Tag Archives: solar power

Solar Panels for Boats

Solar panels can easily be installed and utilized on boats for power. There is very little maintenance required to keep them in working condition and if properly installed, the solar panels should last 10 years or more.

The first decision is what kind of solar panels to buy. The most efficient option are mono-crystalline solar panels. Not only are they efficient, they are the most widely available. You might also consider using poly-crystalline panels which are slightly less efficient as the mono-crystalline type. If you have concerns about shade, you can buy the thin film solar panels.

Your next decision is where to install them on your boat. It is recommended that you install them high and aft on your boat, and in direct sunlight. One suggestion would be to install them maybe over the cabin or above the davits. The goal is to avoid installing them where the shadows might affect their performance. If shadows are an issue, consider installing them on a rail along the stern or over the bimini.

If your solar panels are shadowed, even just one complete row of cells, you will not be generating any power. The solution would be to either move the solar panels to a location that is not shadowed or to use a shade resistant amorphous solar panel.

Keep your solar panels operating at their maximum efficiency by wiping off any residue laying on the surface of the panel. Solar panels generally require little maintenance and are able to withstand the outdoors, so think about how you might be able to use them to power your boat.

Solar Energy Basics

How Solar Energy Works

Solar energy is a relatively new field of study in terms of practical application, but its existence and effect on our planet is as old as the Earth itself.

The sun undergoes a never-ending series of light and heat producing reactions, comprising and sustaining its fiery mass while radiating these products outward. While some of this radiation is reflected back into space by the upper reaches of our atmosphere, a significant portion passes through and touches the Earth’s surface, powering a variety of natural processes important for the proper balance and functioning of the environment.

But solar energy can be harnessed by humans to power a wide variety of domestic, agricultural, and industrial applications, and is a rapidly-growing technology sector. The importance of moving towards clean, sustainable energy sources is paramount in the modern era, and solar energy provides the most promising and cost-effective solution for many uses.

Solar energy is employed in a number of ways, and can be used in a passive or active scheme, depending on design and desired output. Passive applications for solar energy include conscientious building construction in terms of alignment with the sun for heating and cooling purposes, as well as various greenhouse and farming technologies which allow solar heat to work with maximum efficacy and efficiency. Active uses for solar energy are most often materialized in the form of solar panels, which are accessible conversion tools useful for both large corporations and projects and individual consumers and homeowners.

Solar panels consist of a number of photovoltaic cells, which absorb solar energy and convert it to electric energy for practical use, storing the energy in a battery bank. The special photovoltaic cells contain electric contacts, which generate useful energy with electrons “grabbed” by the cells’ electric fields. These electrons are available to the cells once photons in direct sunlight come into contact with the surface of the panels, and are the key to creating clean, sustainable energy for the home and beyond.

As you might guess, the specific quality of the photovoltaic cells themselves as well as the number of cells laid over the surface of a solar panel help determine the overall efficacy and output of the panel. Factors including shading obstructions, weather patterns, and proper placement all have an impact on the production potential of a given panel and its set of photovoltaic cells.

Though the applications of solar energy vary, the common threads of efficiency and renewable sources render solar power an intelligent and effective way to power human lives without harming the environment.

Solar Energy is Hot!

Solar radiation, as well as other solar resources like wind power, wave power and hydroelectricity make up over 99% of the renewable energy sources available to us. Amazing!

I remember reading about google’s goal of installing enough solar panels to generate electricity for 50,000 homes. They have made a real commitment to investing in renewable energy resources.

Imagine if we each made JUST ONE home appliance solar powered? We can start small – like a solar powered I-Pod charger or some solar powered outdoor lights. How about a solar powered cell phone charger? Once you realize how easy it is to begin using solar power, you’ll be ready to convert some of your bigger energy drains…..like maybe a hot water heater?

People are motivated to convert to solar power for a variety of reasons. Some look at the financial benefits while others are more concerned about the earth.

We all have been hit hard this year with rising fuel costs. My cars cost more to fill up, my home cost even more to cool down, and I just got a huge bill from my propane company. The only fuel source that cost the same this year as last is my solar bill. It’s still ZERO!

Although I personally got involved with solar energy for financial reasons, my focus has changed over time. I am glad to be doing just a little bit to reduce our dependence on non-renewable energy sources.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, take a look at our solar panels and solar controllers. Remember to take your time, do your homework, then be prepared to reap the benefits of solar power for years to come.