SOLAR PANELS FOR BOATS

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21st April 2011

SOLAR PANELS FOR BOATS

Solar panels are perfect for battery charging duties on boats, caravans and campervans. Spring is well and truly here, so if you are getting your boat ready for the summer why not add that solar panel you've been thinking about?

Solar panels are great battery chargers

If you are getting your boat, caravan or camper van ready for the summer, why not go the full hog and fit those solar panels you've been thinking about?

Solar panels are ideal for battery charging duties on boats and leisure vehicles for the following reasons :

Solar power is free and abundant, even in the UK
Up to six times more solar power in mid summer than mid winter - a perfect match for winter battery maintenance and summer use
Solar panels are proven, robust and maintenance free
Solar panels are easy to fit and in obtrusive
Solar panels are totally silent

Solar Panel Benefits

Free, silent source of battery charge
Reduce / eliminate need to run noisy generator or engine
Extend battery life by keeping charge maintained
Environmentally friendly source of power

What size solar panel do I need?

For winter battery maintenance we recommend approximately 10W of solar for every 100Ah of battery capacity.

10W Solar : 100Ah Battery

So, for example if you have 3 x 110Ah 12V leisure batteries wired in parallel for 12V , your total battery capacity is 330Ah therefore you require a solar panel of ideally 33W. In this case a 30W solar panel would be fine.

A bigger solar panel will provide more charge to the battery and although this may exceed winter maintenance requirements it will provide extra charge at sunnier times of the year when you are using 12V loads such as 12V lights and 12V appliances.

A smaller solar panel will still help with all of the above and will reduce your reliance on other charging sources (whether it be mains, engine or generator) to some extent.

It is fine to start with a small solar panel and add extra panels (ideally of the same type but not necessarily size) at a later date.

What type of solar panel should I use?

There are various different types of solar panel available. For leisure/marine/camper/caravan use the most popular types are rigid framed glass fronted solar panels (such as BP solar panels ), semi-flexible solar panels (such as Spectralite Solar Panels and SunWare Marine Solar Panels ) and flexible solar panels (such as the Spectraflex solar panel ).

For a details on the benefits of each, and how to mount them please take a look at our guidance here : Solar Panels for Marine and Leisure Use or please get in touch.

Do I need a solar charge controller?

A solar charge controller (also called a solar regulator ) is usually required to help manage battery charging from the solar panel and most importantly to prevent battery overcharging. Uncontrolled overcharging of a battery will damage it, reducing performance and lifespan and ultimately costing you money.

If the solar panel size is smaller than ratio of 10W to 100Ah in some cases a solar charge controller (solar regulator ) is not required. That said, if you are close to the above ratio and will be leaving the solar panel and batteries unattended for long periods in the summer months, fit a solar charge controller.

Simple solar charge controllers are not expensive and for peace of mind are a worthwhile addition to the vast majority of solar panel installations on boats, yachts and leisure vehicles.

What size solar charge controller ?

Solar charge controllers (solar regulators) are sized according to the current that they can manage flowing from the solar panel(s) to the battery. For example the popular Solsum 6.6F solar regulator is rated at 6Amps. As a rough guide multiply charge controller Amps by 12 (12V) to give maximum solar panel size (or divide the solar panel watts by 12V to give the maximum Amps). So for a 6A charge controller , maximum solar panel size of 72Watts (6A x 12V).

Charge Controller Amps x 12V = Maximum Solar Panel Watts

Solar Panel Watts / 12V = Minimum Charge Controller Amps

This is not completely accurate but is a good safe rule of thumb for those new to solar power.

Do I need a blocking diode?

If you are contacting more than two or more solar panels in parallel (+ to +, - to - to increase watts for the same voltage) a blocking diode should be fitted in the +ve line between each panel. By only allowing power to flow in one direction the blocking diode prevents power flowing from one solar panel to the other if one falls into shade when the other doesn't. This ensures that solar power created always flows to your battery where you need it.

A blocking diode may also be required if you are fitting a single solar panel to a battery bank with no solar charge controller. In this scenario the blocking diode is required to prevent power flowing from the battery to the solar panel at night.

A blocking diode is not required if you are fitting a single solar panel and a solar charge controller as the solar charge controller will prevent power flowing from the battery back to the solar panel.

What's a bypass diode?

Bypass diodes are fitted within solar panels (usually at the factory) to prevent power loss between strings of solar cells in the event that the solar panel is partially shaded. This is more inportant on large solar panels .

Conclusion

Solar panels are an ideal hassle free battery charging solution for boats, yachts, campervans and caravans. They are easy to fit and use, have a long life and extend battery life as well.

If you require any help or advice with your solar panel project please get in touch we will be happy to offer help and advice and would be delighted to supply the components your require.