Finding the best marine solar panels is essential to any DIY solar setup. These marine solar panels are highly efficient and can generate a large amount of energy in a short amount of time. Since they are so essential to off-grid power we had to write an in-depth review of the top marine solar panels.
Down below are the best products to choose from. Just remember that your energy usage usually determines which product to choose from. So if you need a lot of power then try to make sure to buy kits with the most amount of solar panels possible.
Marine Solar Panel Comparison Guide
| Picture: | Name | Technical Details: | Power: | Price: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | ALLPOWERS Marine Solar Panel | - 5.5 Pounds - 42.2 x 24.3 x 4.3 Inches - Mono-crystalline | 100 Watts | $$ |
  | HQST Marine Solar Panel | - 4 Pounds - 41 x 21 x 0.2 Inches - Mono-crystalline | 100 Watts | $$ |
  | Renogy Marine Solar Panel Kit | - 16.5 Pounds - 47 × 21.3 × 1.5 Inches - Mono-crystalline | 100 Watts | $$ |
  | HQST Marine Solar Panel Kit | - 16 Pounds - 41 x 21 x 3 Inches - Mono-crystalline | 200 Watts | $$$ |
  | Suaoki Marine Solar Panel | - 2.6 Pounds - 23.5 x 22.4 x 0.1 Inches - Mono-crystalline | 50 Watts | $ |
The Best Marine Solar Panels
1. ALLPOWERS Marine Solar Panel
First on the list is the ALLPOWERS marine solar panel. This high efficient panel is perfect for boats as it’s flexible and can be formed to an irregular service. Making it perfect for marine vehicles as it can curve to the walls or roof.
The ALLPOWERS uses mono-crystalline cells to generate electricity. These cells are highly efficient and generate more energy than any other type of solar panel on the market. In total the panel produces 100W and has an efficiency rate of 23.5%.
Since the panel is flexible it is not built with glass. Instead, the panel is coated with a durable laminate. This laminate cannot shatter and protects the cells from the wear and tear of the outdoors.
The laminate also allows the panel to be extremely flexible and can be bent to a maximum of a 30 degree arc. Making it perfect uneven surfaces that many boats have.
In regards to durability the ALLPOWERS is pretty good. Its weatherproof and can handle heavy rains. The laminate also protects the panel from dirt and debris. The only negative thing about it is that the laminate isn’t the best when protecting against impact. So large hail storms might damage the cells of the panel.
In the end the ALLPOWERS marine solar panel is a great product. It’s extremely light and very easy to install. In addition its flexible nature makes it ideal to irregular surfaces on boats. Just keep in mind this isn’t a full kit. You will need to purchase other equipment to make this a complete solar system.
- Very light and portable design.
- Coated with durable laminate.
- Can be bent to a 30 degree arc.
- Not a complete kit.
Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 42.2 x 24.3 x 4.3 Inches
Weight: 5.5 Pounds
Power: 100 Watts
Panel Type: Mono-crystalline
2. HQST Marine Solar Panel
Next on the review is the HQST marine solar panel. This is another popular flexible solar panel on the market. This is because of its high energy efficiency and durable design.
The HQST solar panel uses high quality materials and thus has a great power output. It produces 100W of power at 12V. It’s a mono-crystalline panel which means it utilizes the most efficient solar technology available.
The mono-crystalline cells are laminated into a thin plastic sheet. This sheet provides for excellent flexibility and durability. Along with this the laminate design is extremely thin and only weighs a total of 4 pounds.
While this panel isn’t as durable as traditional aluminum solar panels, it doesn’t shatter and is extremely light. The only negative aspect about this design is that the cells themselves can break and the laminate is susceptible to being cut by sharp objects.
One thing to keep in mind is that this isn’t a full kit. This product is simply the panel itself. Meaning you will need to buy other products to make it a complete solar system. This panel is also more expensive than traditional solar panels which will increase your overall cost.
Overall the HQST marine solar panel is perfect for simple and easy solar generation. It can be installed in a few hours on irregular surfaces. The only negative is that it’s not as durable as traditional solar panels and is slightly more expensive.
- Extremely portable and light.
- Can’t shatter like traditional solar panels.
- Super efficient and powerful.
- Only comes with the panel itself.
Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 41 x 21 x 0.2 Inches
Weight: 4 Pounds
Power: 100 Watts
Panel Type: Mono-crystalline
3. Renogy Marine Solar Panel Kit
The Renogy marine solar panel kit is next on the list. This particular product is perfect for starting or expanding your current solar system. It’s very powerful and comes with almost everything you need to start generating solar energy.
The Renogy kit comes with a powerful 100W mono-crystalline solar panel. This panel is highly efficient and is one of the best on the market. In addition very durable as its built with an aluminum frame and quality tempered glass.
This package also comes with a 30 Amp PWM charge controller. This quality charge controller easy transfers the power into battery packs. It can also be expanded to a total of 400W.
Meaning you can buy more solar panels and generate more energy if needed.
This kit also comes with the necessary equipment to install the solar panels. This includes mounting brackets and power cords. Installation is really quick and can be accomplished within a few hours.
Overall the Renogy marine solar panel kit is a perfect option when going solar. It has most of the equipment you will need to build a solar system and is around the same cost as the above flexible solar panels. It’s a quality product and provides a lot of value for a small price.
- Uses a high quality mono-crystalline solar panel.
- Comes with quality a charge controller.
- Same price as above solar panel.
- None.
Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 47 × 21.3 × 1.5 Inches
Weight: 16.5 Pounds
Power: 100 Watts
Panel Type: Mono-crystalline
4. HQST Marine Solar Panel Kit
Next on the list is the HQST marine solar panel kit. This is one of the very few flexible solar kits on the market. Making it a great option as you can get most of the items you need to make a solar system.
This particular product comes with two 100W solar panels. These mono-crystalline solar are highly efficient and can generate a large amount of energy with a small area of space.
Both of these panels are flexible and are laminated with a durable plastic sheet. This laminate makes the panels very light and flexible to a 30 degree arc.
Included with this kit is a 20Amp PWM charge controller. This charge controller converts the energy from the solar panels and stores it in large batteries. If needed you can also purchase more solar panels and produce a total of 480W with this charge controller.
Since this kit uses flexible solar panels it doesn’t come with mounting brackets as they are not necessary. It does come with 8ft. tray cables, 20ft. MC4 Adaptor Kit, 1.5ft 12AWG MC4 solar extension cables, and MC4 branch connectors.
In the end the HQST marine solar panel kit perfect if you need to generate a large amount of energy. The flexible solar panels can easily be installed on irregular surfaces which make them ideal for boats. We highly recommend this kit and advise you to learn more.
- Generates 200W of energy.
- One of the only flexible solar kit on the market.
- Can be expanded if needed.
- None.
Product Dimensions: 41 x 21 x 3 Inches
Weight: 16 Pounds
Power: 200 Watts
Panel Type: Mono-crystalline
5. Suaoki Marine Solar Panel
Last on the review is the Suaoki marine solar panel. This particular product is perfect if you only have a small amount space to work with. Its super small and can still generate a decent amount of energy.
The Suaoki solar panel is uses mono-crystalline solar cells to generate energy. These cells are highly efficient and have a top conversion rate of 25%. This rate is very high and one of the best in the industry.
The panel itself is very small and portable. Its only 0.1 inches thick and weighs only 2.6 pounds. This portability makes it ideal when transporting or installing the device.
Since this is a flexible solar panel it doesn’t use glass or an aluminum frame. Instead, it uses a durable laminate sheet and can be bent to 30 degree arc. This flexibility makes it perfect when installing on irregular surfaces.
On the edge of the panel is a total of 8 metal rings. These corrosion-proof rings allow you to hang the solar panel on a rope or install it on a hard surface.
Overall the Suaoki marine solar panel is good if you don’t need to generate a large amount of energy. Its efficiency and small size make it perfect or minimal energy usage. So check out this product as it might be perfect for you.
- Extremely high energy conversion rate.
- Small and portable design.
- Doesn’t produce a lot of energy.
Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 23.5 x 22.4 x 0.1 Inches
Weight: 2.6 Pounds
Power: 50 Watts
Panel Type: Mono-crystalline
Marine Solar Panel Benefits
Like RV solar, marine solar panels are becoming very popular as time passes by. This because the many benefits these panels provide. They are extremely handy and are perfect for when on the water for a day or a few weeks. Down below we list their benefits and why you should purchase them yourself.
The first benefit is that solar panels are good for the environment. Solar panels don’t produce harmful wastes like gas generators. Instead, they simply convert the energy from the sun into clean useable energy. To make it even better this energy is completely free and there is an unlimited amount of it.
Another benefit of marine solar panels is that they are super durable and very easy to install. These panels are built to last the wear and tear of the outdoors. Some also come with long warranties to ensure your investment last. Their installation process is quick and should only take a few hours.
The last benefit of marine solar panels is the benefit of freedom. What we I mean by this is the freedom to go anywhere on the water while still having power. As long as there is sun shining you will have energy to power your fridge, heater, light, and etc. Meaning you can go on the water for weeks without running out of energy.
In the end marine solar panels can benefit any boat they are installed on. They allow you to generate power anywhere the sun is shining. Making it possible to live off your boat for weeks if not months. We highly recommend these products and advise your to purchase them yourself.