solar panels and electric motors for narrowboats and barges

The case for solar power on board
With fuel prices going up (doubling in five years) and solar panel prices falling (20 % lower than 2006) there has never been a better time to install solar power on board. The payback period is about 5 years when they are used to save power from a generator or engine. Each 80 Watt panel can save over 50 litres of fuel per year for many decades!

Electric boat propulsion
The Solar Boat Company design, supply and install electric propulsion systems for canal boats. We work with boat builders and boat owners to create electric narrowboats and barges used for cruising, as passenger boats or low impact homes. We can carryout installation work in Southern England or supply parts with instructions for installations further afield.

Suitable for any boat
We also supply and install solar panels, batteries, inverters etc. for conventionally powered boats. One 80 Watt panel will run a radio, a water pump and efficient lighting. Get another if you have a tv or laptop habit and a third if you have an electric fridge, and a few more for larger boat-holds or to live from solar power over the winter. Electrically propelled narrowboats with over 800 Watts of solar charge can be considered a solar powered boat.