How To Wire A Solar Panel On A Boat

Details will follow after these instructions.

How to wire a solar panel on a boat.

If your solar panel kit does not include an inverter or charge controller you ll need to buy those components separately. Now to the solar panel. Most solar panels come with mc4 connectors attached to 3 foot solar wire pigtail coming from the panel junction box. Battery storage products occasionally have built in inverters and or charge controllers.

Solar controller except for small trickle charge systems all solar systems should have a solar controller. It may be a good idea to work with an experienced solar installation company to determine the best ways to safely and effectively incorporate solar panels onto your boat. Next measure the length of wiring run from panel to battery and multiply by two which factors in both the positive and negative sides of the run. Others have placed solar panels on the sides of the boat embedded them in the deck or purchased foldable panels that they can take out and reposition around the ship.

There are numerous benefits to powering your boat with solar energy. Attach marine grade copper wires to the panel. Panels wired in series can be wired all the way to the solar charge controller with a thinner gauge wire than those wired in parallel. Connect the negative wire from the solar panel to the negative input on the charge controller.

Insert the fuse and the charger will provide a reading of the current status of the batteries. Should you install solar panels on your boat. Choosing whether to wire the panels in series or parallel on a boat affects the wire gauge required which is why many solar power installers lean toward wiring the panels in series. The connections are easy to make.

These connectors are easily disconnected. This is especially useful for outdoor equipment such as golf carts motor boats and tractors that may not receive daily or even weekly use.