How Do Marine Solar Panels Work (You Need to Know)

Published on: December 8, 2021
Written by Liam Jaxon / Fact-checked by David Rowan

The total energy, including gas and oil, of the earth is not limitless. We are continuously using them for various purposes but if we use them like that and there is no other new source invented then the energy will be over by a few hundred years. In this situation, we can use energy that is apparently limitless. Yes, we are talking about solar power. Nowadays using solar power is very popular and a good alternative to regular energy. But according to the topic of this article, how can we use solar power in boating or marine activity? The answer is very simple. By using marine solar panels we can use the power of the sun to mean solar energy.

how do marine solar panels work

Should I Use Marine Solar Panel

The answer to this question is yes, using marine solar is very good for the batteries that you are using on your boat. Also using a marine solar panel on your boat has other advantages too. Like if you have a cell phone then definitely you will pick it up with you at the time of boating right? Then you don’t have to worry about the charge of the cell phone as you can easily charge it using the marine solar panel. There are many other advantages of using a solar panel.

How Do A Marine Solar Panel Work

The process of a marine solar panel is not different from a normal solar panel, they almost work in the same way. Marine solar panels are mainly used on the boat so that the boat rider can spend much more time on the water without any problem. The algorithm of the marine solar panel is not very complicated:

At the very beginning of this process, the light that comes from the sun hits the solar panel, on the solar panel there are lots of solar cells that initiate the electrons on the surface of it. This is the first step in creating the charge

In the next stage, the electrons start to jump from one to another atom which creates a chain reaction, and after that, the charge that produces from this electrical chain reaction gets stored in the battery as dc charge. That we or you use for various purposes.

This is a charge creation system of a solar panel, marine solar panel works in the same way. There are few components in the marine solar system. First of all the most common solar panel, then it’s connected to a marine/ deep cycle battery using a charge controller to store the generated charge on it.

The charge on the battery that is stored for running the boat or charging other parts needs to convert into ac current. Because the dc current can’t be used directly. To do this, marine solar has an inverter that is connected to the battery and gives AC output to devices, boats, or other things.

Most Efficient Way to Install Marine Solar Panels on a Boat

The most efficient way to install marine solar panels on a boat is to use an adjustable mounting system. This allows the panels to be mounted securely, while also allowing the panels to be adjusted to the optimal angle to maximize exposure to the sun. Additionally, the mounting system should be designed to reduce wind resistance and vibration, which can damage the panels over time.

How to Best Turn a Marine Solar System On and Off? 

Confused about turning on and off the system of marine solar? The realistic thing is that the battery provides power or energy to the solar controller. For this reason, it is unnecessary to disconnect the solar controller from your battery while shutting it down. Or, to power up the solar panels each time for resetting or rebooting, you have to shut down or turn off the solar system properly. 

It is very simple just use the on or off switch in the positive wire between your solar array and controller. It is not harmful to turn your solar array on and off by using this switch. We think this is the best way to shut down the solar system with the breaker or switch from the solar panel to the controller. 

How Much Power Will You Get from Your Marine Solar Panels?

It is quite challenging to fix the power that you get from the marine solar panel. Perhaps you feel happy to use the less powerful panels to fulfill your all necessary demand. The power rating in watt-hours of the multiple solar panels depends on the proper sunlight. The amount of sunlight in a day can change due to the reason for living. That means where you live. 

During winter you get peak sunshine one hour per day if you live in the  UK, northern Europe, and Canada. And, during summer there are three to four hours of sunshine. 

So, it is possible to produce 30-watt-hours of power from the 30-watt solar panel on winter days whereas you expect between 90 and 120-watt-hours of power during a summer day. In this case, you have to select marine solar panels to get accurate power. 

Are Marine Solar Panels Reliable in All Weather Conditions?


Marine solar panels are generally reliable in all weather conditions, although their performance may vary depending on the type and amount of sunlight they receive. Solar panels can be used in both sunny and cloudy conditions, and they perform best when they are in direct sunlight. If the weather is particularly cloudy or rainy, then the performance of the solar panels will be reduced.

Conclusion

So now you have learned how a marine solar panel actually works, right? You should know this as you are a user of the marine solar panel or going to be a user. If you still have not purchased a solar panel for your boat then we recommend you choose the marine solar panels as soon as possible!

Read More:

Rate this post

About This Writer

liam jaxon author pic

Hi, I am responsible for the 'Homeowners Power Solutions' category. My name is Liam Jaxon and a licensed technician with 7 years of experience in vehicle batteries, electrical gadgets, and home appliances. My working experience in different residential & light commercial electrical sectors and the automobile industry helped to acquire vast knowledge in this industry.

Hi, I am responsible for the 'Homeowners Power Solutions' category. My name is Liam Jaxon and a licensed technician with 7 years of experience in vehicle batteries, electrical gadgets, and home appliances. My working experience in different residential & light commercial electrical sectors and the automobile industry helped to acquire vast knowledge in this industry.

Leave a Comment