Solar Powered Boat Lift
Last weekend, we were enjoying the sunshine near Olympia, Washington. I noticed a small solar powered device next to the boat lift on my parents’ dock. Yes, in often rainy, cloudy Washington, there is still plenty of UV light for a solar powered boat lift.
In fact, many marine speciality stores and websites offer a range of solar powered items for boat enthusiasts. A smaller battery is positioned on the dock or canopy where it will be exposed to as much sunlight as possible (avoid shady areas and those covered by vegetation). Solar panels cover the battery component and recharge it by converting the direct current of solar energy.
Whether you need energy to lift your boat out of the water with a hydraulic system, provide solar dock lighting, or power a security system, solar energy and boating go together well. And, when you invest in solar energy, you may be eligible for a renewable energy tax rebate to help defray costs.
What kind of system will you need? Here is an example from Solar Boat Dock for a single solar powered boat lift:
Solar Boat Dock one lift Assumptions.
Lift Power Usage
Lift Amps 6
Lift Wattage 720
AC voltage 120Used over the weekend for 20 minutes or to make 4 lifts.
Wattage used over weekend 240w
Amps Used at 12 volts 20a12 volt load while lift is running 60 amp
Recommended Inverter Size 1000 watts 12 volt inverter
Recommended Battery Bank Size 240 amp-hour at 50% discharge
Battery bank run time 2 hoursRequired Solar power in Wattage 288
Recommended solar wattage with 12% power loss 322.56Recommended charge controller size in amps 26.88.
Solar Power and Boating go together
If you are not sure what type of solar powered system you’ll need, just talk to a sales representative. They can explain amps and wattage in simple terms. Many can even help you with the paperwork associated with securing a tax credit or rebate.
Solar powered boat lifts are available in a range of sizes and prices to accommodate all types of boats and even personal watercraft (jet skis).
Let’s face it – you will normally enjoy recreational boating on sunny days. It makes sense to use solar energy as part of the experience. Avoid running electric lines to your dock, or worrying whether you need to recharge your battery. With regular UV light exposure, a solar powered system will reliably operate to help lift your boat out of the water (and lower it back in).
Now, get out and enjoy the sun!
Tags: solar boating, solar dock light, solar powered boat lift, solar security
What would a solar power system as described above cost (not including lift) ? Thanks, Mike
The above request was for the cost of the solar power equipment for the boat lift. Thanks, Mike
Solar Power for Houses
A basic solar installation from a retailer can take 30 years to pay back and cost you well over $20,000?
I just made my own solar panel. It was so simple and looks just like a bought panel.
I managed to build 4 solar panels for under $200!
Residential solar electric systems
For more datailed information please visit: http://tinyurl.com/ygcsoay
We are interested in your solar powered boat lifts. Could you tell us how much they cost? We are a marine construction company and they are a great idea for clients who have a steep hill or a long distance to the water
Hey,
Awesome! Love your article, thank you for writing this.
-David
p.s. I just wrote one as well here at homemade electricity.
Mike, the price can vary. I suggest shopping around but to do what is listed would run around 400.00 not 20000 like john states, (he just wants you to buy his book. Take a look, all you should need is about 45 watts solar panel and may be able to get away with 30. A rechargable battery and an invertere able to handle teh 6 amps typically a 1000 watt unit.
I recently purchased a solar charging kit for my boat lift. I am using it on my shorestation along with a Lift Tech boat lift motor.I use the lift about 4-5 weekly and the solar kit that used is a 10watt panel made by Lake Lite.It has worked trouble free since I started using it. I was able to find the kit after shopping around for $240.00 with a battery tray at boatliftanddock.com. It was money well spent in my opinion.
I am interested in becoming a rep for this, or selling them and installing them. let me know if this is Leave a Reply
possible.