American Product Review: Aurinco Solar Panels
UPDATE November 2016: After 10 years in the marine solar panel business, Aurinco owners found it increasingly difficult to compete with imports from countries with low-cost labor often using forged certificates of origin to successfully get them into the US. So Patrik and Cordelia, the owners of Aurinco and now in their 70’s, are retiring except Patrik is continuing to work on custom installations.
What happens when a sailor (from birth) becomes a scientist? Innovation in sailing! Patrik Swanljung, a native of Finland, was born into a sailing and boating family. After receiving his Ph.D. in science from the Royal University of Stockholm, he embarked on a medical technology career for 30 years. In 2001, he leapt at the chance to found Aurinco and apply his scientific mind to technology for sailing, his first love. He holds patents for several solar-related inventions. But bringing solar (both electric and thermal) to sailboats was a boon to all sailors who wanted to enjoy:
- landlubbing creature comforts such as refrigeration, microwave oven, and ice-making
- computer-driven electronics for navigation and entertainment
- labor-saving devices such as anchor windlass.
Patrik and his colleagues, including a few family members, build the high efficiency solar panels in a state-of-the-art production facility in the Pacific Northwest. The facility is located on a peninsula about halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia in beautiful, maritime-focused Anacortes, WA.
Top Features for Catamaran Owners
- A large variety of sizes and functionality from compact to super high efficiency and even walk-on panels
- Silent power fueled by nature
- Solar cells are arranged in parallel circuits for shade tolerance
- No junction box so the wires can go straight through a small hole in the deck to minimize fiberglass work
- 10-year extended warranty covering materials and workmanship for the first 2 years. Extended coverage available for up to 10 years with a deductible.
- Price Range: $200-2000
- Made in the USA.
Where to Get Your Aurinco Solar Panels
If you are in Anacortes, WA, you can visit them at:
9117 Molly Lane, Unit 108
(Postal Address: 1607 25th St)
Anacortes, WA 98221 (USA)
Phone: (877) 433-8640 • (360) 299-8510
Fax (360) 230 2360
Email: info (at) aurinco.com
Find an Aurinco authorized dealer near you.
Or buy Aurinco solar panels and accessories online.
Or catch Aurinco at a boat show.
What’s Your Take on Aurinco Solar Panels?
Solar panels make any sailor’s life easier whether you are a weekender, cruiser, or liveaboard. What do you think?
