Solar Panels for Boats, Yachts and Narrowboats

Solar panels are the perfect way to charge batteries. What is the point of running your diesel engine to charge your batteries when the sun provides all the free, clean, renewable energy you need.

Installing solar panels or your boat will make a huge difference to the electricity needs of your narrow boat.

What type of solar panel should you install on your boat, yacht  or narrow boat?

There are many different types of panel available in today's market and glass framed or semi-flexible solar panels are ideally suited for use.  Glass framed panels are available in all sorts of sizes and need to be carefully positioned to prevent damage.  Semi-flexible solar panels such as those made by SOLARA or SPECTRA can be glued or fixed to the roof of the narrow boat and can be walked on.
 

 When choosing a solar panel select the biggest you can get for your budget  as you will be grateful for the extra power produced in the long run!  For example, assuming that you are already using energy efficient appliances, lights etc then a 48W or 68W solar panel will be able to keep your batteries fully charged throughout the year.

If you live in your boat or just use it at weekends, the result is the same,  You need to keep your batteries in tip top condition and this is a priority.  All types of panels provide good charging capability, but some or better suited to a marine environment then others. Both the Solara and Spectra range of solar panels offer a high degree of flexibility and power to suit your needs and more importantly, your pocket.

Available is many different sizes and configurations both ranges will fit to the curve of your boat. 

In all cases we would recommend that the solar panels are connected to the battery via a solar regulator.

If you don't want to buy individual items then to make it easy, Bright Green Energy has developed a number of solar kits.  These are designed to make it easy and affordable for you to fit a solar powered battery charging system to your narrow boat.

The kits are designed with you in mind and are very easy to install.

All you have to do is choose the solar panel you want, the length of cable you need and we'll do the rest.

If you prefer to add a wind turbine to your solar solution then choose from our range of wind turbines.   choose a solar and wind powered solution then  perhaps a combination of both wind and solar power.

Flexible and Semi-Flexible Solar Panels Solar Panels made with durable and cushioned backing material.
Specification	Spectraflex 32	Spectralite 20	Spectralite 10	Spectralite 5
Peak Output	32W	19W	10W	5W
Max Current @ 15V	1.94A	1.26A	640mA	320mA
Open Circuit Voltage	23.8V	19.6V	19.6V	19.6V
Dimensions (mm) (over junction box)	1429 x 424 x 5 (10)	622 x 508 x 3 (13)	508 x 356 x 3 (13)	356 x 267 x 3 (13)
Gross (Net) Weight Kg	3.7 (2.14)	2.04 (1.74)	1.3 (1.06)	0.75 (0,62)
Part Number	BGESL32	BGESL20	BGESL10	BGESL5
WE CAN MAKE ANY SIZE OF SOLAR KIT. CALL US WITH YOUR REQUIREMENTS

Solar Power Kits for Boats

Keep your narrow boat battery fully charged and ensure that you always have the battery power you need. Our solar power kits will prevent your battery discharging particularly when it has been used a lot during your trip. Each kit comes complete with solar panel, regulator, cable and battery clamps for easy connection onto your battery.

NOTE: Each system is fitted with a battery protection circuit to prevent overcharging of batteries.

Installing your Solar Panel Kit

All our solar panels are simple and easy to install. Decide where you want to place your solar panel and close as possible to the battery. Once you've decided the best location, work out how long the cable run will be between the solar panel and the battery. Depending on the length of cable required just select the correct length when ordering.

NOTE: our cables are supplied with pre-fitted battery clamps that connect directly onto your battery and each solar panel is equipped with a blocking diode that will prevent the battery discharging.

What size solar panel do I need?

To ensure that we supply you with the correct solar panel and kit please do the following:

2. Determine how often your narrow boat is left stationary (without the engine running) or without access to an external power source.

3. If your narrow boat is used periodically, perhaps once or twice a week, or at weekends then choose our 20W solar panel will suffice.

5. Determine the length of cable you require - ( distance between the solar panel and your battery). NOTE: our cables are supplied with pre-fitted battery clamps that connect directly onto your battery and each solar panel is equipped with a blocking diode that will prevent the battery discharging.