Is marine solar power really effective for boats kept in the marina?

Yes, for many boats. In a slip, a properly sized array charges the batteries during the day for loads such as the bilge pump, a refrigerator, electronics and security devices, so the boat relies less on shore power. Output depends on sun, shade and season, so we size the array from your loads.

Do you design custom solar systems or only install pre-made kits?

We design fully custom marine solar systems based on your boat type, available space, power consumption, and cruising habits. Every installation is tailored to maximize efficiency while maintaining safety, aesthetics, and proper marine electrical standards.

Can solar panels power air conditioning or large onboard appliances?

Not on their own. Solar suits lighting, electronics and refrigeration, but air conditioning and other high-draw appliances need far more power than the panels on most boats can make, so they run on shore power or a generator. Solar and a larger battery bank can help between generator runs, and we size the system from your actual loads.

What components are included in a marine solar installation?

A complete system typically includes marine-grade solar panels, MPPT charge controllers, proper wiring and fusing, battery integration, and system monitoring. We also ensure correct bonding and grounding to meet marine safety and corrosion-prevention standards.

Is the installation safe for saltwater and harsh marine conditions?

Yes. We use marine-rated, corrosion-resistant components made for salt air, and we follow ABYC practice for wiring, fusing and cable support to protect the installation from moisture, vibration and corrosion.

How long does a marine solar installation usually take?

It depends on the size of the system and how the panels are mounted; custom mounts, battery upgrades or an inverter add time. The written estimate you get before we start shows the expected hours.

Do you offer warranty and post-installation support?

Yes. Our workmanship is warranted for 90 days from the invoice date, and panels, charge controllers and batteries carry their manufacturers' own warranties, which vary by product. You get the product documents and a wiring diagram, and you can call us with questions after the install.

Marine technician installing sleek flexible solar panels on the hardtop of a yacht in Long Beach

Marine technician installing sleek flexible solar panels on the hardtop of a yacht in Long Beach (2)

Marine Solar Panel Design & Installation

Run your generator less. We design solar arrays sized to your daily power use, which help keep your batteries charged and your fridge cold at anchor without the noise.

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$150 /hr

Labor estimate Quoted after inspection

Book sends us a ticket; nothing is charged online. Before any work you get a written estimate for labor, parts and the trip fee, and nothing is done without your OK.

Trip fee By distance, one way: $30 in San Pedro, $50 in Long Beach

San Pedro$30
Wilmington, Terminal Island$40
Long Beach: Shoreline, Rainbow Harbor$50
Long Beach Marina, Alamitos Bay$60
Redondo Beach$60
Seal Beach, Huntington Harbour$75
Marina del Rey$85
Newport Beach$110

Farther away: $25 plus $2.50 a mile, one way from our San Pedro shop. No trip fee when the boat comes to our shop, or for plan members. The work of a visit is at least $150; the trip fee is on top.

Registered in California: Breeze Marine Boat Service LLC, San Pedro
Where we work: At your slip from Marina del Rey to Newport Beach, or in our San Pedro shop
Questions first: (213) 693-0224 or submit a ticket

About this service

Silent Freedom

Quiet Power.
Sized to Your Boat.

Plan your day less around generator run times. We design marine solar systems that help keep your batteries charged and your fridge cold at anchor, with an array sized to your daily use.

Custom Design

Every boat is different. For each boat solar installation, we conduct an energy audit to determine your daily amp-hour needs and design an array that fits your available space—whether on a hardtop, davits, or a custom arch.

High-Efficiency Panels

Space on a boat is precious. We use high-efficiency monocrystalline marine solar panels (like SunPower cells) that get the most watts from limited space, and we place them clear of shade from rigging, radar and antennas, because even partial shade cuts the output sharply.

MPPT Technology

We install smart MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) charge controllers from Victron Energy. They get more energy from the same panels than older PWM controllers, most of all in cool weather and when the panel voltage is well above the battery voltage.

The Installation Process.

Built to withstand the ocean environment.

Site Check & Energy Audit

We measure your available deck space, analyze potential shading from rigging, and calculate your daily power consumption to size the system correctly.

Mounting Fabrication

For rigid panels, we fabricate custom stainless steel or aluminum mounts for a boat solar arch or davits. Flexible bimini solar panels are adhered or zipped onto the canvas with extreme care.

Wiring & Glands

We run marine-grade PV wire through watertight deck glands (like Scanstrut). All connections are crimped, heat-shrunk, and protected with appropriate fusing.

Controller Setup

We install the Victron MPPT charge controller near your battery bank and program it with the exact charging profile for your specific battery chemistry (AGM, Gel, or Lithium).

Harvest the Sun.

Clean, professional, and powerful installations.

Custom polished stainless steel stern arch supporting three rigid solar panels on a cruising sailboat.

Clean installation of semi-flexible solar panels on a sailboat canvas with hidden wiring.

Clean marine wiring showing Victron MPPTs, cable ducting, and Blue Sea Systems fuse blocks.

System Options.

Tailored solutions for every vessel.

Rigid Panels Highest efficiency, durable glass/aluminum frame. Best for arches/hardtops.

Flexible Panels Lightweight, conform to curves; some are rated walkable. Best for deck or canvas mounting.

Controllers Victron SmartSolar MPPT with Bluetooth monitoring.

Common Questions

How much solar do I need?

It depends on your loads (fridge, autopilot, lights). A typical cruising sailboat might need 300W-600W to be energy independent at anchor in sunny conditions. We do an energy audit to size the array for your boat.

Can I walk on flexible panels?

Only on panels rated for it. Some flexible solar panels for boats can be walked on with soft-soled shoes, while stepping on others can crack the cells. If the panels go where people step, such as a flush deck on a powerboat or catamaran, we choose ones with that rating.

Power Your Freedom.

Get a quote for a custom solar array.

Start Solar Design

Working With Marine Solar Panel Installers

As marine solar panel installers, we start with your loads rather than a panel catalog. Make a note of what runs while you are away from the dock, such as the fridge, autopilot and lights, and how long you like to stay at anchor. That list drives the energy audit, which sets your daily amp-hour target and the size of the array.

Next we look at where panels can go: a hardtop, davits, a custom arch, or canvas and deck areas for flexible panels. Rigid panels get fabricated stainless steel or aluminum mounts, while flexible panels are adhered or zipped onto biminis. It also helps to tell us your battery type (AGM, Gel or Lithium), because the Victron MPPT controller is programmed with the charging profile for that chemistry.

Solar Power for Boats: Sailboats and Powerboats

Getting the most from solar power for boats means matching the array to how the boat is used. Mounting sailboat solar panels involves sharing space with the mast, boom and rigging, so shading is a key part of the site check, and davit or arch mounts often lift panels clear of the worst shadows. On powerboats, a hardtop or flush deck area usually offers more open surface.

Either way, we size the array from your energy audit rather than from the largest panel that will fit.