If there’s one luxury we’d all like to have on a boat, it’s to keep our gadgets’ batteries charged at all times during our extended boat trips. While it’s possible to use energy from your yacht engine for electrical needs, it’s usually better to cut back on that to prevent sudden low-power mishaps. Therefore, whether you want to save the engine energy while charging your batteries or need an extra source of power to light up your boat and keep the onboard refrigeration on all day long, using the best solar panels for yachts would be the right way to go!
Marine solar panels are becoming increasingly popular among yachters due to their reasonable pricing, longer durability, and tremendous efficiency. Not to mention, they’re a noiseless and eco-friendly method for generating energy for tending to different purposes. Still, since every yacht is different and you might have distinct needs for installing a marine solar panel, it can get a bit daunting to purchase the right product that floats your boat. So, to help you out, we’re listing our top five recommendations from Amazon with their pros and cons based on exceptional reviews and ratings!
1- Renogy 50 Watt 12 Volt Extremely Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panel
ASIN: B07BMQRNXZ
While fixed marine solar panels for yachts are excellent for offering top-up power for batteries and such, they’re not always the most suitable option when you’re cruising under rough weather conditions. Renogy Flexible Monocrystalline solar panels provide the perfect solution to this problem by offering a consistent stream of 50-watt solar energy without getting affected by the wind. Furthermore, these panels use cutting-edge technology as the transparent dots on their surface gather sunlight from multiple angles, causing refraction to utilize sunlight with a double conversion rate.
Pros
- Lightweight and ultra-thin material
- Flexible
- Withstand extreme wind and snow
- Waterproof junction box
- Double energy conversion rate
- Hardly noticeable once installed
- Six metal-reinforced mounting holes
Cons
- Might need to install more Renogy Flexible solar panels for tending to all boat needs
2- Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Off-Grid Portable Foldable Solar Panel
ASIN: B079JVBVL3
The Renogy Off-Grid model is a 100 watt monocrystalline portable and foldable solar panel with two pieces of panels, generating 50-watt energy each. The company uses the most advanced technology available in the solar market for maximum efficiency, while its portability and compact size ensure you can install multiple panels on your yacht without any hassle. The backlit LED screen also gives you a clear reading of your current energy status so you know how much energy you can utilize at a certain time. Moreover, these solar panels come with a 20A solar charge controller that keeps the battery from overcharging, reducing fire risks.
Pros
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum stand
- Heavy-duty handle and latches
- Waterproof
- Portable and foldable frame
- Solar charge controller
- Withstand rough marine conditions
Cons
- A little heavier on the pocket
3- ACOPOWER 35 Watts Polycrystalline Photovoltaic PV Solar Panel
ASIN: B01G1II6LY
On the contrary, suppose you’re looking for a compact-size solar panel because you don’t require more energy than what you’d use to charge a couple of gadgets on the boat. When that’s the case, the ACOPOWER 35 watt polycrystalline solar panel could be a good choice for you. The corrosion-resistant and waterproof frame utilizing 19.1% solar cell efficiency is a reliable product with a five-year workshop warranty and a twenty-year output warranty.
Pros
- Highly durable
- No assembly required
- Low-iron tempered glass
- Anti-corrosion and waterproof frame
- Pre-drilled mounting hole
- 5-year workshop warranty
Cons
- Limited solar energy conversion
4- Renogy 100 Watt Eclipse Monocrystalline Charge 20A Voyager Waterproof Solar Panel
ASIN: B01NADR1CI
Another great product from Renogy is the Eclipse Monocrystalline solar panel, compatible with sealed, gel, lithium, and flooded batteries. These are one of the best choices you can lean toward if you want a solar panel that offers excellent performance in low-light environments. The German-made solar cells and waterproof protective casing combined with a low-voltage system prevent electric shock hazards, while the negative-ground charger keeps the batteries from overcharging.
Pros
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum frame
- Waterproof
- Heavy-duty handles and latches
- LCD monitor for current energy reading
- High efficiency on cloudy days
- Comes with an aluminum alloy kickstand and rugged canvas protective case
- 20A solar charge controller
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
5- YQL 100 Watt Outdoor Solar Panel
ASIN: B07MF7967K
Our last recommendation is the YQL Outdoor solar panel made of aluminum frame and toughened corrosion-resistant glass. The best thing about this product is that it only takes six to ten hours of charging time to provide twenty hours of constant energy. Plus, the product comes equipped with a built-in integrated control chip that automatically adjusts the battery capacity while ensuring longer durability.
Pros
- Aluminum alloy frame
- Waterproof
- Comes with a remote control
- Quick charging time
- Tempered glass
- Various installation methods
Cons
- Complex assembly
Buying Guide – Features to Consider
A recent study reported that solar energy consumption has increased over 300-fold between 2000 and 2019, and it is continuing to grow since then. So, if you want to get on board the clean energy train and invest in the best solar panels for yachts, it would help you to consider the following features beforehand:
1- Solar Panel Size and Power
You must take the available space on the yacht into account to get a solar panel that fits alright and offers an adequate power supply from the sun.
2- Solar Panel Type
There are three types of solar panels – monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and amorphous. It’s best to invest in the prior two options to have a consistent power supply on cloudy days.
3- Waterproof
The solar panels you choose should be designed to handle the rigors of harsh marine conditions as well.
4- Charge Controllers
Lastly, a charge controller can be an excellent additional feature that keeps your batteries from getting overcharged and keeps the fire hazards at bay.
Our Final Thoughts
Our go-to choices among this list of the best solar panels for yachts remain to be the Renogy Flexible Monocrystalline for low-budget consumers and Renogy Eclipse Monocrystalline for individuals who can afford to spend more. Due to their unique features and longer durability, you can make the most out of your investment for an extended period. However, no matter which product you choose eventually, we suggest cleaning the solar panels every other week to keep them functional for the longest time possible.
