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We provide all sizes of premium, marine grade rigid, semi-rigid (walk on) and flexible marine solar panels for Houseboats. Our solar panels are designed in the USA and built to our specifications especially for marine environments.
Semi-Flexible Solar Panels on Bimini
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Semi Rigid Walk On Panels (black background)
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Rigid Marine Panels
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To learn the basics of solar power and solar system design, we've prepared a narrated slide video for you: Selecting a Solar System for Your Boat
High Performance CMPower Marine Solar Panel Specifications Summary
CMPower marine solar panels for houseboats are available with three types of premium solar cells: SunPower, HJT and PERC
PERC Series (~25% less cost, ~1.5% less efficient [23.7 vs 22.4%])
PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact) cells are about 1.5% less efficient than Sunpower cells and cost about 25% less. These modified conventional cells produce 6 to 12 percent more energy than conventional monocrystalline solar cells. Premium PERC solar cells have an extra layer within the back side of the cell. This allows some of the sun’s rays to reflect back into the solar cell, increasing the amount of energy produced resulting in a conversion efficiency of up to 22.5%. This enables us to provide the same high quality at a lower price per watt. With the amount of solar required to run a houseboat and the space available, we find the PERC cell panels to be the best option for houseboats when considering cost and solar efficiency. We have larger panels than shown below available for large projects and are happy to custom design your houseboat's solar system with you.
*** Note we now carry rigid 420 watt 22+% efficient marine solar panels that measure 39x78.5x1.6" for $1,279 each. ***
*** Note we now carry rigid 420 watt 22+% efficient marine solar panels that measure 39x78.5x1.6" for $1,279 each. ***
SunPower Maxeon Series
Our SunPower Maxeon Series solar panels are made with SunPower Maxeon Gen III solar cells which have the highest energy yield (power output) of any solar cell commercially available. SunPower Maxeon cell technology uses a back contact design which maximizes the sunlight energy available to each solar cell and enables a sunlight to electric conversion efficiency of up to 24.4%.
Too expensive? Scroll down for our PERC/HJT line of panels, 25% less cost, 1.5% less efficiency (24.4 vs 22.4%).
Too expensive? Scroll down for our PERC/HJT line of panels, 25% less cost, 1.5% less efficiency (24.4 vs 22.4%).
110 W Rigid Data Sheet 140W Data Sheet 150 W Data Sheet 175W Data Sheet 200W Data Sheet 225W Data Sheet 270W Data Sheet
Call any time to discuss, or purchase online: Sunpower Flexibles: 55 70 115 130 145 Walk ons: 110 120 150 175 Rigids: 110 140 150 175 200 225 270
SunPower Maxeon Shade Tolerant Series ***** NEW *****
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We have developed a semi-flexible solar panel series using SunPower Maxeon cells that has superior performance when partially shaded by boat equipment. The junction box is mounted in the center of the panel enabling the panel to have four quadrants of solar cells linked in series and isolated with diodes. If one or two quadrants are shaded, the other quadrants perform at normal output. The result is a panel that will provide up to three times the output of a standard panel when shaded. While the center mounted junction may be a wiring issue for some installations, the panels are ideal for bimini and dodger mounting where there is boom, mast and instrument pole shading.
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Click below to learn more about a specific solar panel type
Some Things to Know About Our Premium Solar Panels
- The key to a high performance, high quality marine solar panel that will last is the quality of the solar cells used in the panel. We use only the highest efficiency grade A+ solar cells.
- Our panels are built with premium SunPower monocrystalline back contact solar cells and PERC high efficiency monocrystalline solar cells.
- Our solar panels have essential blocking and bypass diodes built in (to prevent power from flowing into shaded panels or from batteries into solar panels at night)
- Our solar panels have potted (filled with silicone) junction boxes to protect the electronics from environmental damage.
- Our rigid solar panels have strong anodized aluminum frames and marine grade sealants.
- Our semi-flexible and semi-rigid solar panels average the same output per area as our rigid panels and are constructed with high quality ETFE laminates that won't deteriorate (turn milky) or delaminate from intense heat and UV exposure.
- Our solar panels have a 5 year warranty on all of our semi-flexible panels, a 5 year warranty on our semi-rigid panels and a 7 year warranty on our rigid panels.
A Few Facts About Our Premium Marine PV Solar Panels
Panel Type - There are many articles written on the two types of solar panels also referred to as photovoltaic panels (PV) ; monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are made up of single crystal silicon wafers. Polycrystalline panels are made using silicon wafers that have a multiple crystalline structure. There are pros and cons to each type of panel. Monocrystalline panels have a higher output per square inch. They can be sensitive to shading and output will degrade on cloudy days. Polycrystalline panels tend to have a lower output per square inch in direct sun , may not as sensitive to being shaded and are less expensive. It is important to note that today's newer high quality polycrystalline panels perform within 10% of some monocrystalline panels in full sun. The premium monocrystalline SunPower cells and PERC cells used in our marine solar panels provide the best all around performance of any solar cells on the market generating the highest Watt hours of power per day.
Panel Solar Cell Quality - Because boats have a relatively confined space, maximum power output per surface area is very important. The quality of the solar cells used in solar panels is a key factor in determining the panel output. Solar cells are passed under a standard light source and graded as to their output (1-10). Grades are grouped into classes. Class A (and A+) solar cells are grades 8-10, Class B solar cells are grades 4-7 and so on. Solar cell quality follows a bell curve; there are many more Class B solar cells than Class A. We at Custom Marine Products specify only the best Class A-9 (A+) solar cells for use in our panels which results in a panel efficiency of up to 24%. Less expensive Class B and C panels are often used on land based solar farms where space is not an issue. Though a bit more expensive, our customers have reported that our solar panels often outperform the performance rating on the panel label.
Panel Solar Cell Quality - Because boats have a relatively confined space, maximum power output per surface area is very important. The quality of the solar cells used in solar panels is a key factor in determining the panel output. Solar cells are passed under a standard light source and graded as to their output (1-10). Grades are grouped into classes. Class A (and A+) solar cells are grades 8-10, Class B solar cells are grades 4-7 and so on. Solar cell quality follows a bell curve; there are many more Class B solar cells than Class A. We at Custom Marine Products specify only the best Class A-9 (A+) solar cells for use in our panels which results in a panel efficiency of up to 24%. Less expensive Class B and C panels are often used on land based solar farms where space is not an issue. Though a bit more expensive, our customers have reported that our solar panels often outperform the performance rating on the panel label.
Average 5 Sun Hours in a Day
The Importance of Solar Cell Quality - Not All 100 Watt Solar Panels Are Created Equal -
High quality high performance solar cells will produce more power at various sun angles than lower quality solar cells; up to 30% more power. An important consideration in determining how much solar power you need is how many watt hours or amp hours of power you can expect to generate in a 24 hour period. Let's say you cruise in an area that receives an average of 5 hours of full sun a day. The average is computed based on the seasonal sun angle and the sun angle from morning through evening. A 100 watt solar panel with average efficiency solar cells may produce 100 watts x 5 hours or 500 watt hours of power in a day. At 13 volts that's about 38 amp hours in a day. A 100 watt panel with high efficiency solar cells will produce up to 30% more power in a 24 hour period or 100 watts x 6.5 effective hours or 650 watt hours of power in a day. At 13 volts, that's about 50 amp hours in a day. 38 amp hours vs. 50 amp hours in a day is significant on a boat. Add more panels in the mix, say 400 watts and we see 152 amp hours vs.200 amp hours, a difference of 48 amp hours. This simple analysis does not take into consideration the impact of clouds or shading both of which will make the disparity even greater. Clearly, the higher the quality of the solar cells the more power produced over time.
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.
Marine Grade - It's no secret that the marine environment, especially salt water, can be tough on equipment. To withstand the rigors of the marine environment, solar panels should have strong stout anodized aluminum framing, should be well sealed and waterproof, and have the electrical box on the back of the panel encased in an inert non-corrosive waterproof material (like silicone) to protect the electronic components.
Quality marine grade solar panels are designed with bypass diodes to stop power from cells not producing and draw more from producing cells. This significantly reduces the impact of shading that so often occurs on boats. Properly designed solar panels using diodes eliminate the need for dedicated solar controllers for each panel. Our solar systems often include many solar panels wired in series or parallel feeding a single solar controller.
Choosing the right panel for your needs will require study and/or discussion with PV panel experts. Our staff at Custom Marine Products are ready to help you design the best solar system for your marine needs. Contact us via email or phone for a free consultation.
High quality high performance solar cells will produce more power at various sun angles than lower quality solar cells; up to 30% more power. An important consideration in determining how much solar power you need is how many watt hours or amp hours of power you can expect to generate in a 24 hour period. Let's say you cruise in an area that receives an average of 5 hours of full sun a day. The average is computed based on the seasonal sun angle and the sun angle from morning through evening. A 100 watt solar panel with average efficiency solar cells may produce 100 watts x 5 hours or 500 watt hours of power in a day. At 13 volts that's about 38 amp hours in a day. A 100 watt panel with high efficiency solar cells will produce up to 30% more power in a 24 hour period or 100 watts x 6.5 effective hours or 650 watt hours of power in a day. At 13 volts, that's about 50 amp hours in a day. 38 amp hours vs. 50 amp hours in a day is significant on a boat. Add more panels in the mix, say 400 watts and we see 152 amp hours vs.200 amp hours, a difference of 48 amp hours. This simple analysis does not take into consideration the impact of clouds or shading both of which will make the disparity even greater. Clearly, the higher the quality of the solar cells the more power produced over time.
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.
Marine Grade - It's no secret that the marine environment, especially salt water, can be tough on equipment. To withstand the rigors of the marine environment, solar panels should have strong stout anodized aluminum framing, should be well sealed and waterproof, and have the electrical box on the back of the panel encased in an inert non-corrosive waterproof material (like silicone) to protect the electronic components.
Quality marine grade solar panels are designed with bypass diodes to stop power from cells not producing and draw more from producing cells. This significantly reduces the impact of shading that so often occurs on boats. Properly designed solar panels using diodes eliminate the need for dedicated solar controllers for each panel. Our solar systems often include many solar panels wired in series or parallel feeding a single solar controller.
Choosing the right panel for your needs will require study and/or discussion with PV panel experts. Our staff at Custom Marine Products are ready to help you design the best solar system for your marine needs. Contact us via email or phone for a free consultation.
Solar Tax Incentive - As long as there is a head, galley, and at least a bunk onboard and your boat is docked in the United States, your vessel qualifies. This Federal tax credit is a 15%-30% credit on all qualified expenses to purchase and install solar panels and a solar system (including any installation charges), with no maximum limit for equipment placed in service after 2008. Plus you may have tax credits in your state.
How much solar power do you need on your boat?
The amount of power needed while cruising depends on many factors including the energy used by appliances and lighting, the output of the engine alternator, the climate and the length of time away from shore power. These and other factors will determine the amount of solar power and thus size of the solar panel(s) you may need for your boat.
Check out our seminar slides titled Selecting the Proper Solar System and our tutorial titled A Cruiser's Guide to Selecting and Sizing a Solar Charging System under our SUPPORT section. Working with our PV engineering team, we have developed several worksheets to assist you in analyzing your on board power generation and consumption and estimating your solar power requirement. Print out our Solar Power Calculation Worksheet and use it as a guide to calculate your power generation requirement. Several other worksheets can be downloaded in our Manuals and Info section.
Check out our seminar slides titled Selecting the Proper Solar System and our tutorial titled A Cruiser's Guide to Selecting and Sizing a Solar Charging System under our SUPPORT section. Working with our PV engineering team, we have developed several worksheets to assist you in analyzing your on board power generation and consumption and estimating your solar power requirement. Print out our Solar Power Calculation Worksheet and use it as a guide to calculate your power generation requirement. Several other worksheets can be downloaded in our Manuals and Info section.
Easy to Assemble Marine Solar System Kits
We have developed easy to assemble kits for rigid panel top-of-pole mounting and for semi-flexible panel bimini and hard surface mounting. Each kit contains everything you need to install a solar system on your boat or RV.
Properly matching solar panels to charge controllers can greatly increase the system charging efficiency, reducing battery charge time and increasing battery life. Our complete solar panel kits provide everything you need to install and operate a marine solar system; solar panel, hardware, charge controller Solar Controllers, solar wire, MC4 connectors and instruction manual. Contact us for help in designing a custom kit specific to your needs.
Properly matching solar panels to charge controllers can greatly increase the system charging efficiency, reducing battery charge time and increasing battery life. Our complete solar panel kits provide everything you need to install and operate a marine solar system; solar panel, hardware, charge controller Solar Controllers, solar wire, MC4 connectors and instruction manual. Contact us for help in designing a custom kit specific to your needs.
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Semi-Flexible Marine Solar Panels with SunPower Solar Cells |
Our SunPower monocrystalline cell flexible 55 - 145 watt high efficiency solar panels are manufactured to our specifications by highly acclaimed solar panel manufacturers.
Unique features of our semi-flexible marine grade panels include the following:
Unique features of our semi-flexible marine grade panels include the following:
- Quality materials - We use impermeable ETFE laminates that will not cloud of degrade with exposure to intense UV light.
- Grade A+ SunPower and PERC solar cells - The panels are comparable in performance to our rigid panels.
- Mounting flexibility - Flexible panels will contour and flex against curved surfaces with a maximum bending radius of 30 degrees, ideal for mounting on a bimini top or a curved deck surface.
- Mounting options - Each panel can be affixed by high bond tape, snap, magnetic or screw mounting. Our screw mounting system has become the most popular method of attaching solar panels to canvas biminis and dodgers. Grommets are an added bonus for ease-of-installation.
- Plug and play - All panels come with industry standard waterproof MC4 connectors on 3 foot (1 meter) long pigtails.
- Maximum output with shading - The panels are equipped with blocking and by-pass diodes so a shaded panel has minimal effect on the solar array performance.
- Purchase options - These panels can be purchased individually or as a complete easy to install kit.
- Durable - Although not recommended, the panels can be lightly stepped on.
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Semi-Rigid Marine Grade Walk On Solar Panels with SunPower Cells |
CMP has just released a new series of semi-rigid walk on marine solar panels. With a strong aluminum backing and very thick ETFE laminate non skid surface, these panels can be walked on and can conform to a slightly curved surface (5 degrees). These panels are ideal for mounting on a slightly curved rigid boat or RV surface or on our top-of-pole mounting system. We use premium SunPower Gen III solar cells with an efficiency rating of up to 23.7%, the highest efficiency available anywhere. There is no glass and no aluminum frame so these panels are considerably lighter than our rigid panels but heavier and stiffer than our semi-flexible panel series. The expected life of these panels is 15 years in the harsh marine environment. The panels are available with a white or black backing. They are available in 110,120, 150 and 175 watt power output.
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Rigid Marine Grade PV Solar Panels with SunPower Cells |
The ideal marine solar panel must be highly efficient (maximum output per surface area) and robust enough to withstand the harsh marine environment. We offer various sizes and types of solar panels to meet the unique needs of our customers. For the cruising boat with modest power requirements, we recommend our 110 - 140 watt panels and for the cruising boat with greater power requirements we recommend our 150 - 270 watt panels. These panels are excellent for mounting on a pole, a rigid deck top or a bimini frame.
CMPower rigid glass monocrystalline solar panels feature premium SunPower solar cells and are some of the most efficient panels available at up to 24% efficiency. These marine grade solar panels will perform extremely well in both full and partial sun. They are built to withstand the harsh marine environment. When integrated with our Epever and Victron controllers, this combination provides the highest output per sq. inch of most any system available.
The CMPower 150 - 270 Watt rectangular rigid panel series (57" long x 21" to 36" wide) are solar panels ideal for mounting on dinghy davits, roof tops, decks or stanchions along the side of the boat. All CMPower (Custom Marine Products) solar panels are high quality, high output Class A+ marine grade and backed with a 5 year manufacturers and CMP warranty.
The CMPower 175 watt square solar panel (36" x 38") is ideal for top-of-pole mounting, decks and roof tops. This marine grade solar panel will perform extremely well in both full and partial sun and shade. It is built to withstand the harsh marine environment.
How do I mount solar panels to my bimini or dodger?
Bolt-on System - Customers have found that using our canvas bolt-on kit works well for mounting our semi-flexible marine solar panels directly to their boat's bimini or dodger canvas. The kit includes a vinyl disk to be adhered to the underside of the canvas, fender washers to secure the bolt to the canvas, a bolt and nut to tighten the washers to the canvas and an acorn nut to secure the solar panel to the bolt. The kit includes 4 or 6 sets of attachment hardware depending on the solar panel. All metal components are stainless steel.
Magnet Mounting System - This mounting system does not require holes in the canvas. We have found very high power rare earth magnets (up to 20 pound pull strength per magnet) are ideal for temporary mounting of our flexible solar panels on a boat's canvas bimini or dodger. Our rare earth magnet kit includes 8 or 12 magnets and adhesive to attach the magnets to the upper side of the solar panel.
What are the best marine solar panels?
The best marine solar panels have five essential components:
1. Sunpower cells - even if a cell is partially shaded they still produce power. Sunpower's A+ grade cells (Maxxeon) are among the best available putting out up to 23.7% efficiency.
2. Potted (silicone filled) junction boxes - so saltwater cannot corrode the electronics.
3. Easily mountable, either semi-flexible or rigid panels with stout anodized aluminum framing, depending on the application.
4. A+ grade solar cell quality. Cheaper panels will have lower quality, less efficient cells. Space is always at a premium in marine applications so the highest efficiency cells available are imperative. Highly efficient cells produce considerably more power at lower sun angles than lower grade cells.
5. Have bypass diodes to significantly reduce the impact of shading that often occurs on boats.
How much more power can I get from a pole mounted solar panel vs a flat mount?
Our top-of-pole mounting system enables manual tracking of the sun position for maximum panel performance and keeps the panel up and out of the way of the rigging. Rotating or tilting the panel just several times a day to obtain an optimum sun angle can increase the panel output by as much as 30%. This means more power from a smaller panel; ideal for the marine environment where space is limited. Our systems are easy to install and remove. In severe weather, simply tilt the panel horizontally or remove one bolt (or quick release pin), unplug two wires and lift the panel off the pole.
What is the difference between a cheap marine solar panel and an expensive marine solar panel?
High quality high performance solar cells will produce more power at various sun angles than lower quality solar cells; up to 30% more power. An important consideration in determining how much solar power you need is how many watt hours or amp hours of power you can expect to generate in a 24 hour period. Let's say you cruise in an area that receives an average of 5 hours of full sun a day. The average is computed based on the seasonal sun angle and the sun angle from morning through evening. A 100 watt solar panel with average efficiency solar cells may produce 100 watts x 5 hours or 500 watt hours of power in a day. At 13 volts that's about 38 amp hours in a day. A 100 watt panel with high efficiency solar cells will produce up to 30% more power in a day or 100 watts x 6.5 effective hours or 650 watt hours of power in a day. At 13 volts, that's about 50 amp hours in a day. 38 amp hours vs. 50 amp hours in a day is significant on a boat. Add more panels in the mix, say 400 watts and we see 152 amp hours vs.200 amp hours, a difference of 48 amp hours. This simple analysis does not take into consideration the impact of clouds or shading both of which will make the disparity even greater. Clearly, the higher the quality of the solar cells the more power produced over time.
How much solar power do I need on my boat?
It depends on how much power your boat uses and what you are trying to accomplish. Running a radio for an afternoon will use considerably less power than a refrigerator, lights, water pump, and a computer while living aboard on an anchor. Sizing your solar system is not an exact science and it may be best to leave space on your solar controller to size up as needed. As they say, you can never have too much power! An abundance of power is much more fun than a deficit. We have a google docs sheet available for edit to help you figure out the power you need, see it here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CnNTXkCZ6kqdcLZ_kXOVL3F_L_zgdWxvnv8pe7XjC8A/edit?usp=sharing Of course feel free to call us any time to discuss your needs, we've built hundreds of solar systems and are happy to share our knowledge.
Can I power my refrigerator with a 120 watt panel?
Most likely yes. It will depend on the battery bank you have to run it when the sun isn't shining. Refrigerators on boats are one of the most frequent uses for solar power. Here is a google docs sheet available to help you figure out the power you need on your boat: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CnNTXkCZ6kqdcLZ_kXOVL3F_L_zgdWxvnv8pe7XjC8A/edit?usp=sharing Generally a refrigerator on a boat draws 5 amps.
Call us any time for help with your boat's solar panels or solar system, we're happy to talk you through the design of your custom solar system. We specialize in sailboat solar and all types of boating solar panels and systems. We pride ourselves on our service both before and after you purchase.