mind power system
With the push to use renewable energy sources at home, boaters are now getting into the act. Marine solar power systems are already popular with sailors but it is becoming increasingly popular with power boaters as well. And why shouldn't it be? It is a free and abundant source of energy. Here we will look at how to utilize a marine solar power system on the water
First of all a solar power system is really quite basic; the solar panel(s) are the main component and they are made of photovoltaic (PV) cells which capture the energy and turns and then stores the power in batteries for later use. The batteries can be used for DC power to power lights, bilge pumps, radios, and electronics. With an inverter to convert the DC power to AC, you can also use small appliances.
As with residential solar power systems, there are numerous pre-packaged marine systems that are out on the market. However, if you are looking to save some money (as off the shelf solar kits can run several thousands of dollars), are handy with tools (chances are if you own a boat you are pretty handy with tools), have a little bit of time, you can design and build your own marine solar power system.
Even if you decide to buy a pre-packaged system, there are several things that you need to keep in mind while making the purchasing decision. You mist first determine the wattage you require to figure out how large your system will need to be. In order to do this, simply add up the amps used by your appliances, electronics, and other items that you would like to run, divide the total by 2 and you will have the wattage that meets your needs. Multiply this wattage by $20 and this will tell you what an off the shelf kit will cost. Remember, that you can always start small as one of the advantages of a marine solar power system is that it is very scalable.
As a renewable energy resource, a marine solar power system is a very practical choice. It maintains a floating charge on your battery bank(s) while on mooring and allows you to use most if not all your modern conveniences while at anchor.
As an avid boater in the Pacific NW I am constantly seeking ways to improve my experience while out cruising with family. As with anything that is new or unfamiliar, it is always wise to do further research. If like me you have an enthusiasm for DIY projects and have a desire to be environmentally conscious, building a marine solar power system meets these goals. For more information on how you can build your own system even if you are a complete DIY novice, take a look at http://www.altenergysolutions.info. Safe and happy boating to you!
