Canada is the country with the world’s largest coastline. Its marine industry handles over 20% of exports/imports from Canada. This makes the marine industry play a crucial role in the national, provincial, and regional economies.
Looking at the paramount role of the marine industry in Canada, the feasibility of solar generators in Canada in maritime operations is of significant interest. A portable solar generator provides the needed power to fulfill the power needs of different marine activities. Therefore, this guide is going to explore the feasibility of solar generators in Canada in the maritime industry.
The Applications of Solar Generators Canada in Different Marine Activities
Marine activities in Canada can involve various activities, such as transportation, oil and gas, fishing, research, safety, etc. All the activities depend on electricity supply to power the related appliances.
A solar generator in Canada is a solar-powered generator, which means that it can harness the sunlight to charge the battery, providing the DC and AC supply (by inverter) to the loads. This way, users are able to continuously harness solar energy and access the needed electricity for days.
Below are some of the main marine activities where solar generators can be used:
1. Maritime Transport
The solar generator in Canada can provide secondary power for ships or vessels that carry passengers and cargo across the sea. Depending on the solar generator’s size, it can provide the needed power to assist in transportation activities. It can also power electric propulsion systems for smaller boats that operate in coastal and inland waters in an emergency. It reduces the dependence on fuel-based auxiliary power and provides no greenhouse gas emissions or noise levels.
2. Fishing and Aquaculture
The solar generator in Canada offers the needed power for fishing boats. It serves as a source of power for lighting, navigation, refrigeration, communication, and more.
Similarly, the solar power generator in Canada also serves as a backup power source for aquaculture to power the pumps and filtration systems. A solar panel can continuously extract electricity from sunshine during the day to charge the battery and power the connected appliances. This way, it provides a cost-effective and sustainable solution for powering fishing and aquaculture operations.
3. Research and Survey Vessels
There are many researchers out there who are exploring marine life and doing other scientific studies. So, the solar generator Canada provides the ideal power source they need to power instruments, computing devices, sensors, and other equipment. They can ensure that the research and survey vessels are operating for a longer duration while the data is transmitted smoothly and continuously.
4. Tourism and Recreational Boating
For people out there in the sea for recreational activities, the solar generator Canada provides them with a convenient, enhanced, and enjoyable experience. It can power many essential amenities used by tourists and recreational boaters, such as entertainment systems, air conditioning, electronic devices, lighting, small refrigerators, etc. Moreover, it also serves as a backup power to provide the needed power in emergencies.
5. Coastal Infrastructure
The solar generator in Canada is also a reliable companion for coastal infrastructure. It can provide power for different coastal facilities for different purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, marinas, buoys, lighthouses, etc. It also eradicates the dependence on grid power or costly diesel generators. Moreover, it also gives a sense of environmental sustainability.
3 Best Solar Generators in Canada for Marine Activities
Now that we know the crucial role solar generators in Canada play for marine activities, the next question is how to choose the best solar generator in Canada for your specific needs.
There are dozens of solar generators to choose from, which makes it overwhelming to pick the best one. The recommended approach is to pick the one that offers versatile features to assist in different marine activities. To help ease this search, below are the three best solar generators in Canada that are ideal for marine activities:
1. Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is a 2000W rated output and 1264Wh battery capacity solar generator. It can expand its battery capacity to 5kWh with external battery packs to provide long-lasting performance for heavy use.
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is chargeable through solar panels, an AC adapter, and a DC port. You can charge it in just 2 hours with 4 SolarSaga 200W solar panels or 1.7 hours with an AC adapter. It offers 8 output ports (3x AC, 1x DC, 2x USB-A, and 2x USB-C) to power different marine appliances easily and simultaneously.
Moreover, Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus also offers top-notch safety. Its LiFePO4 battery provides a 10-year lifespan, while its inverter ensures pure sine wave output. Besides that, its innovative ChargeShield technology also protects appliances from damage. Furthermore, it comes integrated with Battery Management System (BMS) for enhanced protection from short circuits, overloading, overvoltage, etc.
Below are the key features of Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus:
- Rating: 2000W (4000W Peak) & 1264Wh capacity (5kWh expandable)
- Charging Ports: Solar panels, AC adapter, and DC port
- Output Ports: 3x AC (2000W), 2x USB-C (100W), 2x USB-A (18W), and 1x DC (12V, 10A) ports
- Charging Time: 2 hours with solar panels and 1.7 hours with AC adapter
- Battery Life: LiFePO4 battery with 10-year lifespan (4000 cycles at 70%+ capacity)
- Safety: Industry leading Battery Management System (BMS), innovative ChargeShield technology, and pure sine wave output
- Weight: 14.5 kg lightweight
- Solar Panels Durability: 24.3% high efficiency with waterproof design
- Operating Temperature: 14~113°F (solar power station) and 14~149°F (solar panels)
- Warranty: 3+2 years
In short, Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus incorporates all the features you need to fulfill many power needs in marine activities.
2. Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro is another powerful solar generator in Canada that comes with a 2200W rated output and 2160Wh battery capacity. It also emphasizes safety by offering a superior Battery Management System (BMS) with 12 layers of protection.
It is also chargeable through solar panels, an AC adapter, and a DC port. Moreover, it offers 8 output ports (3x AC, 1x DC, 2x USB-A, and 2x USB-C) to power 8 appliances simultaneously. This makes it best to fulfill essential power needs during marine activities.
Below are the key features of Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro:
- Rating: 2200W (4400W Peak) & 2160Wh capacity
- Charging Ports: Solar panels, AC adapter, and DC port
- Output Ports: 3x AC (2200W), 2x USB-C (100W), 2x USB-A (18W), and 1x DC (12V, 10A) ports
- Charging Time: 5.5 hours with solar panels and 2 hours with AC adapter
- Battery Life: 10-year lifespan (1000 cycles at 80%+ capacity)
- Safety: Industry leading Battery Management System (BMS) and pure sine wave output
- Weight: 19.5 kg lightweight
- Solar Panels Durability: 24.3% high efficiency with waterproof design
- Operating Temperature: -4~104°F (solar power station) and 14~149°F (solar panels)
- Warranty: 3+2 years
Overall, Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro is another full-fledged and reliable solar generator to handle small to complex marine activities.
3. Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
Last on our list of best solar generators in Canada is Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro. As the name implies, it is a more powerful solar generator. It comes with a rated power of 3000W with 3024Wh battery capacity.
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro comes with 9 output ports (4x AC, 1x DC, 2x USB-A, and 2x USB-C), while its gigantic battery is chargeable in just 6-7.5 hours with solar panels and 2.4 hours with wall charging. Due to its large battery and power rating, it is able to power almost all types of equipment related to the marine sector.
Below are the key features of Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro:
- Rating: 3000W & 3024Wh capacity
- Charging Ports: Solar panels, AC adapter, and DC port
- Output Ports: 4x AC (3000W), 2x USB-C (100W), 2x USB-A (18W), and 1x DC (12V, 10A) ports
- Charging Time: 6-7.5 hours with solar panels and 2.4 hours with AC adapter
- Battery Life: 10-year lifespan (3000 cycles at 70%+ capacity)
- Safety: Industry leading Battery Management System (BMS) and pure sine wave output
Weight: 29 kg
- Solar Panels Durability: 24.3% high efficiency with waterproof design
- Operating Temperature: -4~104°F (solar power station) and 14~149°F (solar panels)
- Warranty: 3+2 years
In short, Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro offers the power and capacity you need to meet any marine power needs effectively.
| Features | Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus | Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro | Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro |
| Power Rating | 2000W (4000W peak) | 2200W (4400W peak) | 3000W |
| Battery Capacity | 1264Wh | 2160Wh | 3024Wh |
| Charging Ports | 3 Ports: Solar panels, AC adapter DC port | 3 Ports: Solar panels, AC adapter DC port | 3 Ports: Solar panels, AC adapter DC port |
| Output Ports | 7 ports: 3x AC 2x USB-C 2x USB-A | 7 ports: 3x AC 2x USB-C 2x USB-A | 8 ports: 4x AC 2x USB-C 2x USB-A |
| Charging Time | 2 hours with solar panels 1.7 hours with an AC adapter | 5.5 hours with solar panels 2.4 hours with an AC adapter | 6-7.5 hours with solar panels 2.4 hours with an AC adapter |
| Battery Life | 10-year lifespan (4000 cycles at 70%+ capacity) | 10-year lifespan (1000 cycles at 80%+ capacity) | 10-year lifespan (3000 cycles at 70%+ capacity) |
| Safety | Battery Management System | Battery Management System | Battery Management System |
| Weight | 14.5 kg | 19.5 kg | 29 kg |
| Operating Temperature | 14~113°F (solar power station) 14~149°F (solar panels) | -4~104°F (solar power station) 14~149°F (solar panels) | -4~104°F (solar power station) 14~149°F (solar panels) |
Looking at the above comparison table, it is evident that all three solar generators in Canada are useful in different situations.
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus, with its expandable battery packs, is useful to fulfill basic power needs during tourism and recreational boating to power entertainment systems, air conditioning, electronic devices, lighting, small refrigerators, etc.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro provides a higher built-in power rating and battery capacity, so it can be used to power heavy equipment for a longer duration, whether related to fishing, aquaculture, coastal infrastructure, boat trips, etc.
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is the ultimate power generator that can power everything the above generators can power and even heavier equipment that needs 3000W power. In short, it is a one-stop solar generator for almost any marine application.
Things to Consider When Using Solar Power Generators in Marine Activities
Looking at all the cool aspects of solar power generators discussed above, it is self-evident why solar power generators in Canada should be part of marine activities. However, there are a few important things to consider when using solar generators in Canada for marine activities, as follows:
1. Proper Installation
The installation of the solar power generator should be carried out by professionals who ensure the installation as per the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines. Since there are increased chances of movement, water damage, physical impacts, and corrosion in marine activities, the mounting and installation process should address all those concerns effectively.
2. Regular Maintenance
Although solar generators in Canada require minimal maintenance due to no major moving parts, there are still a few important maintenance checks when used in marine activities. The common maintenance activities include:
- Clean solar panels
- Inspect the connections
- Check the battery levels and its charging/discharging cycles
- Test the working performance
- Check fuses and inverter
- Look and repair physical damages
- Check the mounting of the solar generator
- Check for water or corrosion damages
In short, you should regularly inspect the solar generator in Canada and address the issues in a timely manner to avoid any major complications later on.
3. Avoid Overloading the System
A solar generator is just like any other electronic device that comes with a limited capacity. If you overload the solar generator, it can overheat, short circuit, catch fire, or even explode. For instance, if the capacity of a solar generator is 500W and you try to operate a 1000W oven, you are making it go beyond its limits.
It is important to look at the power rating provided by the manufacturer and ensure that you don’t exceed that limit. Furthermore, it is important to pick the best solar generator in Canada that offers built-in protection in such cases. Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is one example of the safest solar generator in Canada, as it comes with an industry-leading BMS (Battery Management System) with 12 layers of protection from overvoltage, short circuits, etc.
4. Pay Attention to Weather Conditions
Solar panels of a solar generator in Canada are dependent on the weather conditions. Cloudy weather means lower sunlight, which means less energy generation. Therefore, it is important to consider the weather conditions and plan the solar generator usage accordingly. For example, suppose you are heading for a boat trip and know that the weather may remain cloudy. In that case, you can charge the solar generator battery beforehand with an AC adapter and fulfill your power needs without worrying about the weather.
Besides that, if you are about to encounter a storm, the wind may blow the solar panels and damage them. Therefore, it is important to take down the solar panels from the roof if you are dealing with a storm.
Conclusion
Solar power generators are of great use in marine activities. Their solar-based charging makes it best to have many days of trips without worrying about the power supply. However, the effective usability of the solar power generator is linked to the solar generator you pick.
Jackery is one ideal brand for solar generators in Canada that provides a wide range of solar generators under different power ratings and top-notch safety features. Therefore, if you are looking for a solar generator in Canada for marine activities, then it’s time to explore the product line of Jackery solar generators and pick the one that aligns with your needs.
The best thing is that Jackery is offering a massive Jackery Black Friday sale with up to $1600 off on its Plus series solar generators. So, wait no more! Grab the opportunity the earliest and enjoy the benefits of the most advanced and feature-rich solar generators.
