How to Install Solar Panels on Your Sailboat

We visited West Marine to grab the necessary supplies to install a new set of solar panels on a Passport 40 in Portland, Maine.

Cruising World Editor at Large Tim Murphy had a project pop up for his Passport 40 Billy Pilgrim, so he knew just where to go for supplies. Before getting started, Tim stopped at West Marine to pick up all of the gear he needed to install a new set of solar panels on his sailboat:

  • Solar Panels
  • Electronic Controller(s)
  • Cable (Duplex conductor, sized per ABYC)
  • Wire Terminals (preferably heat-shrink)
  • In-Line Fuse Holders (2 per panel)
  • Fuses
  • Cable Ties
  • Cable Loom

With the help of the pros at West Marine and Navtronics, Tim and the crew successfully installed new solar panels and is ready for his next journey aboard Billy Pilgrim.

Got a project? Need some supplies? Stop by your local West Marine or visit www.westmarine.com before getting started.