A quality set of solar panels is a great and efficient way of turning your sailboat into an off-the-grid vessel, saving you lots of money. Depending on their size and capabilities, these solar panels can function as a back-up power source, or as a main power source, covering all your energy needs on board.
Take a look at our reviews below for some of the best solar panels for sailboats currently on the market.
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Best Solar Panels for Sailboats
Here are our reviews of the best solar panels for sailboats.
1. WindyNation 100 Watt Solar Panel Off-Grid RV Boat Kit
Easy to install on any vessel, these solar panels can produce up to 350 Watt-hours of power a day, making them a perfect choice for any long trips.
- Panel-mounting hardware included
- LCD display controller included
- MC4 connectors included
2. Newpowa 160 Watt 160W 12V Solar Panel
Thanks to their polycrystalline construction and 160-Watt output, these solar panels can supply more than enough energy for all of your sailing needs.
- 25-year warranty
- Pre-installed diodes in the junction box
- Strong aluminum frame for added protection and strength
3. Newpowa 30W Monocrystalline Solar Panel
These compact solar panels can be installed just about anywhere and deliver up to 30-Watts of power, which, considering their size, is quite a bit. These are a great choice for small sailboats.
- Pre-attached cables included
- 25-year warranty
- Comes with mounting holes
4. ACOPOWER 35 Watts 35w Polycrystalline Photovoltaic PV Solar Panel Module
These solar panels are designed to handle virtually any weather conditions, making them a perfect choice for long trips and cold climates.
- Produce 35-Watts of power
- Anti-reflection coated glass layer
- 3ft cable included
5. Renogy 400 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit with Wanderer
This solar-kit is what you want if you plan on going 100% green, using solar energy as your main power source. Capable of producing 2000-Watts per day, these panels can charge a 200Ah marine battery in three hours.
- 30A PWM controller included
- Four 100-Watt panels included
- Highly-efficient mono-crystalline cell
Solar Panels for Sailboats Buyer’s Guide
Solar panels are a great way to make your vessel a little more self-sufficient and cost friendly. As long as there is sun in the sky, these solar panels can be used for anything from charging batteries, to working your stereo or even supplying your entire vessel with renewable energy.
Take a look at our buyer’s guide for some tips and features to keep an eye out for when making your purchase.
Amp draw
This refers to how many items you plan to power with your solar energy. Create a checklist of the items you wish to power and much energy is required. From there, simply calculate the amp draw and buy a set of panels that is capable of handling the task.
Actual out vs. maximum output
Remember, maximum output refers to the amount of energy that can be produced and stored on a perfect, sunny day. If you live in a region that isn’t always sunny, you won’t be getting that maximum output.
Size
The size of the panels you choose will need to coincide with the length of your vessel. Typically, the more energy your boat consumes, the bigger the panels required. If your vessel is on the small size, try to purchase solar panels that are small yet efficient, generating the most power yet taking up little space.
Mono-crystalline vs. polycrystalline
Mono solar panels offer high efficiency and power output but tend to be on the expensive side. If you’re on a budget, consider using polycrystalline panels, which produce slightly less power but are much more affordable.
Thin film silicone panels
These are a great option if you have limited space. Cheap and highly flexible, these panels can be mounted onto curved surfaces; however, they are not as efficient as their crystalline counterparts and tend to have a shorter lifespan.