Alternative Power: Welcoming Our Timeand it’s Now

Description and use

The author built a solar‑battery system with a 2000 W inverter that supplied reliable power on a boat all summer without a generator.

Problem

Relying on generators for power on a boat requires hauling extra fuel and limits independence when away from shore power.

Outcome

The solar‑battery system provided reliable power for household appliances throughout the summer, eliminating the need for a generator or shore power.

Workflow

• 1. Purchased 120‑watt flexible solar panels from Amazon.
• 2. Bought 150Ah lithium batteries from AliExpress (price ~ $80).
• 3. Added a solar controller from AliExpress.
• 4. Fastened panels to the bimini with two‑sided Gorilla tape.
• 5. Ran wires into a battery box housing the controller and batteries.
• 6. Installed a 2000W inverter to run household items.
• 7. Operated the system all summer, topping off batteries only when necessary.

Evidence

I found a pair of 120‑watt flexible solar panels on Amazon. They were inexpensive, and I was skeptical. If I got 100 watts combined, I’d be happy. Sure enough, performance was okay—not great—but they met expectations.

Source

I went to AliExpress and found what looked like an amazing deal: 150Ah batteries for $22. Of course, that was the old bait‑and‑switch. By the time you clicked through the options, the real price was closer to $80. Buyer beware. Still, I bought them, and they paired up fine with the panels.

Source

Installation was simple. I used two‑sided Gorilla tape to fasten the panels to the bimini, ran the wires down into a battery box, and housed the controller and batteries there. All summer, the load on the batteries was solid. I never had to top them off with shore power—solar did the trick.

Source

For now, I’ve kept this system separate from the motor and house batteries. I also added a 2000W inverter, which let me run a number of household items on board. It’s good to know what’s possible.

Source