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SolarImpact SWATH 78 by SolarImpact Yacht AG

SolarImpact Yacht AG have been shortlisted for Concept Under 40 Metres in The International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2020

The SolarImpact 78 is a completely new designers leisure vessel. By developing the yacht, SolarImpact Yacht AG will be a leader in the implementation of sustainable mobility solutions in the yacht business.

Consequently, the design follows the maxim of gathering a maximum of solar based energy in combination with a wealth of open and luxurious living and sailing comfort. This is indeed a combination that seems to be rare.

The SWATH technology, never used in the yacht industry, gives one the opportunity of a uniquely smooth sailing experience, without significant rolling. Sea sickness will be a thing of the past. The fuctioning of this SolarImpact technology was proved in multiple tests. The 250 sqm solar area will generate the energy for a day to day usability of the vessel.

The range of purely electrically driven cruise will exceed what is currently on the market. A 800kwh battery capacity will store the energy to feed the 2,500kw electric engines. If the owner chooses, they will be able to accelerate the vessel up to a speed of 20 knots.

Besides all those technical innovations, the owner can enjoy all the comfort of a modern leisure yacht. The wide and open living space, especially the size of the salon and master cabin will show the size of a comparable 100 ft yacht.

All in all, this vessel undoubtedly serves to provide a fantastic combination of future oriented technology within the luxurious living context of the superyacht sector.

SolarImpact Yacht AG

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SolarImpact Yacht concept relies on solar-based energy supply

The future is here

After five years of research by the Swiss company SolarImpact Yacht AG, the vision of a seaworthy solar yacht with futuristic modern aesthetics has now been realized.

This innovative high-tech design concept was developed to combine luxurious convenience, modern design and sustainability, and make it capable of sailing the high seas.

The concept will be unveiled at Cannes Yachting Festival 2018, where visitors can explore a virtual 3D model of the solar yacht.

Two aspects that have prevented a pleasant stay on board in the past have also been addressed: rough seas and high noise levels. The innovative solar yacht glides almost silently and without swaying – even over waves several metres high. The hull technology is based on the SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull) construction principle, which has been known since 1938 but was previously reserved for special ships only: two torpedo-shaped buoyancy hulls under the water surface support the ship. This achieves a physical shaft decoupling that reduces the rolling and heeling of the yacht by up to 90 percent. It lies calmly in the water even in strong swells, putting an end to the annoying swaying motion of the boat.

But SolarImpact has recognised that the principle offers yet another invaluable advantage: it significantly reduces energy consumption. All systems on board can use the sun as their primary energy source. The yacht‘s solar drive is not only environmentally friendly but also extremely quiet.

The 23.7m vessel offers 340 sqm of living space on three levels.

The drive technology and energy supply were developed in cooperation with Austria's Kriesel Electric GmbH & Co. KG. For solar cells, SolarImpact cooperates with American supplier SunPower.

Two electric motors of 500 kW can push the vessel to a top speed of 22 knots, and a diesel aggregate ensures power in case of unfavourable weather conditions such as longer periods of cloud cover.

All key systems are highly automated so that a single person can even manoeuvre the yacht.

READ MORE: Q Yachts Q30 electric boat

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Looking to the future, the shipbuilding industry is driving the energy turnaround. A new generation of environmentally friendly watercraft will soon conquer the oceans.

SolarImpact is not only convincing in terms of its innovative energy supply, its powerful electric propulsion and its attractive design, but also in terms of maximum sailing comfort. Even in meter-high waves she glides almost silently and without swaying. The hull technology is based on the SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull) design principle, which reduces the rolling and heeling of the boat by up to 90 percent through physical wave decoupling. This means that the hull lies calmly in the water even in heavy swell.

All systems on board can use the sun as a primary energy source. The drive is not only environmentally friendly, but also extremely quiet. The solar-powered ship is energy self-sufficient and, with a top speed of up to 20 knots, it is amazingly sporty to sail. This is due on the one hand to the various drive components with high overall efficiency. On the other hand, the artificial intelligence (AI) used in energy management, which ensures optimum control. Thanks to the high level of automation of all important systems, a single person can manoeuvre the yacht.

SolarImpact Yacht AG is an innovative company with a clear plan for the future. The team of experienced engineers, designers, entrepreneurs and lateral thinkers has an eye for beautiful forms and a sense for modern technology. Furthermore, the team specialises in the development and design of SWATH luxury yachts powered exclusively by solar energy.

“Technology is not the main focus: our customers expect a product that sets new standards in terms of user-friendliness, comfort and individual freedom. In this way, our yacht meets the increasing desire of people to permanently shift their centre of life to the water. Our concept takes an important step towards maritime e-mobility by avoiding noise and C02 emissions. We also see this as a special incentive for investors. Not only do they invest in a promising technology, they also pay into a fund that helps to preserve and rebuild the environment.”

During his many years of experience at sea, founder and visionary Werner Vögeli became increasingly interested in environmental protection. Thus the idea for a maritime alternative to fossil combustion engines was born. His own research showed that there were hardly any environmentally friendly and seaworthy yachts on the market – especially in the premium segment. This was followed by countless theoretical calculations, model tests in research institutes and self-propelled models at sea. After 5 years of research work, the project has now been realized.

The future is electric

SolarImpact is firmly convinced that the future is electric and there is already great interest in the company’s 100 percent solar-powered SolarImpact 78. It takes brilliant minds to build a yacht that is so complex and full of advanced solutions. SolarImpact therefore relies on cooperation with renowned European technology partners.

Drive technology and energy supply were developed in close cooperation with Kreisel Electric GmbH & Co. KG. The Austrian company is known for the development of battery packs that are among the lightest and most efficient high-performance batteries in the world.

For solar energy generation SolarImpact cooperates with SOLBIAN, the specialist for flexible solar modules in the maritime sector. Here, the most efficient solar cells from the American supplier SunPower are used, which have also sailed around the globe in SOLBIAN modules.

Inviting living areas and spacious cabins – the upscale interior design makes extended stays on board a pure pleasure. Your sun deck is like a private oasis with a unique atmosphere where you can relax in peace and quiet. Thanks to its elegant design, the yacht will become your prestigious residence with a view of the sea. However, she not only impresses with her aesthetics and comfort, but also with her safety, long range and ideal hull shape. This makes long cruises in all sea conditions a pleasure – even for people with the highest expectations.

Comfort and style are your companions at sea

The large windows offer incomparable views and let all areas shine in bright light. Whether you are alone or with selected guests in your home at sea – the interior design leaves nothing to be desired. The spacious living room features a sophisticated lighting concept and state-of-the-art furnishings. Classical and stylish elegance, inviting you to linger. The 78-foot yacht offers 250 square metres of luxuriously and functionally furnished living space on three levels – with individual design options in terms of interior architecture and modern light, air conditioning and sound solutions.

Cocooning, time for family, friends and yourself

Cocooning stands for the retreat into one’s own four walls. Whether alone, as a couple or in a cheerful circle – your floating home will be your cocoon of peace and security. Here you can switch off, relax and tank up on new energy. Spend pleasant hours with your family or invite your friends.

Your second home at sea should be a place of shared experiences, but also offer retreat possibilities. That is why we have set up various areas where you can enjoy your time on board, depending on your taste. If you are looking for relaxation, you can read, listen to music or simply let your thoughts wander. If you feel like company, cook with friends, have stimulating conversations or treat yourself to quality time with your family. Soon you will feel a feeling of complete serenity spreading through your inner self.

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SolarImpact, a luxury yacht with sustainability in mind

SolarImpact is not only convincing in terms of its innovative energy supply, its powerful electric propulsion and its attractive design, but also in terms of maximum sailing comfort. Even in meter-high waves she glides almost silently and without swaying. The hull technology is based on the SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull) design principle, which reduces the rolling and heeling of the boat by up to 90 percent through physical wave decoupling. This means that the hull lies calmly in the water even in heavy swell.

All systems on board can use the sun as a primary energy source. The drive is not only environmentally friendly, but also extremely quiet. The solar-powered ship is energy self-sufficient and, with a top speed of up to 20 knots, it is amazingly sporty to sail. This is due on the one hand to the various drive components with high overall efficiency. On the other hand, the artificial intelligence (AI) used in energy management, which ensures optimum control. Thanks to the high level of automation of all important systems, a single person can manoeuvre the yacht.

SolarImpact Yacht AG is an innovative company with a clear plan for the future. The team of experienced engineers, designers, entrepreneurs and lateral thinkers has an eye for beautiful forms and a sense for modern technology. Furthermore, the team specialises in the development and design of SWATH luxury yachts powered exclusively by solar energy.

“Technology is not the main focus: our customers expect a product that sets new standards in terms of user-friendliness, comfort and individual freedom. In this way, our yacht meets the increasing desire of people to permanently shift their centre of life to the water. Our concept takes an important step towards maritime e-mobility by avoiding noise and C02 emissions. We also see this as a special incentive for investors. Not only do they invest in a promising technology, they also pay into a fund that helps to preserve and rebuild the environment.”

During his many years of experience at sea, founder and visionary Werner Vögeli became increasingly interested in environmental protection. Thus the idea for a maritime alternative to fossil combustion engines was born. His own research showed that there were hardly any environmentally friendly and seaworthy yachts on the market – especially in the premium segment. This was followed by countless theoretical calculations, model tests in research institutes and self-propelled models at sea. After 5 years of research work, the project has now been realized.

The future is electric

SolarImpact is firmly convinced that the future is electric and there is already great interest in the company’s 100 percent solar-powered SolarImpact 78. It takes brilliant minds to build a yacht that is so complex and full of advanced solutions. SolarImpact therefore relies on cooperation with renowned European technology partners.

Drive technology and energy supply were developed in close cooperation with Kreisel Electric GmbH & Co. KG. The Austrian company is known for the development of battery packs that are among the lightest and most efficient high-performance batteries in the world.

For solar energy generation SolarImpact cooperates with SOLBIAN, the specialist for flexible solar modules in the maritime sector. Here, the most efficient solar cells from the American supplier SunPower are used, which have also sailed around the globe in SOLBIAN modules.

Inviting living areas and spacious cabins – the upscale interior design makes extended stays on board a pure pleasure. Your sun deck is like a private oasis with a unique atmosphere where you can relax in peace and quiet. Thanks to its elegant design, the yacht will become your prestigious residence with a view of the sea. However, she not only impresses with her aesthetics and comfort, but also with her safety, long range and ideal hull shape. This makes long cruises in all sea conditions a pleasure – even for people with the highest expectations.

Comfort and style are your companions at sea

The large windows offer incomparable views and let all areas shine in bright light. Whether you are alone or with selected guests in your home at sea – the interior design leaves nothing to be desired. The spacious living room features a sophisticated lighting concept and state-of-the-art furnishings. Classical and stylish elegance, inviting you to linger. The 78-foot yacht offers 250 square metres of luxuriously and functionally furnished living space on three levels – with individual design options in terms of interior architecture and modern light, air conditioning and sound solutions.

Cocooning, time for family, friends and yourself

Cocooning stands for the retreat into one’s own four walls. Whether alone, as a couple or in a cheerful circle – your floating home will be your cocoon of peace and security. Here you can switch off, relax and tank up on new energy. Spend pleasant hours with your family or invite your friends.

Your second home at sea should be a place of shared experiences, but also offer retreat possibilities. That is why we have set up various areas where you can enjoy your time on board, depending on your taste. If you are looking for relaxation, you can read, listen to music or simply let your thoughts wander. If you feel like company, cook with friends, have stimulating conversations or treat yourself to quality time with your family. Soon you will feel a feeling of complete serenity spreading through your inner self.

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SolarImpact to Reveal First Ocean-Going Solar Yacht

By Claudine Derksen

Following five years of research; Swiss company SolarImpact Yacht AG, is excited to reveal the world’s first ocean-going solar yacht at this years Cannes Yachting Festival (CYF). The innovative high-tech design concept combines sustainability, contemporary design and luxury accommodation.

Years of research have proven a success; the problems of rough seas and high noise levels are addressed by the ingenious 24-metre solar yacht which is almost silent without any swaying motion, even in strong swells. The eco-friendly superyacht concept showcases a fusion of luxe in a more sustainable fashion with the combination of solar energy and an optimised Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) construction.

The SWATH design creates a smoother and quieter glide through the water even in tough weather conditions. The hull technology achieves a physical shaft decoupling that reduces the rolling and heeling of the yacht by up to 90 percent.

Dedication to sustainability is further showcased with all on board systems, which can use the sun as its primary energy source; the superyacht’s solar drive is environmentally friendly and extremely quiet.

“SolarImpact is synonymous with state-of-the-art in shipbuilding when it comes to fluid mechanics, highly efficient energy technologies, and sustainability”. Werner Vögeli, CEO of SolarImpact Yacht AG . “Our yacht concept avoids noise and CO2 emissions and is therefore an important step towards electric mobility in the maritime sector.”

The interior, designed by Marlena Ratajska, features four double staterooms and a master cabin which can accommodate up to ten guests across 340 square metres. SolarImpact energy is predominantly sourced from 300 m2 of solar cells with the addition of a diesel generator ensuring operating reliability in rougher weather conditions.

SolarImpact’s drive technology and energy supply were developed in collaboration with Austria‘s Kreisel Electric GmbH & Co.KG, a company known for developing highly efficient, ultra light, rechargeable battery packs. SolarImpact also works closely with the American supplier SunPower, whose solar cells currently have the highest possible efficiency. Solbian, a specialist supplier of flexible solar modules, uses these cells to produce the flexible panels that are installed on the yacht.

“Our yacht sets new standards when it comes to user-friendliness, convenience and individual freedom. At the same time it caters to a growing desire to trend towards moving one‘s centre of life permanently onto the water…” explains Werner Vögeli, CEO of SolarImpact Yacht AG.

SolarImpact Yacht AG will launch at the CYF from 11th to 16th September 2018 at the Palais stand (Palais 089 booth) where visitors can explore a virtual 3D model of the 24-metre solar yacht.

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Richard Leon Percival

• November 13, 2018

Solar Impact Yacht: The Exclusive Experience that Inspires

Anything to save the planet, from the reduction of carbon to technology that can help us get wherever we need without having to chug on petrol. Well, since the emerging of Tesla, all battery-powered transportation vehicle is getting enough spotlight to steal our attention.

Now, a solar-powered cruise ship that does not need to stop to refuel has been successfully developed. SolarImpact, the ship that came out from 5 years of research by Zurich’s SolarImpact Yacht AG, did not disclose the estimated price and release date yet, but it is astonishing.

The company claims to use solar panels to power the ship, cutting the noise produced by traditional engines. The 800 kWh battery provides roaming capabilities of around 10 hours, which can be extended by adding batteries from the sun during the trip. In the case of sailing on cloudy days, the yacht is loaded with a pair of 65 kW diesel engines (87 hp) as a backup engine.

The 24-meter cruise ship has more than 300 square meters of solar panels on its roof, which can function as a single vessel. The ship also features two torpedo-shaped buoys under the surface of the water that SolarImpact Yacht AG claims will reduce the rolling and heeling from cruise ships to 90 percent in choppy conditions.

On the inside, SolarImpact has enough beds for ten people, including accommodations for the crew. Loaded with artificial intelligence, this futuristic shape yacht can even be controlled by just one person.

Interior and Cabin

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Solar Impact reveals solar powered yacht concept

Solar Impact Yacht has revealed initial details of its first ocean-going solar powered yacht ahead of the concept's office unveiling at next month’s Cannes Yachting Festival . The 23.9 metre aluminium yacht is the result of five years of research by the Swiss company which claims it has realised its vision of a "seaworthy solar yacht with futuristic modern aesthetics.” Visitors to the Cannes festival will have the chance to explore a virtual 3D model of the solar yacht.

The company said it has confronted the issues of high noise levels and rough seas by installing systems that rely on the sun as their primary power source. Meanwhile, the rolling and heeling of the yacht will be reduced by up to 90% thanks to the yacht’s SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull) technology. The two torpedo-shaped buoyancy hulls, which sit under the water surface and support the ship, enable the yacht to “glide almost silently without swaying, even over waves several metres high,” according to Solar Impact.

The yacht, which has a 9.9 metre beam and solar surface stretching 300sqm, will have a top speed of 20 knots. Meanwhile a diesel aggregate ensures the yacht can operate even in long periods of cloud cover.

Accommodation is for 10 across four double guest cabins and a master suite. The yacht is also equipped with crew accommodation.

Solar Impact chief executive Werner Vogeli said, “Solar Impact is synonymous with state-of-the-art shipbuilding when it comes to fluid mechanics, highly efficient energy technologies and sustainability. Our yacht concept avoids noise and CO2 emissions and is therefore an important step towards electric mobility in the maritime sector.”

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Solarimpact unveils the world‘s first ocean-going solar yacht.

• SolarImpact Yacht

After five years of research by the Swiss company SolarImpact Yacht , the vision of a seaworthy solar yacht with futuristic modern aesthetics has now been realised . This innovative high-tech design concept was developed to combine luxurious convenience, modern design and sustainability, and make it capable of sailing the high seas.

This revolutionary ship technology will first be unveiled at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2018 , where visitors can explore a virtual 3D model of the solar yacht.

This new yacht is a game-changer, not just in terms of its solar propulsion and design . Two aspects that have prevented a pleasant stay on board in the past have also been addressed: rough seas and high noise levels. The innovative solar yacht glides almost silently and without swaying – even over waves several metres high. The hull technology is based on the SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull) construction principle, which has been known since 1938 but was previously reserved forspecial ships only: two torpedo-shaped buoyancy hulls under the water surface support the ship. This achieves a physical shaft decoupling that reduces the rolling and heeling of the yacht by up to 90 percent. It lies calmly in the water even in strong swells, putting an end to the annoying swaying motion of the boat.

But SolarImpact has recognised that the principle offers yet another invaluable advantage: it significantly reduces energy consumption . All systems on board can use the sun as their primary energy source. The yacht‘s solar drive is not only environmentally friendly, but also extremely quiet.

Not only is the solar yacht almost self-sufficient in terms of energy, but with a top speed of over 20 knots it is also exceptionally fast. This is due to the technical components used, which collectively ensure the yacht‘s high overall efficiency and are optimally controlled using artificial intelligence (AI). All key systems are highly automated, so that a single person can even manoeuvre the yacht.

The 78-foot yacht offers 340 square metres (3,660 square feet) of luxuriously and functionally designed living space on three levels, and a wide range of options regarding interior furnishings, design, and modern lighting, air-conditioning and sound solutions . The primary energy required for this, too, is supplied by a total of 300 m2 of solar surface; all important components have a redundant set-up. A diesel aggregate additionally ensures the yacht‘s comprehensive operating reliability, even in unfavourable weather conditions such as longer periods of cloud cover.

• Cannes Yachting Festival 2018
• Electric Yachts

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• Yacht Industry
• Absolute Yachts

The new SolarImpact Yacht

SolarImpact Yacht: the world‘s first ocean-going solar yacht

After five years of research by the Swiss company SolarImpact Yacht AG, the vision of a seaworthy solar yacht with futuristic modern aesthetics has now been realised. This innovative high-tech design concept was developed to combine luxurious convenience, modern design and sustainability, and make it capable of sailing the high seas. This revolutionary ship technology will first be unveiled at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2018 at the Palais stand PALAIS089, where visitors can explore a virtual 3D model of the solar yacht. With the development of its yacht, the company is fully in line with the trend of the current energy transition, and thus creates an almost unlimited range for a whole new maritime experience.

Sustainability of a luxury yacht This new yacht is a game-changer, not just in terms of its solar propulsion and design. Two aspects that have prevented a pleasant stay on board in the past have also been addressed: rough seas and high noise levels. The innovative solar yacht glides almost silently and without swaying - even over waves several metres high. The hull technology is based on the SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull) construction principle, which has been known since 1938 but was previously reserved forspecial ships only: two torpedo-shaped buoyancy hulls under the water surface support the ship. This achieves a physical shaft decoupling that reduces the rolling and heeling of the yacht by up to 90 percent. It lies calmly in the water even in strong swells, putting an end to the annoying swaying motion of the boat. But SolarImpact has recognised that the principle offers yet another invaluable advantage: it significantly reduces energy consumption. All systems on board can use the sun as their primary energy source. The yacht‘s solar drive is not only environmentally friendly, but also extremely quiet.

"SolarImpact is synonymous with state-of-the-art in shipbuilding when it comes to fluid mechanics, highly efficient energy technologies, and sustainability" comments Werner Vögeli, CEO of SolarImpact Yacht AG. "Our yacht concept avoids noise and CO2 emissions and is therefore an important step towards electric mobility in the maritime sector."

Not only is the solar yacht self-sufficient in terms of energy, but with a top speed of over 20 knots it is also exceptionally fast. This is due to the technical components used, which collectively ensure the yacht‘s high overall efficiency and are optimally controlled using artificial intelligence (AI). All key systems are highly automated, so that a single person can even manoeuvre the yacht.

"Our yacht sets new standards when it comes to user-friendliness, convenience and individual freedom. At the same time it caters to a growing desire to trend towards moving one‘s centre of life permanently onto the water," explains Werner Vögeli, CEO of SolarImpact Yacht AG.

Luxury and Comfort on 340 M² The 78-foot yacht offers 340 square metres (3,660 square feet) of luxuriously and functionally designed living space on three levels, and a wide range of options regarding interior furnishings, design, and modern lighting, air-conditioning and sound solutions. The primary energy required for this, too, is supplied by a total of 300 m2 of solar surface; all important components have a redundant set-up. A diesel aggregate additionally ensures the yacht‘s comprehensive operating reliability, even in unfavourable weather conditions such as longer periods of cloud cover.

SolarImpact relies on cooperation with well-known European technology partners. For instance, the drive technology and energy supply were developed in close cooperation with Austria‘s Kreisel Electric GmbH & Co.KG, a company known for developing highly efficient rechargeable battery packs that are among the lightest and most efficient high-performance batteries in the world. In energy generation, SolarImpact cooperates with the American supplier SunPower, whose solar cells currently have the highest possible efficiency. Solbian, a specialist supplier of flexible solar modules, uses these cells to produce the flexible panels that are ultimately installed on the yacht. „However, the technology is not in the foreground: our customers can expect a product that sets new standards in terms of user-friendliness, comfort and convenience, and individual freedom. For instance, our yacht also caters to people’s increasing desire to move their centre of life permanently onto the water. The yacht concept we‘re presenting takes an important step towards maritime e-mobility by avoiding noise and CO2 emissions. We also see this as a special incentive for investors, who not only invest in a promising emerging technology, but also, by purchasing the yacht, pay into an environmental fund that serves to preserve and rebuild the environment for the future.“

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Solarimpact - Solar-Powered Yacht with Swath Technology

The solarimpact is a 24m electric yacht with a solar surface. the yacht features the swath technology..

There are some solar yacht concepts, but this comes with a stylish design by Roland Friedberger. The development of the SWATH yacht is headed by the German boatbuilder Schaaf Yachtbau. The electric technology comes from Kreisel – known for special electric vehicles like an electric Hummer H1 for the one and only Terminator Arnold Schwarzenegger. Moreover, they delivered the technology for the proven SAY 29 Carbon with e-propulsion .

The Solarimpact features 280 square meters of solar cells by Sunpower that store the produced energy in 800 kWh batteries. In ideal conditions, the solar cells producing 300 kWh per day. The vessel’s range is 170 nautical miles in eco mode at 5 knots . The twin engines have a power of 500 kW each to reach a maximum speed of 20 knots . There are two 65 kW generators as backup and/or hybrid mode with a range of 2,500 nautical miles .

The aluminum yacht is still in the development stage, and a sale price is currently not known.

SWATH - Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull

Presented in 1938 by by Frederick George Creed , the Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull shape is a very stable in swell. Abeking & Rasmussen built several pilot vessels with this proven kind of hull. Furthermore, one superyacht – the SILVER CLOUD features SWATH technology. According to Wikipedia , the owner ordered the yacht because of his wife’s motion sickness – seems like an accomplished mission since 2008.

Interior Solarimpact

The Solarimpact has an interior space of 250 square meters. The standard layout has four double cabins, one master suite, and one crew cabin, but the shipyard is flexible in developing other configurations.

Main Specifications of SOLARIMPACT

Length Overall

Displacement

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This massive solar-powered yacht will let oligarchs cruise the seas without stopping for gas

If you buy through a BGR link, we may earn an affiliate commission, helping support our expert product labs.

Electric vehicles certainly seem to be the future, with just about every major auto brand following Tesla’s lead to a gas-free future, but will the same be true for boats? Yachts are a big status symbol for wealthy folks, but they’re also huge gas-guzzlers. Now, a Swedish company called Solar Impact is hoping to change that with a gorgeous pleasure boat that never sips a drop of fuel.

Called simply the Solar Impact Yacht (that might change at some point), the nearly 80-foot long vessel offers three floors of fun. A total of six cabins are tucked away below while large social areas dominate the main deck, and a lounge area is situated up top.

If you find yourself stuck with cloud-covered skies and an empty battery you can either wait for the Sun to shine through again or start up the dual diesel backup engines to push you along. Along with these power options, the company claims that the yacht comes with some kind of artificial intelligence, though it hasn’t exactly explained how it works.

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Everything you need to know about yacht solar power

• Dennis O'Neill
• May 23, 2024

Marine solar panels are becoming more efficient and eco-friendly. Dennis O’Neill reports on the latest design advances

Keeping your batteries topped up without having to run the engine is a continuous challenge for cruising sailors, especially those who are highly conscious of their carbon footprint or just wanting to cruise ‘off grid’.

Solar panels have been a good option for sustainable sailing in sunny conditions for some time, being almost maintenance-free and, unlike wind generators, silent. However, maritime conditions are a harsh test for even the best of them due to the incessant exposure they face from saltwater spray and, ironically, ultraviolet (UV) energy.

Now, though, new solar panel technology coming over the horizon promises further improvements in both their efficiency and ease of use.

Silicon cells

Most solar panels use silicon-based photovoltaic cells, with the most efficient type within this class being monocrystalline cells, made from a single pure ingot of silicon. Polycrystalline silicon cells, made from multiple silicon crystals bonded together, perform almost as efficiently as monocrystalline cells but are less expensive to produce.

Ordinary photovoltaic cells, meanwhile, which are the most commonly used, are much cheaper, lighter, and easier to mount where structural flexibility is needed.

The downside, though, is that their intrinsic chemical materials tend to be more environmentally hazardous and difficult to recycle at their end-of-life.

The latest solar panels can even be installed on a fabric canopy. Photo: Tor Jonhson

Perovskite revolution

The new buzz of excitement in the solar panel sector is coming from the development of perovskite solar cells, which promise 50% more efficiency than conventional photovoltaic solar cells in converting sunlight into electricity. They also have the extraordinary potential of being used in a liquid form, such as paint, and even being printed onto compatible surfaces.

Researchers are now reported to be trialling spray-on perovskite solar cells that could be applied as a tint for windows. The production of perovskite solar cells is also less energy-intensive than conventional solar cells and can be achieved at room temperature using relatively abundant and cost-effective base materials.

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Rigid Solar panels

Rigid solar panels currently on the market remain the most efficient and well-suited for mounting on larger boats with flatter surfaces. However, they are heavier, more awkward to mount, and can’t be walked on, so unless you have a hard top or dedicated gantry aft, you’re better off choosing a more resilient semi-flexible option.

Rigid solar panels are covered with impact-resistant glass in a metal frame, and often require hardware to install. Over time, the hardware and frame can corrode in unforgiving marine conditions, so it’s important to choose one with added weather protection.

Solar is well suited to use in yachts. Photo: Catchlight Visual Services / Alamy Stock Photo

Flexible Solar panels

Flexible solar panels, meanwhile, have become increasingly popular with yacht owners due to their versatility and adaptability. While not yet as efficient as rigid panels, they do offer a more eco-friendly and cost-effective option as well as being thin, light, bendable, and easy to install or mounted on almost any surface. You can, for instance, attach flexible solar panels easily to soft biminis and even sails.

However, attaching them to flexing surfaces may cause physical strain on the internal cells, causing damage in the long run. They also tend to have efficiency levels below 20% (compared to just above 20% for rigid solar panels), so they require more physical space to produce similar amounts of output.

They are usually encased in plastic coverings to make them more impact-resistant, but the plastic can degrade due to salt and UV.

Thin solar cells installed on a teak deck. Photo: Graham Snook / Yachting Monthly

Semi-flexible Solar panels

These are ideal for curved boat surfaces. The plastic covering on semi-flexible panels makes them highly resistant to impact and weight, in case you accidentally step on them while moving around a swaying boat.

Kite concept

Sailing enthusiasts working at the German engineering firm FLIN, based in Kiel, have developed a new broad range of versatile marine solar panel systems.

Products within the range include: the FLINrail, a rigid solar panel that can be used while sailing by being hooked onto a boat’s guardrails; the FLINstripe, designed to be mounted along a boom’s lazy bag using Velcro strips; and the FLINkite, a thin lightweight design comprised of up to six square panels that can be hoisted on a halyard and then tilted towards the sun using simple guide lines.

FLINkite can be hoisted vertically on a halyard and tilted towards the sun using simple guide lines

One owner who cruises a 40ft Fountaine Pajot Lavezzi catamaran in European waters has found that his FLIN installations have benefitted his cruising enormously.

‘We have four FLINflex panels mounted permanently on our built-in bimini, which produces around 450 watts while we’re sailing,’ he explains. ‘Then, when we’re at anchor or in port we can also set our FLINkite, which has six panels, each of which can produce up to around 50 watts.

We have a solar controller for each of the two systems and I’m able to monitor how well the systems are generating power using an app on my smartphone. Overall, the FLIN panels cover all of our electricity requirements, including our fridge and electric windlass. We’ve even now treated ourselves to an electric kettle!’

Foldable solar panels inspired by satellites

Origami Inspiration

Another exciting and innovative concept comes from two highly experienced sailors, Kim-Joar Myklebust and Sara Plaga, based in Milan, Italy. Together, they have designed and begun producing an origami-style marine solar panel made of recycled carbon fibre.

‘The idea came out of frustration,’ explains Kim-Joar. ‘We had regular power shortages on our sailing trips, even after we’d installed a large and bulky solar system which couldn’t keep our boat’s batteries charged.

‘As a motorsport design engineer I saw how space satellites used large solar panels that folded outwards to increase the area exposed to the sun, so I started cutting and folding a piece of paper until I found a shape I felt could work as a compact, fold-out solar panel on a boat.’

The couple’s firm, Levante, tested the effectiveness of their origami panels extensively aboard a 36ft cruising yacht, finding that their new product was 20% lighter than other foldable solar panels and 40% more compact, whilst producing only half of the CO2 footprint.

‘We’re determined to revolutionise the entire concept of marine solar panels,’ adds Sara. ‘You can use our origami solar panels in many different ways – just fold them up and use them on your boat, or at home, or anywhere you like.’

It’s vital you connect your solar panel to your battery via an electronic charge controller to prevent the battery overcharging

Solar panel maintenance

Solar panel efficiency is compromised by both salt water and long-term exposure to UV and high temperatures. Industry experts advise that good regular maintenance will improve a solar panel’s performance by around 15%.

You should clean solar panels early in the morning, while they are at their coolest, as cleaning them when they are warm or exposed to direct sunlight can cause internal thermal stresses. Always use distilled or de-ionized water to avoid the formation of mineral stains or deposits on the surface of the panels, and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive solvents that could scratch the photovoltaic cells.

Let the panels air dry or use soft cloths, and make sure no water residue is left. You should also check regularly for cracks, breaks or loose connections.

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News SmartNews Technology

Report weighs impact of utility-scale solar on farmlands

By AGDAILY Reporters Published: May 22, 2024

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As renewable energy development grows in rural areas, so do concerns about protecting agricultural land, especially from utility-scale solar projects. Many farmers are resistant to solar development on their land, fearing the loss of productive agricultural acreage, potential long-term soil health issues, and changes to the rural landscape.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that by 2050, solar will occupy 10.3 million acres of land nationally, 90 percent of which will be in rural areas. To address concerns about utility-scale solar systems occupying a large amount of prime farmland, some local and state officials have proposed and even placed restrictions prohibiting it. 

Alex Delworth, policy associate with the Center for Rural Affairs, said the restrictions are concerning. 

“They can be debilitating for solar development, not to mention raise questions about private property rights,” he said. “In one instance, we found a county-level restriction related to prime farmland that eliminated 75 percent of potentially developable land in the area.”

While utility-scale solar projects can look intimidating amid concerns about taking land out of production, a new report from the Center for Rural Affairs claims that their overall impact on agricultural land use is minimal.

The report, Sifting through Solar: Land-Use Concerns on Prime Farmland , discusses how restrictions are designed and forecasts solar development’s impact on prime farmland in the Midwest region. 

The DOE predicts that between 210 and 420 GWs of solar projects are needed in the Midwest by 2050 to meet federal decarbonization standards. According to the report, if all forecasted solar were built on the region’s prime farmland, it would occupy between 1.45 percent and 2.9 percent.

The report also addresses potential short-term impacts in Iowa and Minnesota

Delworth said if every acre currently proposed for solar development in Iowa was built on the state’s top 14 percent rated farmland (90 Corn Suitability Rating, or CSR, and above), it would occupy 0.54 percent of the total acres. Furthermore, the proposed solar would occupy only 0.14 percent of the top 62 percent rated farmland (65 CSR and above).

The projected impact in Minnesota is also minimal. According to the report, if the number of acres currently proposed were located on prime farmland, it would cover less than 0.3 percent of the land.

Delworth hopes local, county, and state officials will consider the report’s findings as they decide the future of solar development in their area.  

“Implementing rules that work with solar development rather than limiting it will open up economic opportunities for rural residents who want to voluntarily lease their land,” reads the report. Renewable energy projects also generate tax revenue for counties, schools, and emergency services as well as create rural employment opportunities. 

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Center for Rural Affairs report: Solar development has minimal impact on ag land use

Alex Delworth , policy associate, [email protected], 402.687.2100 ext. 1016 or Teresa Hoffman , senior communications associate, [email protected], 402.687.2100 ext. 1012

LYONS, NEBRASKA – As renewable energy development grows in rural areas, so do concerns about protecting agricultural land, especially from utility-scale solar projects.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that by 2050 solar will occupy 10.3 million acres of land nationally, 90% of which will be in rural areas. To address concerns about utility-scale solar systems occupying a large amount of prime farmland, some local and state officials have proposed and even placed restrictions prohibiting it.

Alex Delworth, policy associate with the Center for Rural Affairs, said the restrictions are concerning.

“They can be debilitating for solar development, not to mention raise questions about private property rights,” he said. “In one instance, we found a county-level restriction related to prime farmland that eliminated 75% of potentially developable land in the area.”

While utility-scale solar projects can look intimidating amid concerns about taking land out of production, a new report from the Center for Rural Affairs found their overall impact on agricultural land use is minimal.

“Sifting through Solar: Land-Use Concerns on Prime Farmland,” written by Delworth, discusses how restrictions are designed and forecasts solar development’s impact on prime farmland in the Midwest region.

The DOE predicts that between 210 and 420 GWs of solar projects are needed in the Midwest by 2050 to meet federal decarbonization standards. According to the report, if all of the forecasted solar was built on the region’s prime farmland, it would occupy between 1.45% and 2.9%.

The report also addresses potential short-term impacts in Iowa and Minnesota.

Delworth said if every acre currently proposed for solar development in Iowa was built on the state’s top 14% rated farmland (90 Corn Suitability Rating, or CSR, and above), it would occupy 0.54% of the total acres. Furthermore, the proposed solar would occupy only 0.14% of the top 62% rated farmland (65 CSR and above).

The projected impact in Minnesota is also minimal. According to the report, if the number of acres currently proposed were located on prime farmland, it would cover less than 0.3% of the land.

Delworth hopes local, county, and state officials will consider the report’s findings as they decide the future of solar development in their area.  

“Implementing rules that work with solar development rather than limiting it will open up economic opportunities for rural residents who want to voluntarily lease their land,” Delworth said. Renewable energy projects also generate tax revenue for counties, schools, and emergency services as well as create rural employment opportunities.

To read and download a copy of “Sifting through Solar: Land-Use Concerns on Prime Farmland,” visit cfra.org/sifting-through-solar .

Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, non-profit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities through action oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.

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Purdue researches impacts of solar eclipse on wildlife

May 16, 2024 By Erin Anderson Filed Under: Human Interest , News , Rural Issues

Researchers in the Forestry and Natural Resources department at Purdue University have been studying how the solar eclipse impacted the environment.  

Purdue professor Byran Pijanowski says his team traveled the path of totality to see how bats, bees, and fish wildlife reacted.

“Just making observations about temperature and insects, bird activity, anything else that we thought was either normal or changing and different,” he said.

He tells Brownfield his team made observations every 10 minutes.

“Things like the environment, solar radiation, temperature and just observing all the animals and their behavior because they change very drastically during just one phase, you know, somewhere around 10 to 20 minutes before the total eclipse,” he said.

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