Off the Grid

Off-grid sailing offers freedom, but requires reliable systems for energy and water. In this article we discuss four important technologies that are essential for both sailors and powerboaters: lithium batteries, solar panels, high output alternators and watermakers.

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Off grid

Lithium batteries

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Lithium-ion batteries are the backbone of any off-grid power supply. They have several advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries. First of all, lithium batteries are lighter, which means they add less weight to your boat—since every pound counts on a boat. They also have a much longer lifespan and can be discharged deeper without damage, meaning you get more usable energy per charge.

A typical lead acid battery can only be discharged to 50%, while lithium batteries can safely discharge to 80-90%. This makes lithium ideal for long-term off-grid sailing. Although the initial investment is higher, it pays for itself through longer life and better efficiency.

Read more about: the power of the right battery

Solar panels

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Solar panels are an idealthe way to generate energy while sailing or at anchor.

They are quiet, require little maintenance and can be installed in various locations on board, such as on the deck or bimini. Modern solar panels are also lightweight and flexible, making them a good fit for the curved surfaces of a boat.

The capacity you need depends on your power consumption. Calculate your daily energy needs (for example for lighting, navigation, refrigerator, etc.) and determine how many solar panels you need based on that. In combination with lithium batteries, with a good solar panel system you can be independent of shore power for days, or even weeks.

Learn more about solar panels and MPPTs

High output alternators

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A high output alternator, driven by the engine, is an efficient way to quickly generate large amounts of power while sailing.

Standard alternators often don’t provide enough power to support modern energy needs, especially for a full off-grid setup. However, high-amp alternators can provide more power, which is ideal for quickly charging lithium batteries while engineing.
Read more about High output alternators here.

These dynamos can be especially useful in cloudy weather or when there is little sun to make the solar panels work effectively. They supplement the energy you need without having to keep the engine running for long periods of time.

A typical lead acid battery can only be discharged to 50%, while lithium batteries can safely discharge to 80-90%. This makes lithium ideal for long-term off-grid sailing. Although the initial investment is higher, it pays for itself through longer life and better efficiency.

Victron

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Victron is one of the most reliable brands in the field of on-board power supply. This typically Dutch company, based in Almere, is known for its robust, efficient and innovative products. In addition, they offer excellent support and their products are available worldwide, which is of great importance when you are at sea.

De Victron Products include battery chargers, monitor systems, MPPTs, DC-DC chargers and systems, inverters and more.

If you want to know more about electricity on board, read our articles:

Watermakers

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A watermaker is essential for long journeys without access to fresh water. These systems use reverse osmosis to convert seawater into drinkable water. Watermakers vary in size and capacity, but modern models are compact and relatively energy efficient. The most important thing to keep in mind is that a watermaker draws a lot of power during use, which makes it necessary to coordinate it with your energy supply.

With a watermaker on board, you no longer have to search for ports to fill up water tanks, which offers more freedom and independence. This is especially useful for longer trips, as the weight of stored water can become impractical over time.