Wind, solar, hydrogenerator, generator set… Which energy solution for your pleasure boat ?

If pleasure boat market solar energy is fashionable, but many people overestimate its efficiency. Indeed, the space on board of pleasure boats is limited and installing solar panels on a few square meters does not allow to be self-sufficient. Wind power, hydro generator, generator set... Fortunately, there are several other solutions to produce energy on board of pleasure boats. Discover them in this article!
Why the choice of power source is so important on pleasure boat ?
A pleasure boat, even if it can use the wind’s power to sail (like a sailboat), constantly needs energy. Navigation lights, on-board lighting, refrigeration... Many electrical consumers require constant power. If you have added additional electrical devices to your boat, you will need larger service battery capacity.
As a reminder, marine batteries, like all batteries, should not be deeply discharged. It is therefore important to maintain these batteries at a minimum level of charge. To know this level, refer to the value indicated on the label.
Charging batteries using engine alternators is not recommended for several reasons :
- A higher fuel engine consumption with an increase in energy cost per kwh produced
- Alternators often unsuitable to fully charge your battery pack due to the poor alternator regulation
- A degradation of the diesel engine which is not designed to operate below its nominal power
To ensure optimal and continuous operation of all your electrical equipment, the choice of charging your batteries while sailing is essential. Renewable energies are a solution to overcome the difficulties of conventional charging. Several alternatives are available to you:
- Wind generators
- Solar panels
- Hydro-generators
- Genset
- Fuel cell
What are the different options for energy production on board ?
Whether they are part of renewable energies or not, each energy production solution has its advantages and disadvantages.
Wind generators
Wind turbine uses blades to collect wind’s kinetic energy. The marine wind turbine is fixed on a vertical support, often overhead in the cockpit. It can ideally be associated with a solar panel.
Wind turbine advantages :
- A smooth and constant energy production while sailing or anchored. It will prevent battery deep discharge. Associated with solar panel as hybrid system it could prevent battery self-discharge during winterizing.
- Easy installation and operation
- Very affordable installation cost
Wind turbine disadvantages :
- Installation must be done carefully in order to avoid any vibrations. Vibrations can increase with the speed of blades rotation
- Could be noisy.
- Wind turbines are not suitable for all situations. Wind speeds between 10 and 15 knots are required for proper operation
Solar panels
Solar cells convert sunlight into electrical energy through photovoltaic (PV) panel. The assembly of tens of cells constitutes the complete solar panel.
PV panel advantages :
- Can prevent battery self-discharge and charge service battery. The PV panels will operate while sailing anchoring.
- Virtually maintenance free.- Suitable for sailing boats, catamarans (power & sail).
- Several price ranges.
PV panel disadvantages :
- Need sun to operate. Efficiency drops with cloudy sky.
- Special supports are required. In this regard, please pay attention to the mounting recommendations because of the high risk of heating between the deck and the solar panel.
- PV Solar panel requires space. A dedicated support could be necessary, especially on catamarans.
Hydrogenerators
Recent technology developed in the world of ocean racing. The hydrogenerator uses the boat displacement to produce electricity thanks an underwater propeller. Output power will depends on boat speed. A minimal speed of 4 to 5 knots is required to start production.
Hydrogenerator advantages:
- Efficient to charge batteries while sailing
- Unlimited power source
- Quiet, lightweight and living space savings
Hydrogenerators disadvantages :
- Quite expensive, price between 3000 and 6500 euros.
- Does not operate when boat is anchored.
Portable genset
Portable generators provides electricity by running a gas engine that turns an on-bord alternators to generate AC and/or DC power.
Portable genset advantages :
- Provide AC power from 2000 W to 4000 W. Ideal to run small AC appliances or AC battery charger. Some units features a DC output for direct charging.
- Cost effective. Portable genset cost may varies from 500€ to 2000€ based on wattage.
Portable genset disadvantages :
- Need gas to run.
- Noisy, exhaust
- Limited use.
Fuellcell
The direct methanol fuell cell (DMFC) was originally developed by Nasa. It’s an electrochemical energy conversion device that converts chemical energy from liquid methanol into electrical energy. Output power starts from 40w till 125w for dedicated mobile products.
Fuelcell advantages:
- Fully automatic and maintenance free (no moving parts)
- Environmentally friendly
- Quiet, lightweight and living space savings
Fuelcell disadvantages :
- Need methanol to operate
- Quite expensive. Price may varies from 3000 to 6000€ based on power rating
How choosing the best power production options for your boat ?
As you can see, there are many alternatives to produce energy for your pleasure boat and all energy production solutions have advantages and disadvantages.
To choose the best options , you must pay attention to several criteria :
- Your energy needs associated with the number of people on board
- Your sailing program (day trip, multi-day cruise at sea)
- The weather conditions of the region where you will be sailing
Then, you must take into account all the criteria of charging solutions and ask yourself if you will be able to cope with their problems:
- A solar panel does not work in cloudy wheather. Its support must be orientable.
- The prices of hydro-generators are high.
- To be efficient, a wind turbine must be associated with a charge controller.
- And so on.
Finally, you should know that if you want a better performance, you can combine several energy sources. Hybridation of several production sources is often the most judicious choice on board. However, this requires a certain investment, spaces and a good knowledge of these systems.
To meet the needs and challenges of pleasure boats, Dolphin Charger offers 4 ranges of ultra-compact and water-resistant battery chargers. They are adapted to all uses, for pleasure boating or professional use. Want to know more about our charging offers? Contact us! We will respond to all your requests as soon as possible.
