 |
How To Install Marine Solar Panels
Author: Anna Hart  | Posted: 12-06-2007 | Comments: 0 | Views: 67 | Rating: (60)  (?) 
Solar panels can be a great help to sailors, keeping vital lights and appliances functioning, even when batteries run low or a generator malfunctions. They are also a much quieter way of recharging batteries!
Learning how to install marine solar panels will be vital for the sailor who wants their advantages, but first he or she must learn which solar panels are best. Three types of solar cells are commonly used in solar panels, each with its own advantages. The sailor needs to learn these advantages and select the solar panels that are best for the need.
Types of Solar Panels
Solar panels must be kept from shading, as shaded cells draw energy for themselves from other cells.
1. Solar panels using monocrystalline cells have high conversion efficiency, and take up less space, but lack shade protection.
2. Solar panels using polycrystalline cells have even higher conversion efficiency, take up even less space, but still lack shade protection.
3. Solar panels using amorphous silicon cells have lower conversion efficiency, and take up more space, but do have shade protection. This can be especially important on a sailboat.
Marine solar panels are available in both hard and flexible types. Hard solar panels can be attached to the deck, while flexible solar panels might be attached to deck or canvas.
Size and Number of Solar Panels
Learning how to install marine solar panels will include calculations to determine what size and how many solar panels you will need. This information is readily available on the Internet by searching the question: "What size solar panel do I need" on your favorite search engine. The rule of thumb is to allow for 20% more solar panel power than you estimate you will need.
Placement of Solar Panels
Once you have determined the size and number of solar panels needed, you will be better able to determine where they will be placed. The best places depend on the boat's configuration and size of the panels. Take your time and think it through. Read the instructions that came with your solar panels. You will want to avoid all violations of warranty terms.
The simple answer to how to install marine solar panels is: in the sun. Select locations that will get maximum sunlight without shaded spots.
In placing marine solar panels, consider the use of extra bars/braces to secure the panels. You obviously want them to remain stable.
How to Install Marine Solar Panels
Your marine solar panels should have clear instructions for installation. In addition to those, consider the following.
Most marine solar panel systems have three main components:
1. Solar panels to collect sunlight and produce a charge for you.
2. Charge controller to regulate the charge entering your battery and avoid overcharging it.
3. Batteries to store the energy your solar panels created.
Once marine solar panels have charged your batteries, you can use that energy to run most 12 volt DC appliances. These might include your safety lights, regular lighting, pumps, and fans, as well as small appliances. If you add an inverter, you can also run 120 volt AC appliances such as a microwave, radio, satellite dish, or radio. An inverter is a separate unit, not mentioned above, that transforms the current coming out of the battery into that required by most appliances.
First off, check to see that the system has a voltmeter. If it does not, purchase and install one. This will allow you to check the charge you are getting.
Affix your solar panels securely in place, and connect them per the instructions included in your kit. Use only tinned marine grade wire running from the panels to the batteries. If you are unsure of the wire you are considering, ask questions. Regular automotive wire may look similar, but in marine conditions, it will lose its ability to conduct electrical power.
Helpful Tip
Pre-packaged marine solar panel kits take the guesswork out of installation.
Rate this Article:
Current: 5 / 5 stars - 1 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/how-to-install-marine-solar-panels-163078.html
About the Author:© 2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about solar panels at http://www.solar-energy-connection.com. Anna has posted articles on that site about various applications of solar technology. If you want to know more about flexible solar panels that roll up, you won't want to miss her article on the subject.
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Computers Articles
Online Calendars: What are They?
By: Jay Gaulard | 11/10/2008
They are slowly catching on, but many people still haven't quite gotten the hang of them. Online or web calendars have been around for a while, but it is only just now that their potential for enhancing our lives is being explored. They help their users keep abreast of meetings, events and other relevant happenings like anniversaries and birthdays.
An Overview Of The Different Styles Of Headphones
By: Brian Garvin | 11/10/2008
Headphones are used for a variety of purposes these days. Way back when, they were used almost exclusively for personal cassette or compact disc players. This allowed users to listen to the type of music they wanted to while doing any activity, without bothering others or interrupting others at the...
Network Camera Video Surveillance for Fast Food Restaurants
By: Wes Fernley | 11/10/2008
Fast food restaurants provide good food for a good price in a short amount of time, the perfect meal for the busy people of today to get something to eat on the go. Unfortunately, they are also highly susceptible to crimes such as theft and vandalism. Long hours with high numbers of customers moving in and out in a short period of time and high employee turnover can all lead to a potentially inviting environment for criminals.
Uncomplicated Experiments of Surveillance After the Installation of the CCTV Cameras
By: Marie Mardeko | 11/10/2008
Surveillance is a dynamic function of creating something new, organizing, co-coordinating and undertaking all types of business risks with confidence and optimism. Its basis lies in the spirit of adventure and innovation. Apart from the spirit of adventure and innovation, it also motivates us to finish up our work with...
Hidden Cameras Are Our Best Friends as They Help us Whenever we Want Them
By: Marcella Costante | 11/10/2008
The formations of every instrument are arranged with the intention that more and more people can make use them for their own benefits and that too with a great passion. These days' cameras are one of the leading instruments which are certainly planned in a way that we can truly...
Hidden Cameras Are the Ultimate Types of Equipments Which Assist us in Various Ways.
By: Sandra Ruper | 11/10/2008
Today analysis of all the events and locations where we live and work has become very essential because there are many thefts and betrays spread all over. We can rarely trust or depend upon anybody. We always have to be attentive and take care of all our work by our...
Registry Cleaner Applications--correct Your Slow Computer
By: John Mowatt | 11/10/2008
When your computer is running dead slow,crashing sometimes,or freezing it can be really aggravating. What can you do about it? You can run an online free scan with a registry cleaner application to find out what your problems are. You can then clean the registry yourself or have the application do it for a very reasonable charge. We show you which registry cleaner is best.
Spy Cameras Can be Used For All the Occasions
By: Walter Smith | 11/10/2008
Today we all have to be very observant, sensibly judicious, keen and understanding, smart and sharp and we also have to be aware of the opportunities which we can make use to give comfort to our selves. Cameras like the hidden cameras, the spy cameras, the CCTV cameras, the CCD...
More from Anna Hart
Bathroom Accessories In Lavender
By: Anna Hart | 08/07/2007 | Home Improvement
Bathroom accessories can make or break a bathroom's decor. Bathroom accessories come in many styles. Bathroom accessories come in many colors. The careful shopper will take time to choose both the right style and the right color.
Bathroom accessories in lavender are an example. Lavender bathroom accessories can be had in...
Small Bathroom Lighting
By: Anna Hart | 28/06/2007 | Home Improvement
Small bathrooms might be those added under a stairway or in a spare closet. They might be for children, adults, or both. A small bathroom might be a guest powder room off the foyer or living room. One thing they have in common is that they are - small. Another...
Solar Home - Conserving Pv Power
By: Anna Hart | 28/06/2007 | Home Improvement
Solar homes. Many people talk about them, although few in the U.S. do more than talk. They are said to reduce utility bills. Some say a solar home cuts utility bills drastically. Some are able to sell excess power back to the power grid. Savings are not automatic, however. Steps...
Solar Energy Risks To Health
By: Anna Hart | 23/06/2007 | Computers
Solar energy is a potential source of free electricity and water heating. It offers the power to enjoy electrical power in remote areas of the world. It seems to offer health and safety along with power, but does it?
Solar energy health risks are seldom mentioned. That may be partially due...
Small Bathroom - Decorating Tips
By: Anna Hart | 15/06/2007 | Home Improvement
Small bathrooms have their own challenges when it comes to decorating. The design layout for a small bathroom is the first challenge. Space is limited, so you cannot use it lavishly. Very small bathroom design calls for small furnishings, and few of them.
Small bathrooms demand decorating tips that differ from...
Heart Attack - How Aspirin Helps
By: Anna Hart | 14/06/2007 | Medicine
If you or a loved one has heart disease, heart attack prevention and treatment are very important subjects. Your physician may have recommended taking a low dose aspirin each day to avoid heart attack. You may have heard that you can increase your chances of survival during a heart attack...
Acid Reflux Recipes
By: Anna Hart | 14/06/2007 | Medicine
When acid reflux becomes a regular part of life, the sufferer is commonly advised to change his or her diet. Try to avoid citrus, Try to avoid acids. See if changes make it better. So you try. You experiment. And all the time, you're wishing there were acid reflux cure...
Bathroom Furniture For An Rv
By: Anna Hart | 12/06/2007 | Travel
Life in an RV can be wonderful or frustrating, depending on what you make it. The author lived full-time in an RV for two years, working on a commissioned book. Actually, she lived in two RVs, one after the other. The first was a 20' motorhome. Those of us who...
|
|
Computers 
