Custom Marine Products Solar Panel Installation on M/V Mariah
Harnessing the Sun with Custom Marine Products
At Custom Marine Products, we’re always thrilled to see our solar systems powering adventures at sea. One of our latest success stories comes from Scott D. LeWand, proud owner of M/V Mariah, a Kadey Krogen 55. Scott recently installed our 4x 260 Watt Flexible Shade Tolerant Marine Solar Panels along with a Victron Energy system, and the results have been outstanding.
✅ Efficient, Reliable Power at Anchor
Despite running a generator for air conditioning, Scott shared that the solar panels have been doing a great job maintaining the boat’s battery system.
“I have been leveraging the features of the Victron equipment to control when the inverter/chargers charge the batteries from shore or generator power. In general, when the state of charge is 50% or greater, we ignore the AC input.” -- Scott D. LeWand, M/V Mariah
With this setup, Mariah can comfortably stay on anchor for about three days without needing external charging, running only DC loads. Even during overnight anchoring without generator use, Scott reports that the solar system provides more than enough power for 24 hours, with solar yields reaching up to 21 amps.
✅ Smart Energy Management with Victron Integration
By integrating Victron inverter/chargers and controllers, Scott has fine-tuned how power flows on Mariah. The Victron system allows intelligent switching between shore, generator, and solar power, maximizing efficiency while minimizing generator run time. This hybrid approach gives him peace of mind knowing the boat’s batteries stay charged naturally, even under heavy usage.
✅ A Clean, Quiet, and Independent Power Solution
Installing marine-grade solar panels on yachts like the Kadey Krogen 55 isn’t just about convenience, it’s about energy independence. With the right setup, boat owners can enjoy:
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Reduced generator use and fuel consumption
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Quieter anchoring without constant engine noise
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Environmentally friendly cruising powered by the sun
Scott’s testimonial highlights exactly why so many cruisers choose Custom Marine Products for reliable solar power at sea.
“When we anchor out overnight without the generator, we have more than enough power to go 24 hours on batteries alone, and the supplement from the solar power is impressive.”
⚡️ See the Installation
⚡️ Ready to Power Your Vessel with Solar?
Whether you’re cruising Florida’s coast or crossing oceans, Custom Marine Products offers tailored marine solar systems designed for your vessel’s needs. Choose from flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid solar panel kits designed for various mounting options, including biminis, decks, and top-of-pole systems. Whether you need power for modest electronics or a fully independent setup, our kits can be customized to meet your specific needs. We’ll help you design the perfect off-grid energy solution.
👉 Contact us today to learn more or request a custom quote for your boat.