Solar panels and MPPT
"Free" energy from the sun, it sounds ideal. Of course there is a purchase price of the panels, cables, fuses(holders) and MPPT, but once that investment is made, the energy you generate is completely free of charge, and you are not always dependent on shore power.
Why choose solar energy?
Many boat owners consider wind energy in addition to solar panels, often in the form of a wind generator. From our own experience, we can say that this is not always the best choice. Wind turbines produce noise, cause resonance and often do not provide constant energy. They work well in high winds, but in wind gusts they slow down, leading to irregular spikes in amperes. Moreover, the noise and resonance spread throughout the boat, which can be very distracting.
Solar panels do not have these drawbacks. Although some find them less aesthetically pleasing, there are options today that are. Brands such as Wattstunde offer all-black panels with subtle lines that look nice on a boat. Even more innovative are the panels from Lightleaf, which are lightweight, curved and made of carbon fibre. These panels can be easily attached to the sea rail, deck, wheelhouse or bimini. Due to their curved shape, wind flows underneath, which helps in cooling and therefore improves the panel's performance.
Sustainable solar panels
At Smartmarine, we only sell high-quality solar panels that can withstand the harsh conditions at sea. For example, the Lightleaf 110W solar panels, which are perfect for marine use.
A common question is whether we offer 'unsellable panels'. We stand behind our products and that is the reason we do not offer unsellable panels. In our view, there are no unsellable panels because they all break down and soon perform less than promised.
Solar panels
- Winkelmand Dit product heeft meerdere variaties. Deze optie kan gekozen worden op de productpagina
What does Wp mean?
Wp stands for Watt peak, which is used to indicate the power output of a solar panel. This is the maximum electrical output a panel can produce under ideal conditions. For example, a 110Wp solar panel can produce even more, such as 115Wp, in exceptionally good conditions. Actual production depends on factors such as the position of the sun, angle of the panel, shade, cleanliness of the panel, quality and heat.
Choosing the right cables and MPPT charger
When choosing cables, it is important to consider the distance between the solar panel and the battery. The longer the distance, the thicker the cables should be to minimise energy loss. For a Lightleaf 110W panel is a 4mm² cable suitable at distances of up to 5 metres. For longer distances, a thicker cable, such as 6mm², are needed to prevent voltage drop.
We recommend MC4 connectors for connecting the panels, as they are safe and waterproof. Make sure you mount the connectors properly, using the right tools. Proper assembly is very important to avoid fire risks. Ask us for advice or help!
Besides cables and connectors, the choice of charge controller is crucial. You can choose between a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) and a MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controller.
- Deal!
WATTSTUNDE MC4 Y connector set MC4.2 adapter
0 ReviewsOorspronkelijke prijs was: € 15,95.€ 12,95Huidige prijs is: € 12,95. - Deal!
WATTSTUNDE MC4 T-connector set MC4.3 adapter
0 ReviewsOorspronkelijke prijs was: € 24,95.€ 19,95Huidige prijs is: € 19,95. MVK 6mm² with connection cable solar panel to charge controller
0 ReviewsPrijsklasse: € 29,95 tot € 54,95Winkelmand Dit product heeft meerdere variaties. Deze optie kan gekozen worden op de productpagina
What is the difference between PWM and MPPT?
PWM controller
A PWM controller is a simple and affordable option, but less efficient. It works by switching the voltage of the solar panel equal to that of the battery. For example, if your solar panel delivers 18V and your battery is 12V, the excess voltage is simply removed, resulting in energy loss.
MPPT controller
An MPPT controller is much more efficient and sophisticated. The MPPT constantly looks for the maximum power point of the solar panel, so that the panel is always operating at its most efficient voltage and current, regardless of weather conditions. As a result, an MPPT controller can increase energy yield by as much as 30% increase compared to a PWM controller, especially at higher system voltages. Moreover, an MPPT automatically adjusts to both 12V as 24V battery banks.
What do the numbers on MPPTs mean?
You often see numbers such as "75 | 15" or "100 | 30" on MPPT controllers. This indicates two important features:
- The first number (e.g. 75) is the maximum PV voltage (Voc), meaning this is the maximum voltage the solar panel can reach under ideal conditions.
- The second number (e.g. 15) is the rated charging current, expressed in amperes.
It is important to choose a controller that suits your system.
Use the handy Victron Energy MPPT calculatorr.
Do you have specific questions or want tailor-made advice?
Feel free to send us an e-mail. We will be happy to help you make the right choice for your on-board situation.
Why choose a Victron SmartSolar MPPT?
To optimise a solar panel system such as the Lightleaf 110W, the Victron SmartSolar MPPT controller an excellent choice. These chargers are known for their high efficiency, reliability and smart features. Thanks to the built-in Bluetooth you can easily monitor the performance of your system and adjust settings via an app. If you have a Victron Cerbo and internet you can monitor it from anywhere, no matter where you are.
In addition, its Victron MPPTs designed for harsh marine environments, making them ideally suited for use at sea.
Do you have solar panels mounted on both port and starboard sides of your boat, for example on the sea rail? Then it makes sense to use two MPPT controllers. Due to different lighting conditions (such as shade on one side), two separate MPPTs can ensure that both panels deliver their maximum power independently, optimising energy yield.
Victron MPPTs
- Deal!
Victron SmartSolar MPPT 75/15 (12/24V)
0 ReviewsOorspronkelijke prijs was: € 99,00.€ 64,95Huidige prijs is: € 64,95. - Deal!
Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/20 (12/24/48V)
0 ReviewsOorspronkelijke prijs was: € 149,00.€ 89,00Huidige prijs is: € 89,00. - Deal!
Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/15 (12/24V)
0 ReviewsOorspronkelijke prijs was: € 159,00.€ 89,00Huidige prijs is: € 89,00. - Deal!
Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 (12/24V)
0 ReviewsOorspronkelijke prijs was: € 259,00.€ 139,00Huidige prijs is: € 139,00.
English (UK) 
Nederlands 
Deutsch 
Français 
Español 
Italiano 