The price of gas for boats is astronomically high these days. Going out for an offshore fishing trip can be a costly affair. Modern devices use a lot of electricity on a boat, which then requires a gas-powered generator. This adds even more to the cost of an outing.
Solar panel technology has improved dramatically over the last few years. It is a great idea to use solar to power your devices on a boat. Solar panels are much more affordable than ever before. Setting up a solar panel on your boat costs less than many generators. And with these kinds of prices, they can pay for themselves quickly (view website).
In this article, we will go over how you can choose the right solar panel for your boat.
Choose the right size
The size of the solar panel that you need depends on your energy demand. The first thing to do is to figure out what your energy demand is. Once you have a number, then you will know how many panels that you need.
There are two ways to go about this. First, make a tally of all the appliances that you use that need to be connected to a power source. They will all have the amps and volts used listed on the device. Add them all up, and the total is your energy demand.
For a more accurate accounting of your energy demand is to buy a battery monitor. These will record all the amps and volts used in real-time when you have the devices plugged in.
The battery size will also need to be accounted for. If the size of the battery is smaller than the solar panels, it won’t be enough to provide your power. In this case, you will also need to upgrade to a bigger battery.
Figure out the physical space
The space on a boat is a very valuable commodity. Space-saving is very important. Finding a space big enough for your solar panels is a challenge. Take some time to
measure the panels you need to buy and then compare with the space you have available.
The area you choose needs to have full sunlight for hours per day to charge the battery. High-efficiency panels are a smart choice for those with limited space. They can get the most out of a little space and sparse sunlight.
If you find your boat can’t accommodate permanent panels, there are portable ones available.
Can you install it yourself?
The right kind of panel will depend on your budget. Factor in the cost of having one installed by a professional. In some cases, you can do it yourself. It all depends on how complex your system is and what needs to charge.
A portable system is ideal if you are on a budget and are not handy with the wiring yourself. These systems are relatively simple to set up. A professional will be able to win a complex system. And they can also build a new structure on the boat if needed.