What is the first step in specifying solar capacity on a boat?

The first step in specifying solar capacity on a boat is conducting a DC load analysis. This process involves assessing all the electrical devices onboard that require power, determining their energy consumption in amp-hours, and understanding how long they will be used. By performing a thorough load analysis, you can accurately gauge the total energy requirements of the boat. This information is crucial for sizing the solar power system, as it helps in determining how much solar capacity is needed to meet the energy demands reliably.

Properly accounting for all loads ensures that the solar system can generate adequate power to sustain operations when the boat is on anchor or cruising. It serves as a foundation for subsequent steps like calculating battery sizes, choosing solar panel configurations, and evaluating inverter needs that would all depend on the results of the load analysis.