How To Wire A Solar Panel On A Boat

Insert the fuse and the charger will provide a reading of the current status of the batteries.

How to wire a solar panel on a boat.

Attach marine grade copper wires to the panel. Now to the solar panel. 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. The connections are easy to make.

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. If your solar panel kit does not include an inverter or charge controller you ll need to buy those components separately. Step by step guide for installing a solar panel boat system first i list a quick summary on how to put this together. Should you install solar panels on your boat.

Most solar panels come with mc4 connectors attached to 3 foot solar wire pigtail coming from the panel junction box. Details will follow after these instructions. Connect the negative wire from the solar panel to the negative input on the charge controller. This is especially useful for outdoor equipment such as golf carts motor boats and tractors that may not receive daily or even weekly use.

These connectors are easily disconnected. 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. 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. Wiring solar panels to a battery is a convenient and cost effective way to keep your power supply fully charged.

There are numerous benefits to powering your boat with solar energy. Mount your panel on your stern rail see photos details below.