Since solar energy is the most preferred and efficient as it drains no ‘non-renewable’ energy from our planet, hence eco-friendly; its demand is widespread and why not. It is the cheapest and as discussed harm no natural resources which come under the category of non-renewable like nuclear energy, natural gas etc. Due to advancement in technology, solar panels which are used to generate solar energy are not only efficient and effective but also inexpensive and offer green energy. But the usage of solar energy is no longer limited to the land.
Marine solar panels are now on the market, so you don’t have to worry anymore about how to charge your boat in the middle of a lake or a sea. Well as the name suggests, these solar panels are specially designed for vessels which are used in water bodies. But why so much hassle for a boat trip or sea voyage when the whole point is a relaxing getaway? The modern boats use electronic devices like navigation and communication devices, therefore a plenty of electricity is required which also depends on how long you’re going to be in the waters. All you need to power up these instruments is a deep cycle marine battery, which will store enough power in the boat before it can reach any point where it can be recharged or refueled.
Solar Panel works when they’re exposed to sufficient sunlight over its surface, they generate electricity. But how does Marine Solar Panel works and is they any difference? Well, that depends upon certain factors like:
● Duration :
The duration here talks about two things: in a day and throughout your trip. For talking about the day, you need to calculate the power used by your instruments say fridge, TV etc in a time slot of 24 hours and then you need to calculate how your solar panels can generate power. If both are at a conjecture then you’re perfectly ready to use those solar panels.
Next, you need to figure out the duration you’re going to be in the water, whether it is for a day or a month. Then you simply have to multiply the per day power consumption with the no of days and voila, you’re set to sail. If the duration is longer like a month or more, you need to decide as per the ‘stops’ you’ll come across while your trip, so that you can recharge them.
What are Marine Solar Panels?
This whole process is exhausting and time-consuming. Chances are, you will not be able to do the calculations right, therefore, jeopardizing your journey in the waters. To ease the situation many companies have come up with specialized Marine solar panels aka Marine Photovoltaic panels. These have been designed to survive the harsh circumstances at sea. The best thing about them is that they’re compatible with any type of vessel, from a luxury boat to ferries and even cargo ships. For example, a company called Solbian produces these and their panels have the reliability of crystalline silicon cells which are then combined with the buoyancy and flexibility of modern-day polymers. Of course with sophisticated technology comes expense but that’s all in the initial phase. Once the panels are installed, it will power your boat free of cost.
How Marine Solar Panels are a breakthrough in the Solar Projects?
If you think about it, it’s actually a very bright idea if you see from the angle of how usually is spent on any large-scale solar project, be it commercial or residential; it still poses a challenge. As discussed, the boats in which usual solar hybrid generated power is used have proven to be highly complex and costly. But we can’t deny the fact that if we came to know about a better way of using solar energy on boats, there isn’t an any better option for the necessities of electricity you will have on board.
Due to this, a trend is coming where boat builders’ offers the facility of marine solar panels, either as an option or some standard equipment. Apart from this, now even the owners already in possession of boats are looking towards installing the solar panels. There are different ways of using Marine Solar Panels which actually depends upon the size of the boat
● For the small, simple boats the usages of flexible and removable solar panel, directly to the boat’s battery is sufficient.
● But for larger vessels giving higher output, you need permanently mounted Marine solar panels can be a major source of power. But before opting for any equipment, the assessment of your power usage and how much load you expect that the installed solar panel must take etc needs to be done.
How it works
Life is an adventure and it’s a notch up when you’ve a boat. But are you still engraved with the idea of conventional sea vessels like yacht etc. Upgrade to avail the pleasure of solar power boats which comes with numerous benefits. So, let’s see its working along with their advantages and disadvantages.
Energy storage
We all know how solar panel works. They’re put out in the sun and the energy from the sun is then captured in and turn into electric energy. The advantage is that you can even store that energy even if you’re not using your boat and if you’re, in any case, using the boat, you’ll have a smooth sail since you would have energy stored already to be used.
Installation
The performance of the solar panels is pivotal to its proper installation. Therefore, it should be done with precision and care. Also, this will prolong its life, making it durable.
Positioning
If the positioning isn’t done properly which is directed towards the sun or on the area where the boat receives maximum sunlight, the panels won’t be able to generate ample amount of electricity. This is the disadvantage of solar panel that unavailability of sun leads to their unproductivity.
Duration
The solar-powered vessel takes less than four hours for installation and also the duration of electricity produced by the panels depends upon the how much rays of the sun the device is exposed to. The storage is already been discussed, therefore one of its advantages.
Flexibility
If the panels are rigid and have no flexibility, tapping the sunlight will become a task. Therefore, preferably the correct one for your boat can be an overwhelming task. Though, it won’t be a challenge if you know what and where you have to purchase from. As such panels are available, your problem is solved, though it’s not that popular once it will be duly recognized it will be in momentum.
Renewable Energy
Solar-powered boats are opportune enough for the environmentalists and Marine Solar Panels do provide you with the efficiency and reliability, being the generator of electricity through sun which is the renewable form of energy.
Compatibility
A solar-powered boat is nothing less than you modern living on the water where you’re enjoying almost everything. You can every electrical appliance from phone to the fridge because of the constant electricity generation plus the energy previously stored.
Maintenance
A solar-powered boat is empowered with a sophisticated technology hence a proper care is required for its longevity. For instance, you should always check your solar panels once every month or two. This way it will ensure its highest level of efficiency.
Ultimate Boat
Now that you know all the “A,B, Cs” of creating a perfect Marine Solar Panel and you’re even using it, you’ll be the star. A boat running on renewable energy along with having the capacity of running a boat loaded with appliances isn’t it dream? Your boat will be ultimate and that’s what benefits of using a solar panel on board is.
The cost of this technology/ relative cost of this
With newer market players coming in the production of Marine Solar panel, the prices, especially of the high-quality ones have stabilized. Typically, 130-watt panels that measuring 60 inches by 26 inches charges you between $700 and $800 each
What is the future of Marine Solar Panel Technology?
The existing technology of natural, nuclear power, fossil fuels etc is either exhaustible or polluting. Although, when comes to energy used on ships, it's relatively efficient but has the space for improvement. To make marine life greener they usages of renewable resources like wind, solar etc to generate electricity for sea vessels. This also cut the “operating cost” and dependency on fossil fuels will be less. The environment is in danger and all we can see around is pollution of our water bodies, which isn’t only our life source but is for the whole ecosystem. For that very reason, Marine Solar Panel have a bright future because this technology isn’t just a breakthrough with respect to the technologies which came prior to this but also because it’s made with a holistic point of view and in favour of every species which walks this planet, to make their life better to deem their life as precious.
References:
9. How to charge and use your solar panel? The link below talks about that. Go and watch if you want to know more. ( https://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvisor/DIY-Charging-With-Solar-Panels )
