9 Best Solar Panels for Sailboats

Solar panels have become game changers when it comes to supplying power while off the grid. Marine solar panels can charge anything from batteries to computers to bigger electronic appliances. What are the best solar panels for sailboats? 

The 9 best solar panels for sailboats are: 

1. Renogy Flexible Solar Panel
2. Newpowa Solar Panel
3. SunPower Flexible Solar Panel
4. Eco-Worthy Off-Grid Solar Panel
5. Rich Solar Polycrystalline
6. Topsolar Flexible Solar Panel
7. HQST Monocrystalline Solar Panel
8. WindyNation Solar Panel Complete Off-Grid
9. DOKIO Solar Panel Kit

This article will explore everything you need to know about the best marine solar panels. 

Here is my complete Must-have catamaran sailing gear list!

Solar Panels on Sailboats: An Overview

Before exploring the best solar panels, it is helpful to consider how solar panels on sailboats work and how many you need. Solar panels sit on different parts of a sailboat’s surface and absorb the sun’s rays, converting them into energy. This energy is used to power chargers, fridges, cooking stoves, and other electronics you need for self-sufficient sailing. 

Worth noting is that today we will only discuss solar panels and not the batteries, which of course is an essential part of a complete system; we will also not discuss charges or charge controllers.

The products in this post will get you started in the right direction, but if you’re looking for a high-output system, then I suggest you contact someone that can help you calculate your energy requirements.

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for My Sailboat?

You will need between 2-8 solar panels for your sailboat. The exact amount depends on your sailboat’s space and how many electronics you need to power. Most solar panels can absorb between 100-300 watts per hour. On average, you will need approximately 1500 watts of power each day. 

If your solar panels absorb 1500 watts daily, here’s what they can power on your sailboat: 

• A laptop charger
• A microwave 
• A coffee maker 
• An induction cooker 

If you want to power more heavy-duty electronics like a washing machine or a television, look for solar panels that absorb 400 watts. For heavy-duty electronics, try installing 5-8 solar panels. 

Flexible vs. Rigid Solar Panels

The three main types of solar panels are rigid panels, flexible panels, and semi-flexible panels.

Rigid panels are surrounded by aluminum and made with sturdy tempered glass. They are resilient against various weather conditions but require flat space to install. 

Semi-flexible panels can be slightly bent to fit the shape of the installation surface. However, they can’t absorb a lot of power. 

One very common type of solar panel used on boats is the flexible panel. Flexible panels are thin and lightweight, and, as their name suggests, they can be added to a wide variety of surfaces. 

Here are the pros of flexible panels: 

• They are thin and light. Flexible panels are approximately one-eighth the weight and size of rigid and semi-flexible panels. This allows you to add them to various sailboat sizes and surfaces. It also reduces the load on your sailboat. 
• They are easy to install. Flexible panels are easy to work with and can be self-installed by following the instructions that come with the panels. Meanwhile, rigid and semi-flexible panels may require expert installations. 
• They’re sturdy. Despite being light, flexible panels can bear a lot of pressure – you can easily walk over them. 

However, there are also some drawbacks to using flexible solar panels: 

• May fly away. As flexible panels are fragile, they can easily be dislodged and fly away, especially in strong winds. 
• Vulnerable to scratches. While flexible panels can bear much weight, they may get scratched more easily. Over time this may affect their functionality. 
• Not easy to reposition. Flexible panels are generally adhered to the surface of a sailboat using a specially prepared adhesive. Because of this, it is challenging to reposition the solar panels when there is a change of season.
• Less efficient. Flexible solar panels don’t convert energy to electricity or rigid panels. It may be harder to power heavy-duty appliances from a flexible solar panel. 

How Many Panels Can I Fit on a Sailboat (Catamaran and Monohull)?

The amount of panels you can fit on your sailboat depends on the size of the panels and the surface space you have available. 

You can fit at least two 400W panels on a Monohull and at least four on a Catamaran around 35ft in length. You will be able to fit 4-8 more solar panels if you add a solar panel bracket at the stern. 

9 Best Solar Panels for Sailboats

Renogy Flexible Solar Panel 100W

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq4QrFaMfHc

Renogy is a popular solar panel producer that designs high-quality solar panels. The Renogy Flexible Solar Panel is specially designed for marine vehicles, including sailboats. 

Pros 

Here are the best features of this solar panel: 

• Flexibility. These solar panels are fragile, making them flexible and easy to mount on served surfaces. 
• Easy to install. These are made with high-quality Monocrystalline, allowing them to be easily bent and easy to install. 
• Lightweight. One solar panel weighs only 4 pounds, ensuring that no extra pressure or weight is displaced on your boat. 
• Durability. User reviews have noted that these panels are highly durable and can last you a few years. 

Cons

• Users have noted that these panels do not have the best outputs. They also can’t be stacked, which impacts their accessibility. To ensure that these panels can be connected, you may purchase extra extension cords. 

Newpowa Rigid 160W Solar Panel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0WjF6aqqow

The Newpowa Right Solar Panel is a new design with a maximum power of 160W. It is weather-resistant and can be used on various surfaces and vehicles. 

Pros 

Here are the pros of the Newpowa Solar Panel: 

• Weatherproof. The design features of this solar panel ensure that it survives under a range of different weather conditions. It has a heavy-duty frame preventing it from strong wind and waves. Its mainframe has a further layer of protection for the Junction box. 
• Long warranty. Newpowa offers a 25-year transferrable output power warranty. 
• Easy to install. These solar panels are made with mono cells and bypass diodes. Consequently, the solar panels can be immediately unpacked and are ready to install. 
• High wattage. As these solar panels have 160 Watts of power, you need less of them to power all the devices on your boat. 

Cons 

• If you are planning on buying the Newpowa Solar Panel, you should note that they only make rigid panels. As a result, you may find it to be difficult to install them on curved spaces.

SunPower 110W Flexible Solar Panel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qalnxiY6w7M

SunPower’s Flexible Solar Panels are made with high-quality materials ensuring durability. They are especially ideal for sailboats as their warranty also covers saltwater damage. 

Pros 

Here are the standout features of the SunPower 110W Flexible Solar Panel: 

• Flexibility. This solar panel can be bent up to 30 degrees, making it easy to install on various surfaces. 
• Easily portable. These solar panels are incredibly lightweight (4.4 pounds or 2 kilograms) and can be easily uninstalled and transported. 
• Extended warranty. SunPower offers a five-year warranty on power and a two-year warranty on the product. The warranty includes damage caused by saltwater which many other solar panel warranties do not. 

Cons

• Some users have noted that the output quality of these solar panels deteriorates over time. However, you can use the extended warranty to address any quality deterioration. 

ECO-WORTHY Rigid 25W Off-Grid Solar Panel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIRZKvFsnN4

This is a rigid, 25-watt solar panel that is waterproof, making it ideal for your boat. It is highly durable and has inbuilt indicators that highlight the battery’s status. Its low output makes it only suitable for charging phones or smaller electronics.

Pros 

Here are some notable features of the Eco-Worthy Solar Panel: 

• Ease of use. This solar panel is easy to install and requires no maintenance. 
• Warranty. Eco-Worthy offers one year of warranty on all of its products and free maintenance if needed. 
• USB control. This solar panel is attached to a USB control panel, preventing it from overcharging and getting damaged. 
• Waterproof. All solar panel parts are entirely waterproof and can handle exposure to both saltwater and freshwater. 

Cons 

Some of the drawbacks to this solar panel include: 

• Low watt absorption. Unlike many of the other solar panels on this list, this one can only absorb up to 25 watts of power at a time. So, it can only power smaller devices like batteries. 
• Instruction manual. Some users have noted that the instructions to set up the Eco-worth solar panel are confusing for beginners. If you have never installed solar panels before, it’s best to call in an expert to help. 

RICH SOLAR 100W Rigid 12V Polycrystalline

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYmOKaw8VAk

This 100W rigid solar panel is designed to absorb energy even in low light conditions. It is easy to install and ideal for marine environments. 

Pros 

Here’s why you should consider buying Rich Solar Panels: 

• Works well in low light. This solar panel has been tested in various low light conditions, including cloudiness and during sunrise and sunset. It is certified to be able to harvest energy in low light conditions. 
• Extended warranty. Rich Solar Panels offers a 25-year warranty on limited power output and a five-year warranty on quality. 
• Water and weatherproof. The Rich Solar panels have used selective design elements to ensure they are water-resistant. They have high transparency and are made with tempered glass to withstand high winds and water pressure. 
• Cost-effective. These are significantly cost-effective, making it easy to equip your sailboat fully. 

Cons 

• While solar panels can easily resist strong winds and water, they can be vulnerable to hail. Hail storms can cause dents on the solar panels, which can eventually cause damage. 

Topsolar Flexible 100W Solar Panel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKYhguoWQHE

Topsolar provides premium flexible solar panels that are easy to move and install. They are ideal for installing on water vessels like sailboats with waterproof materials. 

Pros 

Here are some of the pros of choosing the Topsolar Flexible Solar Panel: 

• Flexibility. The arc radius of this solar panel is 16 inches (40 centimeters) and can be bent to fit several curved surfaces allowing your solar panel to harvest the most sun. 
• Efficiency. These solar panels are made with ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) materials. They are extremely energy efficient and can rapidly convert energy. 

Cons

• Some users have noted that these solar panels don’t have as long a life as other panels. In addition, some panels may only be able to absorb up to 75 watts of power at a time. 

HQST Rigid 100w Monocrystalline Solar Panel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxcHrgr6w80

This is a 100-watt solar panel that has been specially designed to perform well in low light. It is made with high-quality materials and is ideal for sailing boats as it is durable even in unfavorable weather conditions. 

Pros 

Here are the pros of installing the HQST Solar Panel: 

• Durability. These solar panels are designed to withstand strong winds and snowfall. They’re made with tempered glass and aluminum and are resistant to corrosion, ensuring longevity. 
• Testing and warranty. Each solar panel is quality tested before it is distributed. It also comes with a three-year warranty. 
• Easy to install. While these are rigid solar panels, they have pre-drilled holes, making them easier to install. 

WindyNation 100W Solar Panel Complete Off-Grid

https://youtu.be/7PqAe8y8Qa8?t=364

As its name suggests, this solar panel is designed for off-the-grid living and is helpful if you need to access power when you’re in the middle of the sea. 

Pros 

Here is why you should consider the WindyNation Solar Panel: 

• Includes a charge controller. This controller lets you quickly see the amount of power the solar panel has absorbed. 
• High power. Several positive user reviews have indicated that this solar panel is highly efficient in absorbing and converting power. 

Cons 

• This solar panel is more expensive than many others on the market.

DOKIO 300W 18V Portable Solar Panel Kit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZvl8KQf5j0

If you are looking for a heavy-duty solar panel, the Dokio Solar Panel Kit is excellent. It can absorb a lot of energy and power a wide range of appliances on your sailboat. 

Pros

Here’s why you should consider this solar panel: 

• Versatile and flexible. While this is a rigid solar panel, it can be folded, making it easy to transport and install. 
• High efficiency. This solar panel is highly efficient at converting energy into power. As it absorbs up to 300 watts, you can install just two of these panels to get significant energy. 

Cons 

• Some users have noted that this solar panel does not work well in low-light conditions. You may want to have a backup solar panel for days when it’s rainy and windy.