A solar powered boat is powered from the sun. Solar panels and photovoltaic cells are used along with electric motors and storage batteries. These boats are uniquely suited to transform solar energy or light energy into movement.
Environment Friendly
Solar powered boats help protect marine life habitat from pollution in all bodies of water. Whereas, gasoline powered boats pollute the water by leaking gas and oil. This pollution is considerably harmful to our marine life.
Protecting our planet is on the top of every leading industries list of things to do. Which is why solar energy’s having an annual growth of 50% is quite impressive.
This renewable power is where the industry is leading us. It’s clean energy; and it’s cost free to gather and use the sun’s rays, after you purchase the products.
The only cost is the items that are needed like solar panels, batteries, mounts, etc. Even the cost of these items has dropped over time as they become more popular.
Environment Friendly Foes
There are people who argue that solar energy isn’t as environmentally friendly as we would like to believe. Why…Because you still must produce the products. Solar panels traditionally begin with quartz, which is a common mineral.
However, this mineral must be extracted from our earth. This extraction causes miners to become exposed to silicosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling tiny bits of silica from the ore.
Moving away from the quartz is one thing that the solar industry is trying to gradually accomplish. By moving away from this dangerous extraction, the move towards quartz-rich sand is definitely a better alternative production.
What happens to the solar panel when it dies? Their life expectancy is 20 plus years, so what are we really worried about? According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), 250,000 metric tons (tonnes) of solar panels have been trashed.
They project that trash will increase to over 78 million metric tons (tonnes) by 2050. The problem is that these panels are made up of glass which doesn’t disintegrate. They cannot be recycled due to the impurities in the glass.
Highly Reliable
Let there be light! It’s safe to say, at this time, that there will always be sunshine. Therefore, these solar panels will have a continuous source to charge making these panels exceptionally reliable.
They are built to withstand harsh weather conditions like hail, high winds and freeze-thaws. Even on a cloudy day, the panels potential energy is 80%.
Most boats are powered by gasoline. If you are out in the deep blue, you won’t have to worry about running out of gas or sunshine. You can just keep powering along thanks to your solar panels continuously recharging your battery.
Unless there’s a malfunction with other instruments, you’re going to be able to get back to shore. Of course, you can always invest in a generator… just in case.
Eventually, all batteries will die because they don’t recharge themselves automatically. Investing in solar power panels is a great way to keep your battery fully charged.
Scalable Power
Solar powered panel units are available in as low as 10-Watt, 50-Watt, 75-Watt and then higher. They are measured in watts or amps or both. Most boaters generally know that their battery capacity is measured in amp-hours.
Generally speaking, it is recommended that you start off with a small system and expand from there. A small boat would need a small panel to keep the battery fully charged when the boat is dry on the trailer, docked at a mooring or at the slip. A good rule of thumb, you want to generate enough power to reach the maximum output for at least five hours a day.
How to calculate that? Divide the output (in milliamps) by two and that’s roughly about the size of the battery it can maintain. In other words, a 150mA panel maintains a battery up to about 75Ah. A 1500mA panel can provide enough power to keep a large bank of batteries topped off.
Overcharging! Sailors may add an inexpensive charge controller called regulators to ensure that there is no damage due to overcharging.
These are a good idea if you aren’t onboard to monitor your electrical system; consider it a ‘smart’ feature.
Solar Power Benefits
There are several benefits for the small extra cost of the sun’s solar power. Solar panels are quiet, have no moving parts, have scalable power, except for cloudy days charge your batteries optimally, and there’s no need to haul extra fuel.
Solar Power Drawbacks
There are several drawbacks according to experts when opting for solar power. Your sailboat’s open deck makes it a perfect location for panels. However, careful not to place them in the way of your crew members. No one wants to be tripped up when manning the boat.
Solar panels may take up valuable space depending on how many you need, must have waterproof connectors, panels exposed to salt water may rust, and they must be cleaned regularly of dust and water marks to retain max efficiency.
Two Types of Solar Panels
Silicone crystals (c-Si) and thin chemical films are the two types of solar panels that you can use to generate electricity. Besides that, there are two types of crystal panels; a single-crystalline called mono-crystalline and a multi-crystalline. Depending on what you are powering up will depend on whether you need a mono or a multi.
These crystal type panels are the oldest and most powerful. They maybe used for large loads such as lights and TVs. Quartz sand goes through an expensive process to turn it into crystals that are refined and purified. This is the primary material that is used to make them. They are then sliced into thin wafers and doped with additional chemicals.
Thin film silicon (a-Si) are not quite as efficient as the crystalline; only about 50%. However, these can be manufactured to be flexible. These are more for low amperage charging and battery maintenance. They have a lower manufacturing cost than crystalline.
| Percentage of full Sun Intensity | Output Power |
| Full Sun – panel square toward the sun | 100% |
| Full Sun – panel at 45-degree angle to Sun | 71% |
| Light overcast | 60-80% |
| Heavy overcast | 20-30% |
| Inside window, single pane, 2x strength glass, square to sun | 91% |
| Inside window, double pane, 2x strength glass, square to sun | 84% |
| Inside window, single pane, 2x strength glass, at 45-degree angle to sun | 64% |
| Desk top light – Indoor office | .04% |
| Store lighting – Indoor | 1.3% |
| Home lighting – Indoor | 1.3% |
Simple Rules
- Panels should be perpendicular to sun’s rays – understandable you can’t predict where the sun is going to be when you’re on a boat, so just keep this in mind.
- Avoid shadows – output drops dramatically when in shadow, even if a small amount, such as 10% is in the shadow.
- Panels should be kept cool – black surfaces are hard to keep cool especially when they must stay in the sun. Provide a sort of ventilation on the backside to prevent overheating. There’s a chance you’ll pick up a five or ten percent increase in productivity.
DIY Installation
Have you been thinking about installing your own solar panels on your sailboat? Apparently, it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.
- Decide on where you want your panels to be located.
- Purchase the mounting kits.
- Install the mounting kits and your panels.
Mounting Solar Panels
To mount or not to mount? This depends on the type of solar panel that you have. A roll-able panel is specifically made for marine life and can be permanently mounted with corner grommets.
Fold-able panels are for temporary use. You wouldn’t find a need to permanently mount them. Besides, they are less weatherproof so they should be stored inside.
There are flexible, semi-flexible and rigid solar panels. Flexible and semi-flexible units are lightweight and need to be stored inside because they require only a temporary mount. You want to keep them from wind and water; therefore, they should be taken inside when the weather takes a turn for the worst.
One good thing is that flexible panels can be rolled up like a blanket for a quick grab. Rigid panels provide more power than flexible and semi-flexible panels. They can be permanently mounted; suggested mounting to be near the front of the mast or on the side of the hull.
Commercial grade panels are sturdy but not that sturdy, don’t go stepping on them constantly. These can also be rather pricey.
Solar Panel Prices
Solar panels can be purchased online. They’re easy to find and reasonably priced. Amazon has several marine solar panels in different watts and brands such as Newpowa, Renogy and RICH.
Newpowa
- 100W 12V High Efficiency $82.50 USD (£66.33).
- 175W 12V High Efficiency $159.50 USD (£128.24)
- 200W 12V High Efficiency $189.97 USD (£152.74)
Renogy
- 100W 12V Monocrystalline $142.13 USD (£114.17)
- 160W 12V Monocrystalline $197.28 USD (£158.61)
- 100W 12V Extremely Flexible Monocrystalline $199.99 USD (£160.79)
RICH
- 80W 12V Flexible $105.99 USD (£84.94)
- 100W 12V Flexible $159.88 USD (£128.13)
- 190W 12V Monocrystalline $179.99 USD (£144.51)
Controller Prices
You can buy controllers or regulators separately also at Amazon. They have brands such as PowMr, HQST, and Renogy.
- PowMr start at $16.99 USD (£13.66)
- HQST start at $17.99 USD (£14.46)
- Renogy starts at $97.48 USD (£78.37)
Bundle/Kit Prices
You can buy these in a bundle or kit rather than separately. They have the same brands as the panels and controllers such as Newpowa, HQST, and Renogy.
- Newpowa starts at $218.12 (£175.37)
- HQST starts at $124.99 USD (£100.49)
- Rengogy starts at $304.24 USD (£244.61)
Buying Solar Powered Boats
Thinking about buying a solar powered boat? Not sure you want to do the DIY? Well, let’s visit about purchasing a solar powered boat. You can buy what’s called a hybrid gas/electric boat.
There’s always an adoption curve with any new technology. This new technology makes up only 15% of the market. Being that distance sailors need efficiency sustainability; this new curve is proving to be exactly what they need.
Serial and Parallel Hybrids
The serial and parallel hybrids are two new approaches. With the serial hybrid system, the engine drives the generator and it integrates a range-extending generator.
With the parallel system, it is parallel to the serial hybrid system except that it integrates a connection between the engine and the driveshaft with an additional electric motor that operates as the generator.
Manufacturers
Torqeedo is based in Germany. They subsidize electric motor research. Elco is based in Athens, New York. They offer inboard and outboard electric motors. Also, Minn Kota has kept their trolling motors emission-free for decades.
Other brands are Finnish OceanVolt, Italian Diesel Center, American Electric Yacht and British Hybrid Marine. There is one other that is based in California named Electroprop; they sell systems that can be dropped into existing engine rooms.
These fully electric boats are making great splashes even though they are a meager 15% of the market. Raising awareness for this alternative energy solution is Touranor SolarPlanet; they have been a monumental advocate. They set sail on the futuristic boat, the Swiss SolarPlanet, costing $1,204,350 USD or 15 million Euros.
In 2010, it sailed the globe in 585 days strictly on electric power that was generated by 500 solar panels located on the top deck.
Electric/Hybrid Boats
From small boats to large cruising yachts both power and sail are reaching a diverse segment in the boating market. Several designers have dipped their toes in the water to create these alternative power water vessels.
Hinckley Dasher Electric Boat
Designer, Michael Peters, designed the sleek and stylish Hinckley Dasher. It’s a fully electric luxury yacht which he built from the ground up strictly for the electric propulsion. Weighing in at only 6,500 pounds which is critical when considering electric mobility.
Greenline Hybrid Yachts
This diesel-electric hybrid and solar powered yacht made by Greenline has been a leader and landmark among yacht builders. Combining both traditional and innovative technology the yacht line is currently available in eight different models. These models are leading the industry in fuel efficiency.
Purchasing Electric Boat
Are you ready to purchase a solar electric boat? Get ready to pay a hefty price. Presenting to you several choices:
- 2020 Heliotrope NL 65’ Solar Electric, Catamaran $2,500,000 USD (£2003250) This custom-built yacht has unlimited range and a “0” carbon footprint. With a spacious salon and fly deck, it offers 46 square meters of space. Ideal for family cruising including a large overhanging sun bed and a barbecue platform.
- 2020 Leopard 51 PC Electric, Catamaran $1,500,000 USD (£12019500) Futuristic meets luxury yacht. Set sail with this state-of-the-art solar conversion, large forward cockpit and additional lounging areas including an expansive flybridge and modern appliances.
- 2020 Aquila 44 by Nova Luxe, Electric, Catamaran $1,500,000 USD (£12019500) Featuring a solar power conversion for you inboard catamaran, this next generation of luxury yachts are stepping up. With a twin Torqeedo electric motor you’re in for a quiet cruise. This yacht’s distance runs 6.5 knots; for a shorter run you get a top speed of 9 knots.
- 2009 Island Pilot DSe12M Hybrid 40’, Catamaran $195,000 USD (£156253.5) This catamaran is fully equipped right down to her satellite TV system. Purely propelled by sunshine its top speed is 6.3 knots; at 5 knots her battery delivers up to 5 hours of cruising time leaving enough battery to get you through the night.
- 1995 Cartwright Steel Hybrid Cutter 36’, Sloop $69,000 USD (£55296.6) Sailing at an average of 5 to 6 knots, this hybrid also boasts an Ultra Compact Marine 5.5 kW Next-Gen diesel generator.
- 1983 Endeavour Center Cockpit 40’, Sailboat $44,500 USD (£35657.85). This used beauty offers comfortable living accommodations and offshore cruising ability. It has two enclosed cabins with en-suite heads and showers. The 9kW electric motor cruises at 5-6 knots and 8 knots at WOT.
Solar powered panels are environment friendly, inexpensive, mountable and weatherproof. For these reasons, they are nearly a necessity when on the high seas. Every battery needs an extra charge to run at its full potential. Opting for the use of the sun just seems an optimal choice. These electric-hybrid and solar boats will soon be price-effective and within every boaters’ reach everywhere.