When it comes to powering your boat electronics in the middle of the ocean, you are going to need solar power. Solar power is the most common way to power your sailboat aside from plugging it in at the docks.
This article is going to list the 10 best marine solar panels out there, the different types of solar panels and what they mean, and a few install videos to help with your project.
These solar panels and kits are perfect for all types of boats, not just sailboats, so no matter what type of boat you have be sure to check out the list below.
1. RICH SOLAR 100 Watt 12 Volt Polycrystalline Solar Panel
If you are looking for a great non-flex panel, then you have found it. The RICH SOLAR 100 Watt 12 Volt Polycrystalline Solar Panel is a key component for sailing worldwide. This item only weighs 17.5 lbs and has 36 efficient polycrystalline solar cells protected by a thin layer of tempered glass. This panel can be used alone or add additional panels to create a custom solar energy system.
PRICE:
$89.99 Click Here to purchase!
SPECS:
- Maximum Power: 100W
- Maximum System Voltage: 1000V DC (UL)
- Optimum Operating Voltage (Vmp): 18.5V
- Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc): 22.6V
- Optimum Operating Current (Imp): 5.41A
- Short-Circuit Current (Isc): 5.86A
- Weight: 17.5 lbs
- Dimensions: 39.6 x 26.4x 1.4 inches
2. Topsolar Flexible Solar Panel 100W Monocrystalline
This solar panel is a great choice with 4.5 stars on Amazon. You buy it in a two-pack of 200 watts or 100 watts. It is extremely flexible meaning you can put it on almost any rounded surface. This one is definitely an easier install compared to a non-flex panel. It is high-temperature resistant and easy to clean. Solar panels are made of advanced waterproof materials. It is more durable than traditional glass and aluminum model solar panels
PRICE:
$269.99 (200-watt) Click Here To Purchase.
SPECS:
- Maximum Power at STC*: 100 Watt
- Power Tolerance Range(%): ±5
- Optimum Operating Voltage (Vmp): 20.9V
- Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc): 24.5V
- Short-Circuit Current (Isc): 4.9A
- Optimum Operating Current (Imp): 4.7A
- Maximum System Voltage: 1000 VDC
- Dimension: 20.47 x 42.71 x 0.1inch (520 x 1085 x 2.5MM)
3. Renogy 200W 12V Monocrystalline Panel Solar Kit
A kit is a great option for anybody new to solar. This kit should provide you with almost everything you need to get your boat on solar. This solar kit comes with the tools necessary for a new system: two Renogy 100W 12V Poly/ Mono Solar Panels, one 40A MPPT Rover Charge Controller, one 20ft 10AWG Solar Panel Connectors Adaptor Kit, one 8ft 8AWG Tray Cable, two sets of Z-brackets and one pair of branch connectors.
PRICE:
$459.88 Click Here to Purchase
SPECS: (Panel Only)
- Maximum Power: 100W
- Maximum System Voltage:600V DC (UL)
- Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc): 24.3V
- Short-Circuit Current (Isc): 5.21A
- Optimum Operating Voltage (Vmp): 20.4V
- Optimum Operating Current (Imp): 4.91A
- Weight: 14.1 lbs / 6.4 kg
- Dimensions: 41.8 x 20.9 x 1.38 in
4. WEIZE 200 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel
This is a two-pack which means two 100-watt panels. It is a good deal for two panels and most people only need two depending on their power consumption. WEIZE solar panel is constructed with high-performance Monocrystalline solar cells that offer higher efficiency up to 21% more than Polycrystalline in bright weather conditions, it provides a long service life and is virtually maintenance-free.
PRICE:
$179.99 Click here to purchase!
SPECS: (Per Panel)
- Maximum Power Output: 100W
- Maximum Power Voltage (Vmp): 18.78V
- Maximum Power Current (Imp): 5.32A
- Maximum System Voltage: 1000V DC
- Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc): 22.64V
- Short-Circuit Current (Isc): 5.7A
- Dimensions: 36.4 x 26.8 x 1.3 inch
- Panel Weight: 15.8 lbs
5. ACOPOWER 200-watt Solar Panel
This is a sleek black solar panel that will look good on any boat. The ACOPOWER 200W solar panel (single panel) adopts a High-quality grade A+ solar cell manufacturing, higher modules conversion efficiency, making full use of light to generate electricity, and guaranteed positive output tolerance (0-3%). There are a lot of different wattage options as well, ranging from 100W to 800W.
PRICE:
$179.99 Click Here To Purchase.
SPECS: (200W Panel)
- Maximum Power Output: 200W
- Material: Monocrystalline Silicon
- Dimensions: 58.7 x 26.8 x 1.4 Inch
- Panel Weight: 26.5 lbs
6. SunPower Flexible 100-Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel
Another great option for a flexible solar panel. These are very popular and can be purchased on Amazon or other sites. SunPower’s flexible panels deliver the highest power output and the highest charging capacity in their product class. SunPower‘s panels are constructed with top-grade, lightweight polymer materials, allowing for easy transport, installation, and panel flexing up to 30 degrees.
PRICE:
$160.00 Click Here To Purchase.
SPECS:
- Maximum Power Output: 100W
- Rated Voltage (Vmp): 17.5V
- Rated Current: 5.8A
- Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc): 21V
- Short-Circuit Current (Isc): 6.2A
- Dimensions: 45.9 x 21.9 x 0.8 in
- Panel Weight: 4.4 lbs
7. Renogy 400 Watt 12 Volt Solar Panel Bundle Kit
This is the perfect kit for 400 watts of power. It comes with all the necessary components to get your batteries charged. The Complete kit includes (1) Renogy 400-watt 12-volt compact design Monocrystalline solar panel (2) Wanderer Li 30A PWM charge controller (3) A pair of 9 in male and female adaptor kit (4) Solar male and female branch connectors MMF, FFM.
PRICE:
$532.39 Purchase this kit here!
SPECS: (Panel Only)
- Maximum Power: 100W
- Maximum System Voltage: 600V DC (UL)
- Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc): 24.3V
- Short-Circuit Current (Isc): 5.21A
- Optimum Operating Voltage (Vmp): 20.4V
- Optimum Operating Current (Imp): 4.91A
- Weight: 14.1 lbs / 6.4 kg
- Dimensions: 41.8 x 20.9 x 1.38 in
8. ECO FLOW Power Station with Foldable Solar Panel
If you are looking for something a bit more portable or not as technical, then this might be a good option for you. This is a solar panel and generator combo. The panels will not connect to your boat, they get plugged into the generator. Once the generator is charged you can charge other things on your boat. This is a good option if you want to be able to pack away your solar setup when not in use. There are large versions as well if you need more power, but if you’re going with a setup like this, you probably don’t need that much power.
PRICE:
$399.00 Click Here To See This Setup.
SPECS: (Panel Only)
Maximum Power: 60W
Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc): 21.6V
Short-Circuit Current (Isc): 3.5A
Weight: 8.8 lbs
Dimensions: 21 x 32.1 x 1.0 in
9. ACOPOWER 100-Watt Solar Panel
ACOPower 100-watt panel is a solid choice. 100W solar panel is made of a lightweight anodized aluminum frame and anti-reflection 3.2mm thick coated glass, which reinforces safety and impact resistance. Poly solar panels can work in temperatures between -40°F to 176°F, and withstand severe weather such as storms(2400Pa), blizzards (5400Pa), and hail. The price is pretty good too!
PRICE:
$85.99 Click Here To Purchase.
SPECS:
- Max Power at STC: 100W
- Open-Circuit Voltage: 22V
- Max Power Voltage:17.48V
- Max Power Current:5.72A
- Short Circuit Current:6.21A
- Operating Temp: -40ºC to 85ºC
- Dimension: 40.1×26.4×1.4 in
- Weight: 9.5kg / 20.6 lbs
10. ACOPOWER 300 Watt Solar Panel Kit
The final item on our list is a 300-watt kit. 300 watts is the perfect amount of wattage for most 30-foot boats. See this article to find out how much power you need on your boat How Much Solar Power Do You Need?
300W solar panel kit is fully equipped, and the necessary accessories from input to output are covered in it, which is ideal for novices and customers who are looking for convenience. This solar kit includes 3pcs 100W poly solar panel, 30A charge controller, 3 sets mounting z bracket, 30ft 12AWG PV cable, 8ft 8AWG tray cable, cable entry housing, and 1Y3 branch connector.
PRICE:
$499.99 Click Here To Purchase.
SPECS: (Panel Only)
- Peak Power (Pmax): 100W
- Peak Circuit Voltage(Voc): 22V
- Max Power Voltage(Vmp): 17.48V
- Short Circuit Current(Isc): 6.21A
- Max Power Current(Imp): 5.72A
- Dimension: 40.2 x 26.4 x 1.4 Inch
- Weight: 17.6 lb
- Wind resistance: 2400pa
The 3 Different Types Of Solar Panels – Explained
1. Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline or single-crystal panels are made from a single pure silicon crystal that is cut into several wafers. Since they are made from pure silicon, they are easily identified by their dark black color. Pure silicon makes them long-lasting which is excellent for sailing. You do not want to lose your power out in the middle of the ocean. Monocrystalline solar panels can reach efficiencies higher than 20 percent, while polycrystalline solar panels usually have efficiencies between 15 to 17 percent.
2. Polycrystalline Solar Panels
This type of solar panel is made up of different silicon crystals instead of just one like the Monocrystalline. The silicon fragments are melted and poured into a square mold. This makes polycrystalline cells much more affordable and gives them that characteristic square shape. These types of solar panels have a blue look to them, making them easy to tell apart from other types. Polycrystalline panels will usually come in smaller wattages compared to monocrystalline panels.
3. Thin Film Solar Panels
Unlike monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, thin-film panels are made from a variety of materials. The most prevalent type of thin-film solar panel is made from cadmium telluride (CdTe). Thin-film solar panels can also be made from amorphous silicon (a-Si), which is similar to the composition of monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels.
All of these types of solar power panels will help power your boat regardless of the type. Just make sure to calculate how much wattage you need before purchasing any of them.
How Do I Install Solar Panels On My Sailboat (With Videos)
This section is a collection of videos of people installing solar panels on their sailboats. I am a Patreon of a few of them and I definitely recommend following them on YouTube! There are so many different ways to install a solar panel, so I wanted to get a list of different ways and let you decide which way will work best for you. Enjoy!
As I said earlier in this section, there are a million different ways to install a solar panel. Each boat is different and you need to plan out what will work best for you and your boat.
In Conclusion
This article discussed the 10 best solar panels for a boat and where to purchase them from. There are a lot more options out there but these 10 are a great starting point. The three different types of solar panels mentioned were Monocrystalline Solar Panels, Polycrystalline Solar Panels, and Thin Film Solar Panels. All of these will work for charging boat batteries and electronics.
The last section of this article is a collection of solar panel installation videos. I am a follower of most of these channels and I definitely recommend you follow them as well for more helpful videos.
I hope this article helped with your solar panel search! Cheers!