Whether you're spending weekends exploring the coast or heading away for longer trips, a reliable electrical system can make all the difference. Installing a solar charging system helps keep your batteries topped up, reduces reliance on shore power and generators, and gives you greater confidence when you're out on the water.

In this video, Ethan (ESB Offshore) documents the complete installation of dual solar panels, MPPT solar controller and battery monitor on his launch. From mounting the solar panels through to wiring and testing the finished system, he shares the process, the challenges and the practical tips he learned along the way.

Whether you're planning your own installation or simply wanting to understand how a marine solar system works, this video is well worth watching.

Video created by Ethan and shared with permission.

If you're considering adding solar to your boat, this walkthrough provides an honest, real-world look at the installation process from start to finish. Rather than simply explaining the theory, Ethan shows each stage of the project, making it easier to understand how all the components work together.

The solar panel is the starting point of the charging system, converting sunlight into usable electrical energy to help recharge your boat's batteries.

When installing marine solar panels, factors such as panel location, available sunlight, mounting options and cable routing all need to be considered. A well-planned installation helps maximise performance while ensuring the system remains practical for everyday boating.

The Victron MPPT solar controller plays a key role in managing the power generated by the solar panel.

MPPT stands for Maximum Power Point Tracking, a technology designed to optimise the energy harvested from solar panels by constantly adjusting to changing conditions. This helps maximise charging efficiency, particularly when sunlight levels vary throughout the day.

During the installation, Ethan demonstrates how the Victron MPPT controller is incorporated into the boat's electrical system, including the connections required between the solar panel, controller and battery bank.

Understanding how much power you have available is just as important as generating it.

The Victron Battery Monitor provides accurate information about your battery bank by measuring the current flowing into and out of the batteries through its integrated shunt.

Unlike simply checking battery voltage, a shunt-based monitoring system provides a much clearer picture of your battery's actual state of charge, helping you understand:

• How much power you're using
• How much charge is available
• How quickly batteries are charging
• How long your battery bank can support your onboard equipment

For boat owners spending extended periods away from shore power, having accurate battery information can make managing energy consumption much easier.

A marine solar setup is made up of several components that all work together:

Solar Panels → Victron MPPT Controller → Battery Bank → Victron Battery Monitor

The solar panels generate power, the MPPT controller regulates and optimises the charging process, and the battery monitor provides visibility over how energy is being stored and used.

Together, these components create a more efficient and manageable onboard power system.

Victron Energy is widely used in marine, RV and off-grid applications due to its reliable electrical equipment and extensive range of monitoring and charging solutions.

For boat owners, products such as Victron MPPT controllers and battery monitors provide greater control over energy management, helping ensure your onboard electrical system performs efficiently. Whether you're upgrading a trailer boat or building a larger launch setup, selecting reliable components is an important part of creating a dependable system.

A Victron solar setup can be a valuable upgrade for many different vessels, including:

• Launches
• Cabin boats
• Trailer boats
• Fishing boats

The ideal setup will depend on your battery capacity, power requirements, available space and how you use your boat.

For example, someone heading out for weekend fishing trips may have very different requirements compared with someone spending weeks cruising away from shore power.

Adding solar to your boat is one of the best ways to improve your onboard independence and better manage your electrical system. By combining a quality solar panel, Victron MPPT controller and Victron Battery Monitor, boat owners can generate power, optimise charging and keep a close eye on their battery usage. Ethan's installation provides a great real-world example of how these components can be integrated into a launch and is a valuable resource for anyone considering a similar upgrade.

This installation guide was created by Ethan (ESB Offshore) and is shared with permission. It documents a real-world solar upgrade on a New Zealand launch using products available from Burnsco. You can follow the full rebuild and refit of Ethans' boat 'Outnumbered' on his YouTube channel - ESB Offshore or on Instagram ESB Offshore.

Do you have any questions?

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We provide general information on products, not personal advice. Always seek the help of a relevant tradesperson if you have a technical query.