Solar panels for summer use

Many boats and caravans are used mostly in the summer months- and even then only for a few weekends and perhaps a couple of longer holidays each year.

The power output of solar panels is much higher in summer than in winter, so solar panels are an excellent means of supplying power for summer-only holiday use. For a given power requirement, you'll get away with a solar panel array just a quarter the size of that you would need to produce the same amount of power in winter!

Typically, a single solar panel of around 60 to 80W is more than ample for day-to-day needs for lighting, water pump, radio, etc during the summer months. If you've got equipment that draws a lot of power you may find you need something bigger. Fridges are very power hungry for example; chart plotters or radars on yachts can also consume a lot. It's worth playing around with the solar calculator to get an idea of your needs.

One big benefit of fitting a solar panel is that it will also keep the batteries topped up while you are away, and during the winter. The batteries will last much longer if they are being steadily trickle-charged.

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