Solar-Powered Electric Yachts
With the prevalence of electric cars and trucks nowadays, we rarely see an aquatic mode of transportation that uses electricity instead of gasoline.
A recent report writes that superyachts are attracting new buyers around the world. The solar-powered electric yachts could become a common sighting in our seas and oceans someday.
Superyachts Go All-Electric
Superyachts have long been a symbol of luxury and opulence for the world's elite, with approximately 5,555 of these magnificent vessels gracing our oceans and seas, as per SuperYacht Times' State of Yachting Report.
Among the new breed of superyacht enthusiasts, a significant portion hails from North America, making up 30% of this exclusive club.
If you own a yacht or at least ride on one, it means that you're enjoying your lavish life. While it's always tied with indulgence, many people are unaware that it's bad for Mother Nature. It pollutes not just the bodies of water, but also the air by releasing harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide, sulfur oxide, and more.
Solar Power to the Rescue
In an effort to mitigate this environmental impact, some vessels have embraced alternative power sources, with a growing interest in solar technology.
Sweden's ForSea Ferries, for instance, converted two massive ferries into battery-powered versions, but the weight of the 640 batteries, each weighing nearly 200 pounds, presented a challenge.
To address these concerns, innovative companies are leading the charge in the adoption of solar-powered systems, offering a more sustainable approach.
The market for solar-powered boats is projected to grow by 14% by 2031, reaching a substantial $2.4 billion, as reported by Allied Market Research.
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The Vision of Electric Yachts
Renowned explorer and adventurer, Mike Horn, is a strong advocate for this modern approach to shipbuilding. He envisions electric yachts as the future of the industry, not only for pleasure yachts but even for cargo vessels.
Two trailblazing companies, Silent Yachts, based in Austria, and Sunreef Yachts from Poland, are at the forefront of this technological evolution.
Silent Yachts' approach involves solar panels that harness the sun's energy to recharge the battery, which also powers onboard essentials such as air conditioning and lighting.
In case the sun's rays are insufficient, a backup diesel generator automatically steps in. With an order book of €160 million (approximately $168 million), Silent Yachts offers a range of yachts, from the 60-foot version starting at €3.2 million to the fully equipped 120-foot vessel priced at €30 million.
According to Stephan Kress, Chief Innovation Officer at Silent Yachts, the continuous advancements in solar panels, electric batteries, and motors are enhancing the electric yachting experience, per CNBC.
On the other hand, Sunreef Yachts boasts integrated solar panels as a unique feature. These panels can be placed on various parts of the yacht, even curved surfaces on the hull side.
With two shipyards in Poland and a third in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, Sunreef is a pioneer in solar panel manufacturing, making the solar panels in-house.
Both Silent Yachts and Sunreef highlight the ease of maintenance as an advantage of this technology. The absence of moving parts and maintenance-free electric motors simplifies day-to-day upkeep, with limited requirements for heat exchanger and backup generator maintenance.
Limits of Solar Power for Large Vessels
While solar electric boats shine in the 50 to 120-foot range, larger commercial vessels, like cargo or cruise ships, present challenges due to their significant power demands. The advantages of solar energy tend to diminish as vessels grow in size.
While electric yachts have their place in the market, some experts, like Horn, believe that alternative energy sources, such as hydrogen, hold the potential to push the boundaries of these vessels and take them even further.
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