Retrofitting solar on a sailing yacht: modules and charge controllers.
Retrofitting solar on a sailing yacht means choosing the module to suit the mounting location and fitting a solar charge controller between the module and the house battery. philippi in Remseck am Neckar, Germany, supplies Sunware solar modules for bimini, rail and deck as well as solar charge controllers from Mastervolt and Studer – with advice on integrating them into the existing on-board electrical system.
Which module for which location?
| Mounting location | Module | Features (per shop) | Price from* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bimini or sprayhood | Sunware solar modules TX | foldable, saltwater-resistant, LOXX quick fastener, 60 to 240 Wp | €750.00 |
| Rail | Sunware solar modules TX-Rail | tiltable, adjustable angle, monocrystalline PERC cells, 60 to 120 Wp | €849.00 |
| Deck or cabin roof | Sunware solar modules Series 20 | walk-on, flat, fixed mounting, also on curved surfaces up to 3 cm/m | €585.00 |
Which solar charge controller?
| Controller | Versions | Price from* |
|---|---|---|
| Mastervolt Solar ChargeMaster | SCM25 MPPT (25 A), SCM40 PWM (40 A), SCM60 MPPT-MB (60 A) | €135.07 |
| Studer solar charge controller VT | 40 A, 65 A, 80 A | €899.00 |
* Prices incl. German VAT, as of 12.11.2026. All controllers and modules: Solar controllers and solar modules.
Solar power on board in four steps
- Choose the location: bimini, rail or deck – this determines module type and size.
- Calculate your needs: use the solar calculator and the article Sizing a solar system to estimate the yield realistically.
- Match the controller to the module output: the controller's charge current must suit the module and the battery voltage.
- Connect safely: size cables and fusing according to Fusing correctly and Which cable for what.
Frequently asked questions. Answered briefly.
Which solar module suits a sailing yacht?
That depends on the space on board. For a bimini or sprayhood, foldable modules such as the Sunware TX with quick fastener are suitable; on the rail, tiltable modules such as the TX-Rail; and on deck, walk-on flat modules such as the Series 20. philippi advises on the choice and on integration into the on-board system.
Do I need a solar charge controller?
Yes. The solar charge controller sits between the solar module and the house battery and regulates the charge current so that the battery is charged correctly and not overcharged. philippi stocks solar charge controllers from Mastervolt (Solar ChargeMaster SCM25, SCM40, SCM60) and Studer (VT) in several current ratings for different module outputs.
How much solar power do I need on board?
The required output follows from the daily power consumption of your loads and the yield at your berth or in your cruising area. The solar calculator in the philippi Academy helps you estimate it. For a precise design of the on-board electrical system, you can use philippi's electrical system planning service.