Premium Walkable Marine Solar Panels
Call any time, we're happy to help, 773-965-2546
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High Performance Walkable Marine Solar Panel Specifications
SunPower Maxeon A+ Grade Solar Cell Series
Our SunPower Maxeon Series solar panels are made with SunPower Maxeon's latest generation of 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%.
PERC Series (~25% less cost, 1.5% less efficient)
PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact) cells are about 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 22.4%. (Our new HJT cells currently in production are up to 24% efficient) This enables us to provide the same high quality at a lower price per watt.
SunPower Maxeon (A+ Solar Cell) Shade Tolerant Series ***** NEW *****
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Solar panel shading is an issue for many boat owners. Shading can reduce a standard panel performance by over 60%. CMPower has developed a series of semi-flexible and walk-on shade tolerant solar panels that provide superior performance when shaded by boat equipment or nearby objects. Extensive field testing has shown that CMPower shade tolerant panels will produce up to 40% more power than comparable standard solar panels in shading conditions.
CMPower solar panels have high performance SunPower Maxeon solar cells which offer shade tolerant capabilities. CMPower shade tolerant solar panels with SunPower solar cells offer significantly higher energy production capabilities under shading conditions. |
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Background:
Typical commercially available solar panels contain solar cells wired in series strings running down the length of the panel and back up to the junction box. There are one to five series strings of cells running the length of the panel. When the panel is shaded across the series strings i.e. boom shading, the panel performance is significantly degraded by the shaded cells. (like the weak link in a chain). CMPower shade tolerant solar panels are wired in sections with short strings of half-cut solar cells and diodes isolating each section. If one or two sections are shaded, the other sections perform at normal output. The result is a panel that will provide up to 40% higher output than standard panels when shaded. These amazing shade tolerant panels are ideal for bimini and dodger mounting where there is boom, mast and instrument pole shading. Advantages:
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Design of a Typical Solar Panel
Design of CMPower Shade Tolerant Solar Panels
Red bar represents shading.
Shading will knock out a typical solar panel but only a small section of a Shade Tolerant solar panel.
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Mounting Semi-rigid Walkable Marine Solar Panels
There are at least four ways to mount the semi-rigid solar panels on a rigid surface.
- Screwed down - They can be screwed down directly to the deck surface at each corner. We recommend a stainless screw with an oversized washer.
- Taped down - They can be taped down directly to the deck with double sided Very High Bond (VHB) tape. Because the back side of the panel has a pebbled surface like the front side for air circulation, the tape must have a foam core of at least 1/8 inch to secure the panel.
- J-channel mounting system - We have assembled a mounting kit consisting of two 'J' shaped aluminum extrusions. Buy the 1" VHB tape from Amazon on your own. The extrusions are mounted on each side of the long sides of the panel and adhered to the deck surface with the tape. If the deck surface is not conducive to adhering the tape, the 'J' extrusions can be screwed to the deck and the panel slid into position. This mounting method allows for the panel to be slid out of the extrusion for removal and cleaning of the deck surface. See pictures below.
- J-channel with polycarbonate - This is our recommended and most popular mounting method. The addition of a twin wall polycarbonate sheet between the solar panel and the deck surface combined with our J-channel mounting system provides a secure mounting system and a cooler operating solar panel. See below for more details.
Semi-rigid J-channel Solar Panel Mounting Kit
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The Semi-rigid solar panel mounting kit includes two 'J' anodized aluminum extrusions. Specify the panel model number when ordering so the proper length extrusions are included.
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Semi-rigid J-channel with Polycarbonate Solar Panel Mounting Kit - Deluxe
The performance of a solar panel decreases as the solar cells are heated by the sun. CMPower has developed an effective method for mounting walk-on solar panels that will secure them to the boat and keep them cool for an increase in energy production of up to 15%. We now package the key components of this mounting system with our CMPower walk-on solar panels as an installation kit free to our customers.
Our innovative CMPower walk-on solar panel installation kit includes a CMPower walk-on solar panel, a twin wall polycarbonate panel that is installed between the solar panel and the boat surface and specially designed J-channel mounting brackets
Our innovative CMPower walk-on solar panel installation kit includes a CMPower walk-on solar panel, a twin wall polycarbonate panel that is installed between the solar panel and the boat surface and specially designed J-channel mounting brackets
Advantages of the CMPower installation kit:
1. Performance - The cooler the solar panel the higher the energy production.
The twin wall polycarbonate sheet enables air flow under the solar panel so it is air cooled from both the top and the bottom. This will result in up to a 15% increase in the solar panel output.
2. Protection - The heat buildup between the solar panel and the boat fiberglass/gelcoat can damage the gelcoat.
Air flowing through the twin wall polycarbonate sheet plus the sheet itself will insulate the boat from the very warm solar panel and prevent heat damage to the gelcoat.
3. Ease of installation - The J-channel mounting system generally enables the entire solar panel assembly to be secured with VHB tape.
Very High Bond (VHB) tape adhered between the back of the J-channel and the boat will secure the panel assembly so there is often no need for penetration of the boat deck for fasteners. (VHB tape is not included in the kit).
This may not apply for boat decks with coarse non-skid finishes.
4. Aesthetics - The solar panel assembly with the polycarbonate and the J-channels provides a clean low-profile look.
There may be other approaches to installing a walk-on solar panel that will provide similar benefits. We work with our customers to determine the best system for their application.
1. Performance - The cooler the solar panel the higher the energy production.
The twin wall polycarbonate sheet enables air flow under the solar panel so it is air cooled from both the top and the bottom. This will result in up to a 15% increase in the solar panel output.
2. Protection - The heat buildup between the solar panel and the boat fiberglass/gelcoat can damage the gelcoat.
Air flowing through the twin wall polycarbonate sheet plus the sheet itself will insulate the boat from the very warm solar panel and prevent heat damage to the gelcoat.
3. Ease of installation - The J-channel mounting system generally enables the entire solar panel assembly to be secured with VHB tape.
Very High Bond (VHB) tape adhered between the back of the J-channel and the boat will secure the panel assembly so there is often no need for penetration of the boat deck for fasteners. (VHB tape is not included in the kit).
This may not apply for boat decks with coarse non-skid finishes.
4. Aesthetics - The solar panel assembly with the polycarbonate and the J-channels provides a clean low-profile look.
There may be other approaches to installing a walk-on solar panel that will provide similar benefits. We work with our customers to determine the best system for their application.
Heavy Duty Semi-Rigid Marine Solar Panels
with SunPower Cells
Semi-Rigid Solar Panels with SunPower Cells
Shade Tolerant, Walk-on
Semi-Rigid Solar Panels with SunPower Cells
Carbon Fiber Backed, Walk-on
Semi-Rigid Marine Solar Panels with PERC/HJT Cells
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 marine solar and all types of boating solar panels, complete solar systems and lithium battery energy storage. We pride ourselves on our service both before and after your purchase.