Rising energy prices are leading more and more people to look at alternative options for power supply. In this context, solar power systems are increasingly coming into focus – also among yacht owners. Unfortunately, the dream of a “solar yacht” powered by solar energy has not yet become a reality, but good steps are already being taken and on-board solar systems have become an interesting solution to generate electricity on board. Equipping a yacht with solar has some notable advantages. The solar energy generated can usefully supplement the yacht’s battery during long voyages or, in the right dimensions, even cover the entire power requirement.
But how does the project “solar yacht” succeed, how does a solar system on board work and where should it be installed? In this article, we at Merk & Merk have looked at everything from solar systems to solar yachts and tell you what you need to know about a solar system on the yacht.
What are solar panels for yachts?
Whether commercial, private or for some time now also on yachts, the progress of recent years makes it possible to use the sun as an energy source with photovoltaic technology and convert the energy obtained into electricity. A solar system on the yacht generates a 12 or 24 volt direct current (DC). Such systems are also known as island or off-grid systems. In order for a yacht to power itself via the sun, the right technology is critical. A solar system on a yacht consists of solar panels, one or more batteries, a charge controller and an inverter. AGM batteries, Li-Ion batteries, off-grid systems… you are welcome to leave the technology to us. We advise you for your individual needs on board and find the right solution for your system.
The solar panels are responsible for generating energy on a yacht. The batteries store this energy and the charge controller ensures that overcharging or too deep discharging is avoided. Since most of the devices on board have to be operated with alternating current, the inverter converts the direct current into alternating current. The yacht’s electrical system already includes the battery out of the box. All other components have to be retrofitted.
The principle of a solar system on a yacht is very simple. The stronger the incident light intensity of the sun on the solar modules, the more electricity is generated, which the battery can charge and store. The charging current on a solar yacht can be scaled with several photovoltaic elements connected in parallel.
Where is the solar system mounted on a yacht?
Common mounting locations for a solar array on a yacht include the deck or hardtop. It is also conceivable to mount it on the bimini or a mobile solution that can be laid out or attached. In this case, a 12-volt socket is required.
When selecting the installation location on a solar yacht, it is important that the sun shines there for as long as possible during the majority of the day. Moreover, the solar system on the yacht achieves the highest output when the sunlight hits the module perpendicularly. In addition, the correct dimensions have a decisive effect on the amount of electricity generated. Length and width ultimately determine the solar yield generated on a solar-enhanced yacht. The size of the dedicated yacht electrical system is equally dependent on the space available. If there is not enough space for a permanently mounted solar system on the yacht, there is the option of using a mobile solution. This can be laid out on the yacht, set up or tied down. Thanks to the snap fasteners, it is possible to attach it to the bimini or other textile supports.
Furthermore, you can use all three types of mounting on your yacht and take advantage of the location. On the bimini, the shading is often significantly less than with a fixed mounting on deck. With the mobile solar panels, you can achieve optimal alignment on your “solar” yacht at any time, even when the sun is low on the horizon.
What should you look for in a solar system for yachts?
In the run-up to the purchase of a solar system for the yacht, one should familiarize oneself with the characteristics as well as the operation of solar modules and charge controller in order to operate the system efficiently on the yacht. A well thought-out installation is essential for solar energy on yachts. The goal is to ensure that the solar modules receive the best possible amount of light throughout the day. Ideally, the sun’s rays always hit the panels perpendicularly. Shading must be avoided in any case. Therefore, mounting below the railing, handrail, lines or antenna mounts is not recommended.
Due to the course of the sun during the day, a constant output of the solar system on the yacht is not possible. At noon, due to the position of the sun at the zenith, the power is at its highest. But also at a low position or an overcast sky the solar modules can gain energy. The seasons also have an influence on the energy yield. In summer there are usually more hours of sunshine that a solar yacht can use. You should keep this in mind when planning your trip. With about 2600 hours of sunshine per year, the Croatian Adriatic coast is one of the sunniest regions in the Mediterranean.
Does a solar system on board make a yacht a solar yacht?
The term “solar yacht” would be used to describe a yacht powered entirely by solar energy. Such a technology is still in development and one can certainly expect much in the future in the field of solar yacht.
What is now already advancing in development are hybrid yachts: Yachts powered by a hybrid propulsion system that uses both diesel and electric propulsion.
A yacht with solar supplement sounds interesting to you? Feel free to contact the yacht specialists at Merk & Merk. As part of our professional yacht service, we take care of appropriate installations and conversions and advise you with our technical service for upgrading with solar systems. Together we design the effective solar system on your yacht .
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