The upgrade every boater needs this summer: Solar panels

Picture this: You're anchored in a secluded cove, the sun is blazing overhead, and your friends are already complaining about the heat. But while they're rationing ice and debating whether to fire up that noisy generator, you're sitting pretty with ice-cold drinks, a humming fan, and your phone at 100% battery.

The secret? You went solar.

The right marine solar setup can power everything from your fridge to your sound system without burning a drop of fuel or making a peep of noise. Solar technology has reached a sweet spot for marine applications, with modern panels achieving up to 25% efficiency while costs have dropped significantly.

Solar flips the script on boat power entirely. After the initial investment, your electricity is essentially free—no noise, no fumes, no fuel costs.

You’ll need more than just solar panels to actually power your essentials—but choosing the right solar setup for your boat doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. With just four key components, you can keep your boat powered and ready for your next adventure:

• Solar panels capture sunlight and turn it into electricity while withstanding saltwater spray and boat movement.

• A charge controller manages power flow and protects your battery and devices from the constant voltage fluctuations that happen on boats.

• A battery stores electricity for reliability.

• An inverter converts stored battery power into electricity that can run boat appliances, electronics, and lighting.

We reviewed solar kits for boats based on their performance, ease of installation, and value—here’s what made the top three.

BougeRV’s complete solar kit: Best overall

Best for: Most boat owners who want the maximum power possible and are willing to invest in premium performance.

BougeRV takes the top spot because it squeezes every bit of power from the sun. The secret is its smart charge controller, which adjusts throughout the day to capture maximum energy. This is especially helpful on those partly cloudy days when you need every watt. Everything connects through one smartphone app, so you can monitor your power from anywhere on the boat. Think of it as having a smart home system for your marine electrical needs.

The system includes one 200-watt panel, a battery that stores enough power for a weekend of boating, and an inverter that converts your stored power into regular household electricity to run a coffee maker, charge laptops, or power lights.

Buy the BougeRV complete kit ($700)

Renogy’s flexible solar panel system: The flexible option

Best for: Boats with curved decks, smaller vessels where weight matters, or situations where you can't drill mounting holes.

If your boat has curves, rounded surfaces, or limited flat space, Renogy is your answer. Their flexible solar panel bends and curves like a thick blanket—it can actually flex in a complete circle if needed. At just over four pounds, it's incredibly lightweight and installs with strong marine adhesive instead of drilling holes in your boat. This makes installation a breeze, especially for boats where traditional rigid panels simply won't fit.

The trade-off is a simpler charge controller that won't capture quite as much power as our top pick, but it's specifically designed to work perfectly with their battery. You'll need to buy six separate components, but they all work together seamlessly and come with Renogy's solid warranty support.

Buy Renogy components:

• 200W flexible solar panel ($252)

• Wanderer Li 30A PWM charge controller ($25)

• Solar cable kit ($14)

• MC4 adapter kit ($30)

• 100Ah LiFePO4 battery ($240)

• 1000W pure sine wave inverter ($170)

ECO-WORTHY’s rigid solar panel kit: The budget champion

Best for: Budget-conscious boat owners with flat mounting surfaces who don't mind spending extra time on installation.

ECO-WORTHY proves you don't need to break the bank to get reliable solar power on your boat. This system delivers solid, dependable performance at the lowest price point of our three picks. You get two 100-watt rigid panels, a long-lasting battery, and actually the most powerful inverter of the bunch: 1,100 watts compared to 1,000 watts for the others, which provides a bit more power.

The charge controller uses simpler technology than our top pick, which means it won't capture quite as much power from available sunlight. Installation also requires more work since you'll need to mount two rigid panels with brackets and hardware. But if you're comfortable with basic DIY work and want to save money while still getting reliable power, this system delivers.

Buy ECO-WORTHY components:

• 200W solar panel kit with charge controller ($190)

• 100Ah LiFePO4 battery ($189)

• 1100W pure sine wave inverter ($170)

Comparing solar panel kits for boats

*As of June 27, 2025

A 100-watt panel in 5 hours of direct sunlight produces approximately 500 watt-hours (Wh). This means a 100W system covers a laptop and lighting, 200W handles a small fridge plus fans, and 400W+ powers multiple high-draw appliances.

Calculate your daily energy needs from the table below, adding a 20-30% buffer for cloudy days and system inefficiencies.

• Match panels to your boat type: Sailboats benefit from flexible panels on biminis and rigid panels on arches. Powerboats typically get better efficiency-to-space ratios with rigid panels. Small boats gain flexibility with portable systems.

• Prioritize efficiency in limited space: Premium panels cost more upfront but generate more power per square foot—crucial in space-constrained marine environments. Budget panels work well when you have ample mounting area.

• Consider your installation skills: Flexible panels and portable systems are typically DIY-friendly with basic electrical knowledge. If you're planning rigid panel mounting on arches or davits and don’t have any electrical experience, you might want to factor in professional installation costs.

• Marine-grade requirements: Look for IP65+ waterproof ratings on all outdoor components. Saltwater environments demand corrosion-resistant materials and proper grounding. Avoid panels without marine-specific certifications.

• Federal tax credit note: The 30% residential clean energy tax credit may apply to boats that qualify as dwelling units—specifically those with sleeping, cooking, and sanitation facilities that serve as a residence, though Congress has proposed changes affecting systems installed in 2026. This is a complex area of tax law with specific requirements, so we recommend consulting a tax professional for your specific situation.

Marine solar has evolved from luxury to a practical necessity. With panels becoming more efficient and affordable, there's never been a better time to harness the sun for your marine adventures.

Start by calculating your power needs using our consumption guide, then choose a system matching your boat's layout and budget. Whether you need flexible panels for easy installation, rigid panels for maximum efficiency, or portable systems for flexibility, you'll have years of free electricity from the sun.

Thinking about going solar on land, too? The same solar technology that powers your boat can slash your electricity bills at your house.