The earliest attempts at converting the sun to electrical power came in 1876, but the first real solar panels, the way most of us would think of them, didn’t come about until the mid-1950s.
Solar panels for boats are even more recent. However, solar energy makes good sense for boat owners. Adding solar panels to your boat helps lower costs, and can even make boating more pleasant.
There are a lot of reasons to add solar panels to your boat. Read on to learn more.
Solar Panels Make Your Boat More Flexible
Adding solar energy to your boat’s power sources makes your boat a more flexible craft. Each solar panel gives you some independence from the fuel that it takes to run your boat, which lets you do more onboard.
It’s easy to set up a solar cell to make a phone charging station, or to use solar power as a backup for your battery or onboard appliances. Solar power helps keep you independent, even in emergencies.
Solar Panels Are Easy to Maintain
Since solar panels go outdoors, they’re made to withstand the elements. Solar panels on your boat are easy to maintain and easy to keep clean. All you need is soap, water, and a non-abrasive sponge, and you can keep the surfaces clean and ready to take in power.
Gently scrub down any salt or dirt on the surface of your solar panels, and hose it off. Then dry them off with a soft cloth, and they’ll keep powering your machines for years.
Solar Panels for Boats are Cost-Efficient
Harnessing solar energy for your boat comes with a lot of cost benefits. For one thing, you can save money on powering your boat, and use your fuel just for getting to where you want to go. You may also qualify for rebates and discounts on your boat purchase by making your vehicle more fuel-efficient. Learn more about the financial advantages here.
Solar Panels are Environmentally Friendly
Solar panels do produce some pollution when they’re made, but they are very durable and last for years. In addition to its durability, a solar cell doesn’t produce any greenhouse gases when in use. Solar panels help you to use less gas or diesel, which helps you to reduce your environmental impact while you enjoy the waters.
Solar Panels Help You Immerse Yourself in Nature
Water and air pollution aren’t the only types that solar panels reduce. Solar power is silent, and converting your instruments and other parts on your boat to solar energy reduces the amount of noise your boat makes when you’re at rest.
That makes it much easier to appreciate the outdoors. The calls of birds, the sound of the water, and everything else great about being out on your boat are easier to appreciate without the roar of the motor.
Solar Panels Take Boating to a New Level
Solar panels for boats are a cost-effective and durable method to make boating even better. You can save money on fuel, power your appliances and instruments without having to run the motor, and reduce your environmental impact with solar energy. Best of all, they’re easy to install.
Check out some of our other articles to learn how to make the most of your daily life.