Marine Solar Seattle
our approved installers are experts in Seattle marine solar installations.
The Best Marine Solar Panel Available
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We partner with expert solar installers in Seattle to provide expert marine solar installations.
Custom Marine Solar
- Maximum Power: Custom PV modules allow for maximum solar potential. Solar that follows the curves and unique shapes of your vessel allow for more power generation.
- Seamless Integration: Wires located beneath solar panels allows for enhanced aesthetics and seamless integration. Fully walkable with non-slip and matte gloss finishing.
- Increased Efficiency: Engineered unique to your vessel. Bypass diode placement, and a wiring strategy that will lead to increased efficiency.
Our Approach to Custom Solar
When you want to install solar on your boat in Seattle, choose the best installers, and the best technology.
We chose our service partners to join our exclusive network for a reason, they are the best in this emerging field of marine solar installations. Our partners chose us, because they know Open Waters Solar is the best marine solar technology available.
Choose Custom Marine Solar in Seattle
Marine Solar FAQ – Seattle
When you're cruising around the Pacific North West solar power is the smartest way to stay charged at sea. Below are the most common questions we get about marine solar systems.
Q: How efficient are marine solar panels?
Top-tier panels now use Maxeon Gen III cells with around 23–24% cell efficiency. On a full panel basis (including spacing and borders), real-world efficiency lands closer to 21–22%, or about 210–215W per square metre. Be cautious—many brands only list cell efficiency, not panel output after plastic layers and framing.
Q: Do marine solar panels work in cloudy weather?
Yes. Solar panels generate power from visible light, not just direct sun. On overcast days, you can still expect 20%–60% of your peak output, depending on cloud density. Cooler temperatures and wind improve performance. Seattle for the win!
Q: What’s the lifespan of marine solar systems?
Quality marine solar panels degrade slowly—often less than 0.3% per year. A good composite or glass panel can last 20–30 years, especially if installed correctly and protected from physical damage. Durability is key in harsh saltwater environments.
Q: Will marine adhesives or mounting affect output?
Not if done right, and our partners in Seattle do it right. Marine-grade adhesives permanently bond panels to fiberglass or metal surfaces. Flush or embedded mounting is ideal for minimizing drag and tripping hazards.
Q: How do these panels connect?
Most custom marine setups use rear-wired panels in a daisy-chained series or series-parallel configuration. These feed into an MPPT solar controller, which then charges your battery bank. Panel wiring can be customized to your deck layout, and bypass diodes help keep output stable—even with partial shading.
Q: Do I need to clean the panels regularly?
Not usually. Rain and sea spray help keep panels clean. Occasional rinsing when docked is plenty unless you’re in extremely salty or dusty conditions.
Q: Does salt reduce solar performance?
Not significantly. Marine-grade panels are designed to resist corrosion and maintain performance. Regular wash-downs or rain typically handle any salt accumulation.
Q: Don’t black panels get too hot?
They do heat up, but advanced cells like Maxeon handle heat well, losing only -0.29% power per °C rise. A flush install with good airflow or boat movement acts as natural cooling, keeping performance steady.
Q: What’s the average daily output?
In a place like Seattle, on sunny days, multiply the panel wattage by 5 to estimate daily production. A 100W panel can generate around 400–600Wh/day. Cloudy or mixed weather will yield less, but still useful output.
Q: Can you support 24V or 48V systems?
Absolutely. Marine solar systems can run from 12V all the way to 48V+. Higher voltages are common on electric propulsion systems or when charging lithium banks. Make sure your controller and wiring are rated appropriately. This will all be expertly handled by your local installer.
Q: Do marine solar systems include batteries or inverters?
Yes. Your local service partner will provide the full installation of batteries, fuses, inverters, and beyond.
Q: Is marine solar hard to install?
It depends on your experience. Many boaters in Seattle install their systems using DIY kits. But there are real risks—poor wiring can lead to system failure, equipment damage, or even fire. If terms like voltage, current, watts, and load calculations aren't familiar to you, we strongly recommend working with a qualified installer.
