Pv solar panels for catamarans articles catamaran electrical systems pv solar panels are now an accepted part of a cruising boat s electrical power inventory and rightly so they produce consistent power year after year with no noise smell or moving parts.
Cataraman solar panel mounted.
Photo by tor johnson.
The solar electric catamaran can be equipped with removable roll down screens on every side for flexibility in every situation.
These solar catamaran concept boats are now in production as silent yachts.
The simplest approach is to weld or bolt horizontal struts the width of a solar panel onto the top rail of the arch as shown in sketch g.
Solar panels like those seen mounted below and on the opposite page have helped cruisers go green.
Solar panels convert the sun s incoming radiation light directly into electricity which can be used to charge batteries and operate dc loads.
They are especially popular on multihulls where panel mounting options are numerous.
Solar panels come in all sizes and shapes for use on boats as an extra source of energy.
Skeptics continue to question whether solar powered sailing is really viable but after a successful award winning concept turned catamaran in 2009 the answer is yes.
Sometimes it can be awkward to find a safe place to mount a wind generator on a cat due to their long booms but with care they can be mounted aft well outboard on specially designed gantries.
Screens for sun shading can be applied on good days while transparent rain screens protect your guests in bad weather conditions.
It s becoming more popular among sailors not only because they can keep lights and appliances solar panels read more.