Basics of Installing a Solar Panel on Your Boat

In our busy lives, we don’t get as much time as we’d like to do the

things we love. So, it can be especially frustrating when things don’t

work at they should. Imagine getting ready for a nice long day out on

the boat, and your boats’ batteries are dead. Power had been slowly

seepinßßg from the batteries since the last time you were out, and now

you may spend the day anchored to shore. Even though you’ve wishing

you would have had access to a charger, risks of overheating or

overcharging would still be a concern.

Wouldn’t it be great if there were a way to avoid this frustration and

disappointment? Solar paneling may be great alternative energy option.

It can offset the normal power loss to your batteries when not in use.

A simple addition of solar paneling can go along way towards extending

the lifetime of expensive deep-cycle marine batteries. But you don't

have to stop there. If you prefer, you can install a larger solar

panel system on your boat that is designed to power the boat as well

as charge the battery. Solar panels are not only a great way to ensure

a day on the water, but a great way to do something positive for the

environment at the same time.

To ‘float’ or maintain a full charge, a solar panel as small as 5

watts for every 100-amp-hours of battery capacity will work. No matter

the wattage, a solar panel should have at least 33 cells, anything

less won’t have the voltage required to fully charge your battery.

Once you have your solar panel and are ready to install it, you'll

need to decide where to place it for maximum sun exposure. It’s best

to mount horizontally it to the most unobstructed location on the boat,

often to the top of T-tops, biminis, arches, deck surfaces or even

the tops of masts. Any shadow that cast on the panel will reduce its

efficiency and output. No matter where you mount, the panel will need

air circulating around it, keeping it cool enough to maintain

efficiency. You may want to survey the perimeter of your boat to make

the best choice.

So you’ve chosen your mounting spot, now what? The solar panel needs

to be connected to your battery bank by connecting the solar panel's

positive red terminal to the positive post on the battery and the

negative black terminal to the negative post on the battery. Further,

larger systems will need a charge controller and will need what is

known as a "blocking diode" to keep the power from migrating back into

the panel during night hours. You will also want to include a fuse

near the battery to prevent the system from shorting out and

potentially causing a fire.

Sound complicated? Not to worry, your panel will come with full

instructions, which are important to follow to make sure you and your

panel are as safe as possible. Also, be sure to always purchase

electronic components from a reputable and knowledgeable dealer so

that you know you’re getting a quality product. Still have questions?

Be sure to speak to the dealer who sold you your marine solar panel so

that you'll know as much as you can before you begin installation.

Once your new solar panel is installed, it’s smooth sailing!!!

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