custom solar panels for Marine use

[MTLandlocked]

Hey all,
Does anybody make custom solar panels specifically for use on boats?

If not, how would they be different from other solar panels already available?

Thanks.

[MTLandlocked]

I'm writing this from a business prospective. Manufacturing custom sized or shaped solar panels for Marine use, mostly on boats. I've made a solar panel before by purchasing the cells, so I know I can do that part. Think it could be a viable business venture? Why or why not?

[Seagull111]

Something designed to eliminate the problem of shadowing. Maybe segmented shaped panels that would not loose too much power if part were in full sun and part shaded.

[Captain Bill]

Individual solar cells must be ganged in series to provide sufficient voltage for battery charging. There is basically no way to get around a minimum number of cells in a series. Many panels have two parallel series groups so you you only loose half the panel if the shadow only passes over that side of the panel. The other way to avoid this problem is to use many smaller panels in Parallel. That way you loose a smaller percentage of your output if individual panels get shaded. It ends up being more expensive, but it will work.