Italian PV module manufacturer Solbian has unveiled a new solar kit designed for installation on boat davits.
“The solution provides both recreational sailors and marine professionals with a simple and efficient way to generate renewable energy on board, making use of surfaces that often go unused,” a company spokesperson told pv magazine.
The SunBoard kit features Solbian’s first rigid-frame module, engineered to provide a stable, deformation-free surface for davit installation. The panel is securely fastened to the upper davit and stanchions using ropes attached to perimeter eyelets, ensuring maximum stability even during storage or in strong gusts of wind, according to the company. The lower edge of the module is mounted on an aluminum rod with sliding clips, allowing the panel to be positioned and tilted between 0° and 90° for optimal sun exposure.
The solar module is available in two variants, SunBoard Kit S and SunBoard Kit M, both using high-efficiency SunPower Maxeon back-contact cells. Kit S delivers 80 W of power with a conversion efficiency of 24.0%, measuring 670 mm × 535 mm × 10 mm and weighing 2.2 kg. The larger Kit M produces 108 W at 24.4 % efficiency, sharing the same footprint as Kit S but slightly heavier at 2.8 kg.
Electrical specifications include maximum power voltages of 14 V (Kit S) and 19 V (Kit M), with currents at maximum power of 5.7 A. Open-circuit voltages are 16.7 V and 22.5 V, while short-circuit currents are 6 A. The panels operate in temperatures ranging from -40 C to 85 C, with a temperature coefficient of -0.27 %/C.
Each panel features 5 mm eyelets for secure attachment and dual junction boxes compatible with MC4 connectors, available in both port and starboard versions. Optional accessories include extension cables and deck penetrations. The system supports a maximum voltage of 1,000 V and a reverse current rating of 12 A, with a five-year manufacturer warranty.
According to Solbian, the kit is also engineered to withstand wind speeds of up to 25 m/s, making it a robust and flexible solution for on-board solar power generation.
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