If you're traveling on your boat for an extended period, a reliable power supply is crucial. Appliances like lighting, navigation equipment, refrigerators, and radios require continuous power. A solar system for boats ensures that your onboard battery doesn't reach its limits, allowing you to cover all your power needs even on longer trips.
In this guide you will learn:
- which components you need for a solar system on board,
- how to calculate your electricity needs ,
- what is important when mounting on boats ,
- and what advantages flexible solar modules offer.
What do you need for your solar system on the boat?
For a functioning photovoltaic system on boats, you need three key components:
- Solar modules – convert sunlight into electricity
- Charge controller – protects the battery and regulates the charging process
- Batteries – store the energy for your consumers
If you already have a charge controller or battery, you should check this before installation.
The solar module – the heart of your boat solar system
Function: Converts sunlight into electrical energy.
Dimensioning: Several modules can be connected in parallel or in series.
Mounting options: permanently installed, flexible or as a solar bag.
Tip: Use high-quality marine solar modules that are designed for moisture, salt water, and strong sunlight.
The charge controller – gentle charging for your battery
The charge controller is the link between the solar module and the battery:
- protects against overloading,
- extends the life of your on-board battery,
- can supply the starter and on-board batteries simultaneously.
The battery – energy storage on board
Lithium-ion batteries (LiFePO4) are best suited:
- lightweight, compact and high capacity,
- safe (non-flammable),
- ideal for boats with limited space and weight restrictions.
How to determine your power needs on the boat
Create an overview of all consumers:
| consumer | Number | Power (W) | Running time (h/day) | Consumption (Wh/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting | 8 | 2 | 4 | 64 |
| GPS | 1 | 4 | 10 | 40 |
| radio | 1 | 5 | 5 | 25 |
| In total | 129 Wh/day |
Note: Your actual needs are usually higher. Plan for sufficient battery capacity to ensure you're covered even in bad weather and with little sunlight .
Influencing factors – When and where are you traveling?
- Region & Season: Mediterranean in summer = high yield, North Sea in autumn = less sun.
- Use a solar yield calculator: With a solar yield calculator, you can calculate the daily yield at your location.
Installing your solar system on the boat
Options:
- Deck, sunroof, equipment carrier – firmly screwed or glued
- Railing mount – flexible, but more movement in rough seas
- Solar bags – mobile, optimal alignment possible
A mix of permanently installed modules and mobile solar bags is often the best solution.
Flexible solar modules and solar bags – maximum efficiency
With mobile solar bags like the SunFolder, you can take advantage of the optimal angle of the sun :
- 90° = 100% power
- 70° = approx. 94% performance
- 60° = approx. 87% power
Advantage: can always be positioned flexibly and stored in a space-saving manner.
Disadvantage: when sailing, fastening can be more difficult.
Which locations are best suited for installation?
- Avoid partial shading by sails, railings or antennas.
- Make sure the surfaces are flat and do not cast shadows.
- Position modules so that they receive as much sun as possible throughout the day.
Conclusion – Why a solar system makes your boat more independent
A solar system on your boat makes you less dependent on shore power, enables longer trips without stopping in port and is an environmentally friendly solution .
You benefit from:
- Independence at sea
- Flexibility in route planning
- Sustainable energy supply
Discover our selection of solar modules, solar bags and boat batteries at Solarkontor .
