In this article, we’ll look at all of the different benefits that having a solar generator on board can bring. Sailing is a strenuous outdoor sport that requires rigorous and durable gear to go along with it, which is why we’ll also check out the ways to choose the right solar generator for your boat. By the end of this article, you should have a clear idea of what generator to get, and why you need it.
How Do Solar Generators Help You Enjoy Sailing?
A solar generator for a boat can help maximize your enjoyment while out on the water in a huge variety of ways. For starters, you no longer need to worry about running the engine just to charge your phone, you don’t need to deal with the exhaust fumes of a generator, and you can have a solid and steady stream of power to get everything done.
Overall, having a solar generator for a boat is one of the best investments that you can make for your vessel. If you bring this on board, you save yourself loads of hassle, leaving more time for you to simply sit back and enjoy sailing.
Benefits of Solar Generators for Boats
Cost-effective
Solar generators end up paying for themselves in more ways than one. For starters, you don’t need to continuously maintain the engine of a generator, paying for gas and oil as well as mechanical costs when it breaks down. Plus, there’s no need to plug in and pay for electrical costs when in port since you have the power of the sun.
Anyone that’s been sailing for a short time knows that things break down all the time. Bringing on a solar generator helps provide the backup that’s necessary so you don’t need to spend all of your money just to go and get something fixed. When you have the sun, you have power. It’s as simple as that.
No additional fuel needed
One of the most expensive parts of being on a boat is paying for fuel. Why would you want to pay for more fuel if you don’t need to? Bringing a solar generator greatly reduces fuel consumption so you aren’t always running the engine just to have power on board. You can save yourself a ton of money in the long run with a solar generator for a boat.
Maintenance free
As we mentioned earlier, once a solar generator is set up, you simply need to sit back and reap the benefits. Since solar generators have no moving parts and don’t rely on a complex system to produce power, there’s little-to-no maintenance required.
Easy and safe to use
Solar generators are as easy to use as setting them up and walking away. There’s no need to constantly check on the generator or move it around. Once it’s set up, the solar generators will do all the work and you can step away to reap the benefits without any hassle.
Plus, solar generators are significantly safer than any other generator. They don’t put out harmful exhaust fumes that can damage your health, and they have no moving parts that so frequently cause burns and injuries when maintenance is happening.
Quiet
Going out on the open seas is a great way to get away from everything and enjoy the sounds of the ocean crashing against the hull of your boat, the seabirds calling, and nothing else. With a gas generator, you’re forced to listen to the roar of a motor at all times when you want power.
Switch over to a solar generator for your boat and you’ll be back to sitting in peace and quiet, while still getting all the power you need.
Emergency
A solar generator can easily power equipment that you use commonly on your boat. Lights, radios, navigation systems, and all other electronics will work off of the solar generator meaning that you’re ready to take on any emergency the sea throws your way.
The solar generator makes sure you have power on hand at all times. You don’t need to start up the engine in an emergency just to call out for help.
Choosing the Right Solar Generator for Your Boat
When finding the best solar generator for your boat there are plenty of things you need to take into consideration. For example:
- Look at your power needs in terms of output
- Get a good understanding of your budget
- Understand the additional weight you’re willing to carry
- Size of the solar generator
- Environment you sail in (how much sun do you get)
If you can understand all of your basic needs, finding the right solar generator will be pretty easy. We’ve put some of our personal recommendations here below to help you further with the decision-making process.
Our Recommendation
INFINITY 1500
The Growatt INFINITY 1500 provides a huge amount of power in a small package. Not only will this take care of all your electrical needs on a boat, but it will also fully charge with solar panels in 2.5 hours. That’s incredibly impressive for the size of the battery we’re looking at.
The 2000W output in this solar generator makes it able to run high-power appliances and devices so you don’t need to worry about overdoing it. This is built to take on high loads of sun and give it right back to you in pure electricity.
VITA 550
For smaller vessels with lower power needs, the VITA 550 is the way to go. The watt+ plus feature allows you to drive up to 1050W output, helping you power the majority of your outdoor appliances without a problem. The smaller size of this solar generator for your boat will help it fit into smaller places and be completely hidden out of the way.
This is one of the first of its kind that can power such high-wattage devices at its size. It breaks through the barriers of what was previously possible, bringing ease-of-use to solar generators that is hard to find.
Conclusion
To invest in a Growatt solar generator is to invest in yourself and the time spent out on your boat. Adding a solar generator to your equipment for the next trip out is going to completely shift the way in which you experience sailing. Overall, there’s no reason not to grab a solar generator and get it installed on your boat to optimize the time on the water.
FAQ
Should you leave a boat battery charger plugged in all the time?
A boat battery charger can stay plugged into the solar panel at all times. It will take on power when it needs it, and then top off as you use the power you’ve already stored up.
What size solar panel do I need to charge my boat battery?
A 200W solar panel should be enough to charge most solar battery chargers for a boat. A smaller panel with 100W will work, but will simply take longer to charge up.
