Solar Panels - Are they for you?

Shell Solar Panels

High-Tech Solar Sailboats Ahoy!

Solar Power on A Sailboat. Using Solar Panels

Boosting solar power output with BlueSky

How does it work?

Electricity is produced by solar panels due to a chemical film or silicon crystals. The photovoltaic effect of the sun hitting the panel converts the sunlight into electrical energy. This energy can then be used immediately, or stored in a battery to be used on demand. This is your 12 volt system and DC appliances can be powered. If you add an inverter, AC appliances can be run.

Rating of solar panels is in watts or watt hours or kilowatts per day which gives an indication of the size and number necessary for your boat once you figure the load you will need.

Solar Load Calculation

1. List appliances used on your boat

2. Know the amperage for each (amps = watts ÷ voltage)

3. Estimate operating hours per day

4. Add up hours by # of amps

5. Total of amps = amp hours needed per day

Realize that amps generated by alternative power get lost along the way. Understand your cells and system will give you a more accurate indication of the size of solar panels needed. 

Other components of a solar system include a charge controller, a set of batteries and maybe a deregulator. If you wish to have an AC system aboard an inverter can be used to convert the voltage. Many online sources of information are available to help.

Types of Solar Cells

1. Mono-crystalline cells - must be kept from shading, very efficient and take up less space, expensive.

2. Poly-crystalline cells - must be kept from shading, extremely efficient, smaller.

3. Amorphous silicon cells - function well even if partial shading, less efficient, take up more space, portable, ability to function in low light.

Solar panels can be either hard or flexible panels. Flexible panels can be attached to deck or canvas, hard panels to dodge, arch or deck. 

The size and number of panels needed depends upon which type you will be using and your load calculations. As a rule add up to 30% more amps than you will need.