Off the Grid

Off-grid boating offers freedom, but requires reliable systems for energy and water. In this article, we discuss four key technologies that are essential for both sailors and power boaters: lithium batteries, solar panels, high-output alternators and watermakers.

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Off grid

Lithium batteries

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Lithium-ion batteries are the backbone of any off-grid energy supply. They have several advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries. First of all, lithium batteries are lighter, bringing less weight on board-since every kilo counts on a boat. They also have a much longer life and can be discharged deeper without damage, meaning you have more usable energy per charge cycle.

A typical lead-acid battery can only discharge to 50%, while lithium batteries can safely discharge to 80-90%. This makes lithium ideal for long-term off-grid cruising. Although the initial investment is higher, it pays for itself through longer life and better efficiency.

Read more about: the power of the right battery

Solar panels

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Solar panels are an ideal way to generate power while sailing or at anchor.

They are quiet, require little maintenance and can be installed in various places on board, such as on the deck or bimini. Modern solar panels are also lightweight and flexible, fitting well on the curved surfaces of a boat.

The power you need depends on your power consumption. To do this, calculate your daily energy needs (e.g. for lighting, navigation, fridge, etc.) and determine how many solar panels you need on that basis. Combined with lithium batteries, a good solar panel system can make you independent of shore power for days, or even weeks.

Read more about solar panels and MPPTs

High output alternators

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A high-output alternator, driven by the engine, is an efficient way to quickly generate large amounts of power while sailing.

Standard alternators often do not provide enough power to support modern energy needs, especially for a full off-grid setup. However, high-amp alternators can deliver more power, which is ideal for quickly charging lithium batteries while motoring.
Read more about High output alternators here.

These dynamos can be especially useful in cloudy weather or when there is little sun to make the solar panels work effectively. They replenish the energy you need without having to run the engine for long periods of time.

A typical lead-acid battery can only discharge to 50%, while lithium batteries can safely discharge to 80-90%. This makes lithium ideal for long-term off-grid cruising. Although the initial investment is higher, it pays for itself through longer life and better efficiency.

Victron

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Victron is one of the most reliable brands in on-board power supply. This very Dutch company, based in Almere, the Netherlands, is known for its robust, efficient and innovative products. They also offer excellent support and their products are available worldwide, which is of great importance when you are at sea.

Victron products include battery chargers, monitor systems, MPPTs, DC-DC chargers and systems, inverters and more.

If you want to know more about power on board, read our articles:

Watermakers

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A water maker is essential for long journeys without access to fresh water. These systems use reverse osmosis to convert seawater into potable water. Watermakers vary in size and capacity, but modern models are compact and relatively energy efficient. The most important thing to keep in mind is that a watermaker requires a lot of power during use, which necessitates a good alignment with your power supply.

With a watermaker on board, you no longer need to look for ports to refill water tanks, offering more freedom and independence. Especially for longer trips, this is a godsend, as the weight of stored water can eventually become impractical.