Panels
  • Should You Buy or Lease Solar?
  • Best Greywater Systems for Homes
  • Renewable Energy & Green Living Dictionary

Follow

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Do Solar Panels Cause Cancer? (An Analysis & Case Study)
  • Solar Panel Size Guide: How many solar panels do you need?
  • Wetland Mitigation Overview: 9 Pros and Cons to Consider

Resources

  • Solar ROI Calculator
  • Wind Turbine Calculator
  • Potential Energy Calculator

Categories

  • Energy Efficiency
  • Energy Storage
  • Green Living
  • Renewable Energy
  • Solar Energy
  • Wind Energy

GreenCoast.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. All posts may contain affiliate links.
Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Disclsure
Copyright © 2019 ยท Green Coast. All Rights Reserved.