Solar Panels

SOLAR PANELS

Solar panels are a perfect alternative for electricity production. Offering a very transparent use, the solar panel does not generate noise and knows how to be forgotten, while recharging the batteries. 

• All the more easy to integrate, the flexible solar panels (or semi-flexible) adapt to the flat deck, are resistant and can present a non-slip surface allowing the passage of the crew. They can be installed on a sailboat as well as on a motorboat.
• The rigid panel will require a flat surface or a balcony installation. It is more resistant than the flexible one, but offers an equivalent performance.

You will also have the option of choosing between a polycrystalline or monocrystalline solar panel.

• The monocrystalline solar panel has the capacity to be efficient as soon as the sun rises, until the end of the day. The cells produce voltage with minimum sunlight. However, it loses efficiency when the temperature rises. It is ideal for temperate regions.
• The polycrystalline solar panel is more resistant to high temperatures, but its efficiency is more limited and requires more sunlight. It is perfectly suited for hot regions and summer conditions.

CHARGE CONTROLLERS AND CONNECTION CABLES

The installation of solar panels also requires the addition ofa charge controller. This one will have for mission to protect the batteries from the risks of overcharge or discharge.

The charge controller monitors and controls the electricity production of the solar panels to ensure that it is used efficiently and that the batteries are not overcharged. Depending on the type of controller, you will be able to see remotely via Bluetooth for example the state of charge and other data related to the production of electricity by your solar panel and battery installation.

A charge controller is especially useful when you use multiple solar panels to power your boat. Indeed, when several panels are connected in parallel, they can produce a higher current than the batteries can support, which can cause damage and reduce their life. The charge controller allows you to limit the current to avoid these problems but also to monitor the performance of your installation via PC or Smartphone via Bluetooth if your voltage regulator supports this function.

In this category, you will find a selection of charge controllers, covering most of the needs of sailors. With some models, you can connect and manage several battery banks. This is the case with the BlueSolar PWM DUO 12/24V-20A regulator.

Many connectors and cables are available on this page, not to mention solar panel mounting devices.

Our team of experts at Comptoir Nautique is at your disposal to answer all your technical questions about the choice, installation or maintenance of your solar panels, but also questions about available stock, prices, or delivery times. You can reach them by phone or e-mail. You can also benefit from simplified payment in 3x & 4x or 10x & 12x.

OPERATION AND PERFORMANCE OF A SOLAR PANEL

Solar panels for boats are devices used to generate electricity from solar energy while the boat is at sea. They are similar to the photovoltaic panels used on the roofs of houses, but they are generally smaller and designed for use in a marine environment. When the photovoltaic cells in the panel are exposed to sunlight, they convert solar energy into electricity, which is then stored in batteries for use when needed.

As previously mentioned, there are two main types of solar panels for boats: rigid and flexible. Rigid solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells mounted on a glass or rigid plastic plate, while flexible solar panels are made of flexible photovoltaic cells mounted on a plastic or rubber support. 

Rigid solar panels generally perform better than flexible panels, but they are also heavier and more expensive. Flexible panels, on the other hand, are lighter and easier to install, but they have a lower efficiency.

The efficiency of a solar panel for boats depends on several factors, such as the angle of incidence of the light, the air temperature and the efficiency of the photovoltaic cells used in the panel. The efficiency of a solar panel refers to the amount of energy it is able to produce per unit area. In general, rigid solar panels have an efficiency of over 20%, while flexible panels have an efficiency of between 10 and 15%. This means that a photovoltaic panel produces about 15 to 20 watts of electricity per square meter. The performance varies from one type of panel to another.