Good Idea to Use Portable Solar Generators on Your Boat and Yacht?

ARTICLE PARRAINÉ

Portable solar generators are useful as a backup power supply for your home or RV, but also come in handy for all you seafarers out there. While the house batteries on your boat can handle most power needs, longer trips require more electricity. Adding a solar generator to your boat ensures a constant power supply for ultimate modern conveniences while on the water.

These quiet marine generators provide DC power to charge your electronics and 12V devices, and AC power for your coffee maker and microwave without running the genny or plugging into shore power. Let’s dive into how portable solar generators can enhance your sailing adventures.

What is a Portable Solar Generator?

A portable solar generator, or solar power station, is essentially a lithium battery in a compact box with a built-in inverter, MPPT controllers, and versatile AC/DC charging inputs and outputs. It captures sunlight through solar panels, converts it into electricity, and stores it in a battery for later use. Portable solar generators are compact, easy to transport, and provide a clean, renewable energy source.

Pros and Cons of Using Solar Generators On Boat?

Solar generators are an excellent power source on a boat, where grid power isn't an option. They allow you to harness renewable energy, save on fuel costs, and enjoy quiet and reliable power during sailing. However, it's important to consider the initial costs and weather dependency. For many boat owners, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, making solar generators a popular choice for sustainable and eco-friendly boating.

What Boat Appliances Can Solar Generators Charge?

The capabilities of portable solar generators vary based on their inverter and capacity. From small generators that power laptops and phones to larger ones that can power an entire fishing boat, there is a range of mobile solar generators to meet all your needs on a boat. Typically, they can power various boat appliances, including:

• Navigation Systems: GPS, radar, and depth finders.
• Lighting: Interior and exterior lights, such as anchor lights and galley lights.
• Kitchen Appliances: Small refrigerators, blenders, coffee makers, and microwaves.
• Entertainment: VHF Radios, televisions, laptops, and charging ports for devices.
• Other essential devices: Bilge pump, water pump, etc

Is it Safe to Use a Solar Generator on a Boat / Yacht?

Powering your yacht with a solar generator is generally safe, as it emits no harmful gases and has a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) to prevent overcharging, overheating, and other potential risks. But also make sure it’s water resistant enough to endure marine environments. Additionally, securely place the generator to prevent movement during rough seas and position it in a well-ventilated area for optimal performance.

How to Charge a Solar Generator on a Boat

There are several efficient and convenient ways to charge a solar generator during your sailing adventures.

• Solar Panels: Either through your fixed solar setup on your boat or some portable solar panels clinging to your boat, you can top up power stations whenever there is sunshine.
• Shore Power: Connect to a marina’s power supply when docked. Some generators recharge quickly in 1-2 hours with quick charging technologies.
• Hybrid Systems: Use an alternator or other onboard power sources to charge the generator, ensuring your generator stays powered even in low sunlight conditions.

How to Choose the Best Solar Generator for Your Boat

Calculating your energy consumption is the first step to choosing the right solar generator for your boat. The amount of energy a boat uses really all depends on the appliances onboard, and how long you use them for. List all the appliances with their power ratings (in watts) and usage time and multiply the two figures to get your boat energy consumption (in watt-hours).

For example:

This boat uses roughly 1,205Wh of electricity each day. After knowing your energy usage pattern, then you choose a power station with suitable capacity and output accordingly. Moreover, the size, water resistance level, and charging speed are factors you may consider for a better power experience on your yacht.

Best Water-Resistant Power Generator for Boats and Yachts

While many good solar generator brands are available, only a few make water-resistant ones suitable for marine settings. BLUETTI, a pioneer in clean energy, offers the world's first weatherproof solar generators. Its AC240 model is outdoor-friendly with IP65 water and dust resistance, ensuring resilience against rain, mud, dust, and salt corrosion. The AC240 delivers 2,400W of power, enough to run most appliances on your boat. Its capacity is expandable with B210 batteries, reaching up to 10,132Wh, which can power your boat for multiple days away from shore power. It also accepts 1,200W solar charging, providing a constant power supply at sea.

Final thoughts

BLUETTI generators can power all sorts of appliances on your boat, such as a mini fridge, TV, stereo, VHF radio, and pretty much any appliance you can throw at it. The only thing you will need to take note of is your boat’s overall energy consumption. With this information, you can be sure to size the perfect electric generator companion and thus never run out of electricity when you need it most. Shop BLUETTI for all your electric needs.