Solar & Renewable Energy
Panels, charge controllers and power planning. Explore step-by-step checklists, practical tips and important precautions before you work on your boat.
Guides in this topic
Choose a guide to read the full steps.
How to Size Solar Panels for a Cruising Sailboat
Estimate required solar array size from your real onboard loads and sunlight conditions.
Read the guideHow to Troubleshoot a Solar Controller That Is Not Charging
A safe symptom-based checklist for disappointing or missing solar charging.
Read the guideHow to Reduce Solar Shading on a Sailboat
Improve real-world panel output without adding more equipment.
Read the guideHow to Choose an MPPT Solar Charge Controller
Match panel voltage, charge current and battery chemistry to the right controller.
Read the guideHow to Maintain Solar Panels on a Sailboat
Reduce salt, shading and mechanical wear while protecting the array.
Read the guideSeries vs. Parallel Solar Panels on a Sailboat
Understand the tradeoffs among voltage, current, shading and controller limits.
Read the guideWhy Is My Solar Controller Not Charging the Batteries?
Read controller indications before replacing a panel or regulator.
Read the guideHow to Measure Daily Solar Production on a Sailboat
Build an energy log that reveals shading, weather and controller issues.
Read the guideHow Much Extra Power Can Bifacial Solar Panels Make on a Sailboat?
Understand why reflective surroundings, mounting height and shadows matter.
Read the guideHow to Recognize Worn or Corroded Solar Connectors
Identify connection warning signs while avoiding live DC arcing hazards.
Read the guideHow to Map Boom and Rigging Shadows on Sailboat Solar Panels
Find the recurring shade patterns that reduce daily charging output.
Read the guideWhy Does a Sailboat Solar Controller Reduce Charging at Midday?
Learn the difference between low production and charge-current tapering.
Read the guide