Power from horizontal solar panels

Hi. We wish to use solar panels on the roof of a narrow boat, but we do not want to be turning and tilting these panels. So they will be horizontal.  Is it better to use the polycrystalline or amorphous panels in this situation? Regards, Jim.

Hi Jim,

It doesn't make a great deal of difference to be honest - with almost any panel you will reduce the output by about 1/3 in UK latitudes by keeping it horizontal. But personally it's exactly what I do on my own narrowboat - I reckon the saving in hassle in not having to reposition the panels every time I move is worth the small reduction in power!

 

The Unisolar panels (both the framed and adhesive-backed versions) do perform a little better in indirect light than crystalline panels such as the BP Solar and Kyocera panels, so might give you a tiny bit more power in a horizontal position. I would particularly recommend the adhesive-backed panels as a great solution for narrowboats. They are more expensive, but they are extremely easy to fit, virtually indestructible, and look fantastic.

 

hope that helps