Marine Solar Systems
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When our supplier introduced a new high-output, flexible marine solar panel, I was initially skeptical. The specifications seemed almost too good to be true, so I decided to order some for testing—and I’m glad I did. These panels are impressively...
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A typical solar system will supply around 10-30 amps to a battery bank, while an alternator can provide 45-200 amps. To maximize charging efficiency when the engine is running, you want the alternator to supply as much current as possible....
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Top-of-Pole Solar Panel Mount The top-of-pole mount is a highly functional solution designed to optimize the performance of your solar panel by maximizing its exposure to sunlight. For optimal power output, solar panels should be as close to perpendicular to...
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Top-of-Pole Solar Panel Mount A top-of-pole mount is an excellent solution for maximizing the efficiency of your solar panel by keeping it optimally aligned with the sun's rays. Achieving a perpendicular angle between the panel's surface and sunlight significantly enhances...
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Did you know you could receive a federal tax credit for installing a solar power system on your boat? We often hear about tax credits for installing solar panels on our homes, but did you know you might qualify for...
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Field Test Report: 175-Watt Solar Panel with Integrated Water Heating System This summer, we tested our new 175-watt SunPower solar panel with an integrated water heating system over a six-week cruise in Northern Lake Huron (latitude ~46°). The panel was...
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Background on Solar Controllers A solar controller acts as a "negotiator" between your solar panels and battery bank, ensuring efficient energy transfer. Using MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking), the controller continuously finds the optimal combination of voltage and current to...
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I’m often asked about the best way to turn a marine solar system on and off—and whether doing so could damage the panels. Here are some key points to keep in mind: Firstly, your solar controller is powered by your...
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When connecting three or more solar panels in parallel, it’s recommended to install a 10 or 15-amp inline fuse on the positive wire of each panel. If a panel fails or shorts out, the fuse will blow, isolating the faulty...