Solar and Wind Power and Alternative Energy Information

Solar Panels for Electric Boats

Solar Panels suitable for electric boats need to be built in or attached to safe areas of the boat for instance, the cabin-roof, the deck, and on awnings, rails and attached to the sails or booms when at anchor.

Flexible solar panels can often be stored when uder-way and deployed on the sails or booms when the boat is at anchor.

Solar panels are available for boats that are resistant to wind and weather and can be curved to fit the contours of the boat.

Being able to tilt the solar panel to face the sun, whether under-way or at anchor, can significantly increase the productivity and output of the solar panel.

When rearching solar panels for electric boat applications you may find them referred to as photovoltaic modules or photovoltaic panels.

A solar powered boat utilising solar energy via a photovoltaic installation would need the following typical components: an array of photovoltaic modules or solar panels, an inverter, deep cycle batteries (for storage of the electricity when the sun is not shining) and the interconnecting electrical wiring.

There are different kinds of Solar Panels; Silicon Monocrystalline, Silicon Polycrystalline, and Thin Film - Triple Junction. Typically crystalline silicon modules are able to guarantee that they will maintain 90% of rated power output for 10 years and 80% of rated power output for 25 years.

Solar Panels for Electric Boats

Solar Panels for Electric Boats on the web.

Introduction to Solar Electric Boats - Introduction to Solar Electric Boats - Has a simplified diagram and explanation of what is needed to create a solar powered electric boat.

Select Solar Ltd - Select Solar Ltd - UK supplier of photovoltaic solar products. Offers 12v solar power charging kits, pv solar panels, charge controllers (including Morningstar), solar chargers, and many other solar powered lights, gadgets and toys. Also has good information pages and a solar power FAQ.

Renewable Energy Remote Power & Lighting Systems - Renewable Energy Remote Power & Lighting Systems - Renewable Energy resource and supplier. Information and products in the following categories: Renewable Energy, Solar Photovoltaic, Solar Hot Water, Wind Power, Water Power, Regulators, Towers, DC-AC Inverters, Batteries and Cable.

Solar Navigator Small Sailboat Links - Solar Navigator Small Sailboat Links - Solar Navigator Small Sailboat Links has a useful list of sites relevant to the small sailboat user. Of particular interest are the Environmental Sites which include electric boat and solar power sites.

SailGB Solar Panels - SailGB Solar Panels - A great information page detailing how solar panels work.