Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular on boats, as they are a good alternative to recharging a battery with a diesel engine. They are also relatively easy to install into an existing electric system on a boat and come in flexible versions that can be installed on canvas tops or other irregular surfaces.
The cost of panels has dramatically decreased (as much as 60%) since 2009 making them more economical.
There are also a range of models and features, so OhmHome has compiled this guide on the best marine solar panels after spending over 20 hours researching public data, testing products in the field and talking to consumers.
If you are considering solar for your home, we recommend reading our guide on how to choose a solar company and leasing vs. buying solar panels.
Best Marine Solar Panels 2017: Overview
Best Marine Solar Panels: Comparison
| Model | Cell Type | Weight | Dimensions | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suaoki 100 Watt 12 V Flexible Solar Panel with Sunpower Cells | Monocyrstalline | 4.8 lbs | 43.3 x 22.4 x 0.1 inches | Flexible | Prices |
| ALLPOWERS 12V Flexible Solar Panel with Sunpower | Monocrystalline | 4.7 lbs | 42 x 22 x 1.5 inches | Flexible | Prices |
| HQST 100 Watt 12V Solar Panel | Monocrystalline | 16.5 lbs | 47 x 21.3 x 1.4 inches | Fixed | Prices |
| Renogy 100 Watts 12V Solar Panel | Monocrystalline | 16.5 lbs | 47 x 1.4 x 21.3 inches | Fixed | Prices |
| Newpowa 100 Watt 12V Solar Panel | Polycrystalline | 19.6 lbs | 39.8 x 1.2 x 26.6 inches | Fixed | Prices |
| Mighty Max 100 Watt 12V Solar Panel | Polycrystaline | 19 lbs | 41.5 x 28 x 2 inches | Fixed | Prices |
Marine Solar Panels 101
There are two kinds of marine solar panels and we have reviewed both types:
- Flexible – Flexible marine solar panels do not have metal backing and are 1/5 of the weight of framed solar panels. The can be bent up to a 30 degree curve and mounted on canvas or other irregular surfaces.
- Standard – Standard marine solar panels have an aluminum backing and can withstand very strong wind and rain. They are 5x as heavy (nearly 20 lbs) as the flexible panels.
We reviewed 100 watt panels, but most of the manufacturers that we review also offer 25 or 75 watts versions, so you can design a system that fits your needs. For basic light and refrigeration, 2 100 Watt panels should be sufficient, but we recommend itemizing your usage. Use the Department of Energy’s appliance level calculator to estimate usage by appliance.
There are also several very small chargers that are less than 20 watts that we did not review, but are very durable and popular if wattage demands are limited.
Best Marine Solar Panels: Detailed Reviews
Most homeowners buy chargers online to save money and then find a certified electrician for the installation. Below are the top models as reviewed by OhmHome.
Suaoki 100 Watt 12V Flexible Solar Panel with Sunpower Cells
The Suaoki 100 Watt 12V Flexible Solar Panel is made with SunPower solar cells, which are the premier solar cell brand in the industry (think Apple of the solar industry). The SunPower panels have a higher-than-average 23% to 25% solar efficiency and an internal blocking diode which prevents reverse current drain at night.
The Suaoki panels are water resistant and semi-flexible solar panel, which makes them ideal solar panels for a boat, as they can be installed on canvas. The panels can be gently flexed to a curve of 30 degrees max. They are also extremely lightweight at less than 5lbs or 80% lighter than comparable fixed models.
The flexible design includes four metal reinforced mounting holes at each corner for fixing screws that allows for an easy installation.
Pros/Cons
- Lightweight at less than 5lbs (80% lighter than comparable fixed models)
- Flexible design allows for easy installation on irregular surfaces or canvas
- Made with top of the line SunPower cells
- Panels are flexible, but can break if bent too much
HQST 100 Watt 12V Solar Panel
The ALLPOWERS solar panel is made with high conversion efficiency modules made by Sunpower. The panels are water-resistant and can be curved to a maximum of 30 degrees and mounted on irregular surfaces. The panels come with an 18 month guarantee.Pros/Cons
- 18 Month Guarantee
- High conversion Sunpower panels
- Panels are flexible, but can break if bent too much
HQST 100 Watt 12V Solar Panel
The HQST 100 Watt 12V Solar Panel is made with high conversion efficiency modules and can generate 500 watt hours a day to recharge a boat battery.
The panels are made with anti-reflective, high transparency, low iron-tempered glass with enhanced stiffness and impact resistance that can withstand high winds (2400 Pa) and snow loads (5400 Pa).
The panels come with pre-drilled holes on the back of the panel allow for fast mounting and securing. The panels are compatible with different mounting systems such as Z-brackets, Pole Mounts, and Tilt Mounts.
The panels are backed with a corrosion-resistant aluminum frame for extended outdoor use, allowing the panels to last for decades. The panels come with 5 years material and workmanship warranty and 25 years power output warranty.
Pros/Cons
- 25 year power output warranty
- Can withstand strong winds and rain
- Compatible with multiple mounting systems
- Heavier than flexible solar models at nearly 20lbs.
Renogy 100 Watts 12V Solar Panel
The Renogy 100 Watt 12V Solar Panel is made with high conversion efficiency modules and can generate 500 watt hours a day to recharge a boat battery.
The panels are made with anti-reflective, high transparency, low iron-tempered glass with enhanced stiffness and impact resistance that can withstand high winds (2400 Pa) and snow loads (5400 Pa).
The panels come with pre-drilled holes on the back of the panel allow for fast mounting and securing. The panels come with 5 years material and workmanship warranty and 25 years power output warranty.
Pros/Cons
- 25 year power output warranty
- Can withstand strong winds and rain
- Compatible with multiple mounting systems
- Heavier than flexible solar models at nearly 20lbs.
Newpowa 100 Watt 12V Solar Panel
The Newpowa 100 Watt 12V solar panel comes with diodes pre-installed in junction box and a pair of pre-attached 3ft MC4 cables. The panels also come with a 25-year transferable power output warranty.
The Newpowa panels are very similar to the HQST and Renogy models, but are ~10% less expensive and have similar power outputs.
Pros/Cons
- Low cost alternative
- Strong aluminum frame
- 25 year warranty
- Heavier than flexible solar panels
Mighty Max 100 Watt 12V Solar Panel
Mighty Max 100 Watt 12v polycrystaline solar panel comes with pre-drilled diodes in the junction box and a pair of 35 inch cables with MC4 connectors already attached to the panels.
The panels are mounted in a strong aluminum frame manufactured to withstand a heavier snow load and high wind pressures, passing a snow load of 5400Pa.
Pros/Cons
- Strong aluminum frame
- Lower cost alternative
- No warranty listed
- Significantly heavier than other models
