Marine Solar Panels and LiFePo4 Batteries
  • Home
  • Products
    • Marine Solar Panels >
      • Semi-Flexible Marine Solar Panels
      • Semi-Rigid Walk On Marine Solar Panels
      • Rigid Marine Solar Panels
      • Portable Solar Panels
    • Solar Controllers >
      • MPPT DuoRacer Dual Output Series
      • MPPT Tracer Series
      • MPPT Xtra-N Series
      • MPPT Victron Smart Solar Series
      • PWM Duo Dual Output Controller
      • Electrical Components
    • Kits - Solar System Kits >
      • Flexible Solar Panel Kits
      • Semi-rigid Solar Panel Kits
      • Rigid Solar Panel Kits
      • Auxiliary Solar Panel Kit
    • Mounting Systems >
      • Flexible Panel Mounting Systems
      • Semi-rigid Panel Mounting System
      • Rigid Panel Mounting System - Top OF Pole
    • LiFePO4 Marine Batteries
    • Inverters
    • Outboard Motor Lifting Crane
    • Solar Water Heating System For Boats
    • 12/24 Volt DC Refrigerator/Freezer
    • Visit Our Store
  • Reviews & Installations
    • Reviews/Customer Comments
    • Gallery of Installations
  • Blog
  • Support
    • Manuals & Info
    • Contact Us
    • Solar System Installers
    • Battery Exchange Plus
    • Recommended Products
    • About us
    • Call (248) 705-8337
    • Return Policy
    • Marine Solar Panel Sizing Calculator Tool

Important Considerations When Purchasing a Marine Solar Panel

9/6/2011

0 Comments

 
At other places on this blog and on our web site we talk about how to determine the size of solar panel (how many watts) you will need to meet you power consumption requirements.  Once you know your panel size requirement there are some things to consider in selecting a solar panel.

Panel Type - There are many articles written on the two types of solar panels; monocrystalline and polycrystalline.  Monocrystalline panels are made up of single crystal silicon wafers.  Polycrystalline panels are made up of silicon that has a multiple crystalline structure.  There are pros and cons to each type of panel.  Monocrystalline panels have a higher output per square inch in direct sun but are very sensitive to shading and output will degrade faster on cloudy days. Polycrystalline  panels are not as sensitive to being shaded and output will not degrade as much on cloudy days.  At CMP we offer both a polycrystalline and a monocrystalline panel.
Panel Crystal Quality - Because we have a confined space on our boats, we need to have the maximum output per square inch from our solar panels.  The quality of the silicon crystals used to make the panel is a key factor in determining the panel output.  Crystals are passed under a fixed light and graded as to their output (1-10).  Grades are grouped into classes.  Class A crystals are grades 8-10, Class B crystals are grades 4-7 and so on.  Crystal quality follows a bell curve; there are many more Class B crystals than Class A.  We at CMP specify only the best Class A crystals for use in our panels.  Less expensive Class B and C panels are often used on land based solar farms where space is not an issue.
Panel Shape - The largest market for solar panels is commercial applications where many many panels are mounted on a roof or in a field.  These panels are usually rectangular in shape often twice as long as wide.   This shape is often not ideal for marine application.  Often a more square shape is preferable, especially for pole mounting.

Choosing the right panel for your needs will require study and/or discussion with panel experts.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Categories

    All
    130 Watt Solar Panel
    140 Watt Solar Panel
    150 Watt Solar Panel
    160 Watt Solar Panel
    Choosing A Solar Panel
    Crane
    Flexible Solar Panel
    Hoist
    Led Cabin Lighting
    Lifepo4 Marine Batteries
    Lift
    Lifting Davit
    Magnet Mounts
    Marine Led Lamps
    Marine Solar Panel
    Pole Mount
    Selecting The Right Leds
    Solar Controller
    Solar Generation
    Solar Generation Worksheet
    Solar Panel
    Solar Panel Controller
    Solar Panel Electrical
    Solar Panel Mount
    Solar Panel Mounting Kit
    Solar Panel Output
    Solar Panel Performance
    Solar Panel Pole Mount
    Solar Panels
    Solar Panel Size
    Solar Panel Wind Resistance
    Solar Water Heating System
    Top Of Pole Solar Panel
    Top-of-pole Solar Panel
    Top-of-pole Solar Panel Mount
    Wiring A Marine Solar System
    Wiring For A Solar Panel

    Author

    Thomas Trimmer has been cruising with his Ericson 38 sailboat on the Great Lakes for over 20 years.  He has pioneered the use of solar energy for wilderness cruising.  He is continually designing and building equipment to simplify and enhance the cruising experience.

    Archives

    October 2020
    September 2020
    October 2019
    August 2019
    February 2019
    September 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    September 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    August 2015
    April 2015
    October 2014
    May 2014
    October 2013
    August 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    September 2011
    August 2011
    June 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    December 2010
    October 2010
    August 2010
    August 2009
    March 2009
    January 2009

    RSS Feed

Efficiently and Sustainably Powering Your Boat. Call us any time, we're happy to help you work through designing your boat's solar system.
Call 248 705-8337, 773 965-2546 or email info@custommarineproducts.com

Link To Our Article On How To Size Your Solar Panels For Your Boat
  • Home
  • Products
    • Marine Solar Panels >
      • Semi-Flexible Marine Solar Panels
      • Semi-Rigid Walk On Marine Solar Panels
      • Rigid Marine Solar Panels
      • Portable Solar Panels
    • Solar Controllers >
      • MPPT DuoRacer Dual Output Series
      • MPPT Tracer Series
      • MPPT Xtra-N Series
      • MPPT Victron Smart Solar Series
      • PWM Duo Dual Output Controller
      • Electrical Components
    • Kits - Solar System Kits >
      • Flexible Solar Panel Kits
      • Semi-rigid Solar Panel Kits
      • Rigid Solar Panel Kits
      • Auxiliary Solar Panel Kit
    • Mounting Systems >
      • Flexible Panel Mounting Systems
      • Semi-rigid Panel Mounting System
      • Rigid Panel Mounting System - Top OF Pole
    • LiFePO4 Marine Batteries
    • Inverters
    • Outboard Motor Lifting Crane
    • Solar Water Heating System For Boats
    • 12/24 Volt DC Refrigerator/Freezer
    • Visit Our Store
  • Reviews & Installations
    • Reviews/Customer Comments
    • Gallery of Installations
  • Blog
  • Support
    • Manuals & Info
    • Contact Us
    • Solar System Installers
    • Battery Exchange Plus
    • Recommended Products
    • About us
    • Call (248) 705-8337
    • Return Policy
    • Marine Solar Panel Sizing Calculator Tool