How To Wire A Solar Panel On A Boat

There are numerous benefits to powering your boat with solar energy.

How to wire a solar panel on a boat.

The connections are easy to make. This is especially useful for outdoor equipment such as golf carts motor boats and tractors that may not receive daily or even weekly use. It may be a good idea to work with an experienced solar installation company to determine the best ways to safely and effectively incorporate solar panels onto your boat. Mount your panel on your stern rail see photos details below.

Connect the negative wire from the solar panel to the negative input on the charge controller. Insert the fuse and the charger will provide a reading of the current status of the batteries. Solar controller except for small trickle charge systems all solar systems should have a solar controller. These connectors are easily disconnected.

Panels wired in series can be wired all the way to the solar charge controller with a thinner gauge wire than those wired in parallel. Others have placed solar panels on the sides of the boat embedded them in the deck or purchased foldable panels that they can take out and reposition around the ship. Attach marine grade copper wires to the panel. Choosing whether to wire the panels in series or parallel on a boat affects the wire gauge required which is why many solar power installers lean toward wiring the panels in series.

Should you install solar panels on your boat. Battery storage products occasionally have built in inverters and or charge controllers. Details will follow after these instructions. If your solar panel kit does not include an inverter or charge controller you ll need to buy those components separately.

Next measure the length of wiring run from panel to battery and multiply by two which factors in both the positive and negative sides of the run. Now to the solar panel.