Local production
All Marlec production comes from its Corby factory in the UK. Marlec, Europe's only manufacturer of micro wind turbines for the marine and land-based markets, has undisputed expertise in these fields. ISO 9001-certified and present in over 60 countries, its DNA is forged on the values of quality, customer service and performance. Its flagship products are Rutland wind turbines, Spectra rigid solar panels and Spectralite semi-rigid solar panels.
Rutland wind turbines
Nearly 120,000 Rutland wind turbines have already been sold. They are entirely designed and manufactured in the Corby factory, including mast and shrouds. The range comprises 3 marine and 3 land-based models, some available in 12V, 24V and 48V.
The reputation of these models has been built on :
- Qualityâeuros¨
Each wind turbine is individually tested when it leaves the factory, so failure when the product is unpacked is unheard of at Marlec! - Performanceâeuros¨
Rutland wind turbines perform even in light winds. They start charging as early as 3 knots of wind. - Very low noise levels
âeuros¨Rutland wind turbines are particularly quiet. Wind tunnel tests were carried out and it was virtually impossible to distinguish the noise of the turbine from that of the wind. - Ongoing technical support
âeuros¨Detachable parts are still available, even for older models no longer on the market.
The benchmark, the Rutland 1200
The Rutland 1200 wind turbine is the best-seller in the range. It generates up to 500W. Elegant, aerodynamic, compact and very quiet, it is particularly popular with sailors. Fully electronic, its hybrid wind/solar regulator is extremely precise in its measurements, optimizing battery charging and extending battery life. The Rutland 1200 wind turbine is lithium battery compatible.
Spectra PERC-S, Bifaces and Spectralite solar panels
This year, 2024, Marlec has extended its range of Spectra rigid solar panels, adding a particularly innovative range of bifacial modules. It also launched an evolution of its Spectralite SemiFlex Pro range of semi-flexible solar panels.
Renowned in the world of rigid solar panels, Spectra PERC-S are designed and developed for Marlec. Having proved their worth in the terrestrial field, they are now available for marine applications, with a range from 30 to 400 W. Power ratings in excess of 400 W are also available on request. One of the special features of the Spectra PERC-S range is the shingled cell assembly. The first advantage of this technology is that it improves electrical conductivity between the cells, thereby increasing efficiency while reducing operating temperature and the impact of shading. The second significant advantage is the reduction in module size. For the same surface area, Spectra PERC-S modules generate around 25% more power than conventional modules.
New this year, Marlec is launching a range of Spectra double-sided modules. This range comprises 3 models: 110W, 150W and 400W. Like the Spectra PERC-S, the cells are shingled to minimize panel size and reduce operating temperature. What's more, two-sided solar panels generate electricity not only with their front face, which captures the sun's energy directly, but also with their rear face, which captures the sun's energy reflected in its surroundings, ideally water or snow. The reflective power of a surface is called albedo. Water being an ideal environment, the energy gain generated by the solar panel can be as much as 30%. A rear balcony installation to capture the light reflected by the sea is therefore ideal. Two-sided modules are particularly suitable for boats, where space is always limited.
The Spectra SemiFlex range evolves in 2024. It still comprises 4 models (50W, 100W, 150W and 200W), but its mechanical design has been revised to further improve module reliability.
The aim is to offer an increasingly high-performance and durable range for the nautical environment. New professional and industrial materials have been added to the range, including :
- The latest generation of SunPower Maxeon Back Contact cells
- A proprietary composite encapsulates the cells to minimize the risk of micro-cracking while maintaining module flexibility. The advantage is also to minimize the risk of cell hot spots.
- A new single-cable junction box with anti-return diode and two bypass diodes to minimize the effect of cast shadows.
- A professional DuPont ETFE polymer coating is impact-resistant, non-slip and self-cleaning. These panels can therefore be walked on, with sailing shoes of course.
