solar sailboat

6 Awesome Solar Boats for Eco Sailing in 2024 (Guide)

Liza pivoted from environmental consulting and doing impact assessments to writing about her two most counter-intuitive but passionate interests: sustainability and the importance of living an eco-conscious life; and marketing, martech, and AI. When she’s not writing, you can find her living a zero-waste-adjacent life in South Africa, falling down research rabbit holes on the internet, or out hiking with her dogs.

Introduction

Liza Shuttleworth pivoted from a career in environmental impact assessment and consulting to becoming a full-time writer, focusing on her most passionate (and diverse) interests: ecological conservation, sustainability, waste management and marketing, mar-tech, and AI.

Her professional portfolio reflects a diverse array of writing and consultancy roles spanning environmental science, marketing, and technology.

She has written for prestigious online and print publications on topics that include sustainability, climate change advocacy, waste management, and marine conservation, as well as marketing strategy, mar-tech, and the proliferation of AI tools for marketing.

Liza has an extensive professional background, having held management and consultancy positions within the environmental science, waste management, technology, and marketing sectors.

Her writing and editorial positions for both print and online publications have shaped content in ways that educate and inspire readers about sustainable living, climate change, and the power of innovative technology to overcome challenges in any setting.

Liza's academic background is rooted in a Bachelor of Social Science, focusing on Media and English. Beyond this, she has pursued tertiary qualifications in geography, psychology, and marketing, further enriching her knowledge base and contributing to her multi-faceted approach to writing and advocacy.

Solar boats are becoming a hugely popular choice for eco-friendly sailing. They’re quiet, can sail great distances without needing to stop for fuel, produce no carbon emissions, and do not rely on fossil fuels.

The popularity of solar-powered boats represents an evolution in marine transportation in favor of renewable energy and sustainability. Solar-powered boats provide a window into a future where clean, emission-free transport is not only possible but also preferred, due to developments in solar technology and design.

Solar boats are the ultimate of innovation and environmental responsibility, whether they are being used for peaceful journeys along beautiful canals or for bold ocean expeditions.

We reduce our dependency on scarce fossil fuels and lessen the ecological effect of traditional boating techniques by using the sun’s power to move us over the sea. Solar boats have the potential to completely transform the maritime sector and open the door to a more environmentally conscious and sustainable future for all, especially as the demand for eco-friendly alternatives keeps rising.

So, how do solar boats work? What are the benefits? And what are the best solar boats on the market? 

In this guide, we explain how solar boats function, the advantages of using them, and six impressive solar boats you can purchase in 2024.

Let’s dive right in!

Table of Contents

How Do Solar Boats Work?

In recent years, solar panel and rechargeable battery technology have improved dramatically. Panels are lighter, stronger, and more efficient.

Batteries are more compact, more efficient, and weigh considerably less than they did in the past. Both batteries and panels now last longer and cost less than they used to.

These advances in technology and a growing interest in eco-friendly sailing have shifted the development of solar yachts from idealists’ dreams to the mainstream.

So, how exactly do solar boats work? 

Solar boats use solar energy to power their motors, navigation systems, and onboard electronics, and appliances.

The solar system works much the same as a solar system on a house or RV , with some structural differences to meet the unique demands and challenges of a marine environment.

Solar panels mounted on the boat harvest solar power from the sun and send it to a charge controller , which controls the flow of electricity to a bank of rechargeable (usually lithium-ion) batteries.

From the batteries, power is sent to the electric motors, navigation systems and appliances via an inverter, which converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Most appliances like kettles, microwaves, and hair dryers use AC.

A solar system can be added to any boat, making it a hybrid or even just to supplement a little power using a renewable resource.

S olar is a great way to reduce your carbon emissions, reduce your fuel costs and increase the distance you can sail without stopping to refuel .

However, if you’re looking to buy a solar boat that is designed and built specifically for solar sailing, there are some really great options to consider.

What are the Benefits of Using a Solar Powered Boat?

When it comes to solar boats, there are some great benefits and they’re not limited to renewable energy and fewer carbon emissions:

• No reliance on fuel – diesel generators can be used as an emergency back up but they’re not needed for everyday sailing or electricity generation.
• Unlimited range: when batteries are constantly recharged by the sun, there is no need to stop to refuel and you can keep going indefinitely.
• No noise and no fumes: as there is no engine, there is no noise and no diesel fumes. This makes the experience of sailing a solar boat much more peaceful.
• No pollution: on a solar boat, there is no engine producing noise pollution, no carbon or greenhouse gas emissions , and no risk of fuel or oil spills.
• More space: the absence of engines frees up a lot of space. Electric motors and batteries can be housed anywhere on the boat and do not take up as much space as engines and machinery, which means room for more storage compartments to keep your gear or equipment.
• Lower running costs: beyond the initial investment and occasional maintenance, solar is completely free. This cuts out fuel costs and ongoing engine maintenance costs.
• Less maintenance: solar panels need to be cleaned regularly to be most effective but that is the only ongoing maintenance needed. Once a good solar system is installed, it generally needs very little maintenance.
• No limitations on electrical use: with solar, the supply is free and if you’re not pushing the motors to travel at speed you will often have more electricity than you need. This means you don’t need to watch your power consumption and you can run your air conditioning as much as you want!
• Options to sell power back to shore stations: if you regularly generate more power than you need from your solar, you can share it with others or sell it back to the grid at some shore stations.

The benefits you will enjoy from a solar boat vary, depending on your location and the specifications of the boat you choose. There are also some downsides, for example, solar boats are generally slower and the initial investment is quite high.

That said, solar boats are well worth the investment!

So, let’s look at some of the awesome solar boats available on the market in 2024:

6 Awesome Solar Boats

There are many great solar-powered boats to choose from and we have selected six of the best to feature here. We have chosen a range of sizes, styles, and price points so there should be something for everyone on this list!

1. Silent Yachts – Silent 55

The Silent 55 by Silent Yachts is one of their smaller solar yachts and can be handled by two people, with or without any additional crew.

It is spacious, and beautifully designed to be as economical as possible without losing any of the luxuries of their larger boats. With three to six cabins and all the amenities you can imagine, it offers everything you need to live on board permanently.

Check out this video by Kara and Nate to see their experience of the Silent 55 and meet the couple behind the iconic Silent Yachts company:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIte4FNI0U0[/embedyt]

Where to Buy: Silent Yachts

Price: From €1.97 Mio.

2. Serenity Yachts – Serenity 64

The Serenity 64 is a solar-powered hybrid yacht with a diesel engine. It can run on either, giving it a combination of unlimited range using solar or faster cruising using diesel.

It is a spacious and luxurious yacht, with plenty of living space and four cabins with en suite bathrooms.  The Serenity is the smaller of the two solar-powered boats offered by Serenity. The Serenity 74 is bigger and more luxurious, with an interior designed by Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing.

Take a look at this video by Serenity Yachts to see more of the Serenity 64:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltyu-KPesg0[/embedyt]

Where to Buy: Serenity Yachts

Price: From $3.3 million

3. Sunreef Yachts – Eco 80 Sail Catamaran

Sunreef Yachts Eco sail catamarans take eco-friendly sailing to new heights. Their luxury solar yachts use a special ‘solar skin’ that covers any composite structure on the yacht to provide solar power from every angle.

They also use hydro and wind power to supplement the solar and have a sail. The green power generated on their innovative solar boats is enough to propel the boat, run all the onboard appliances and charge the electric water toys.

Taking their commitment to the environment up a notch, they use recycled and reclaimed materials, non-toxic paints, and natural fibers.

Check out the video below by SUNREEF YACHTS OFFICIAL on a day aboard the Sunreef 80 Eco Catamaran:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXFg1R1qcgI[/embedyt]

Where to Buy: Sunreef Yachts Eco

Price: Price on Request (depends on the custom specifications)

4. Soel Yachts – Soel Senses 48

The Soel Senses 48 is a 48ft solar electric catamaran. It was designed to be solar-powered and is slender and lightweight to make it more economical.

There are two sleeping berths for two people each, and another four people can sleep in the salon. The interior and the exterior are both sleek and modern.

Everything on the Soel Senses 48 has been designed thoughtfully to make it as comfortable and functional as possible. It is faster than other solar yachts, due to its smaller size and innovative design.

Check out this video by Jim Waltz to see a little more of the Soel Senses 48:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5IOCWPwGXY[/embedyt]

Where to Buy: Soel Yachts

5. Azura Marine – Aquanima 40

The Aquanima by Azura Marine is powered entirely solar and features some innovative adaptations that make it even more economical and eco-friendly. For example, rainwater collection from the solar panels on the roof and the fact that excess solar can be sold back to shore stations.

The Aquanima is beautifully designed and the interior is clean and modern. It has two double guest cabins and two single crew cabins. It is one of the most cost-effective options if you’re looking for a purely solar-powered boat.

Take a look at this video by Azura Marine to see the Aquanima in action:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X25IRdHoHqI[/embedyt]

Where to Buy: Azura Marine

Price: From €523,000

6. Silent Yachts – Silent 80 Tri-Deck Solar Catamaran

The Silent 80 Tri-Deck Solar Catamaran is a superyacht that is completely customizable. It offers huge amounts of space, with three decks that can be customized to suit the owner’s needs.

The top deck can be open or enclosed and can be used as additional living space or a luxury master suite, opening onto a private outdoor space. Both open and closed versions include four to six customizable cabins.

As a solar-powered yacht, it has more space where the engines would normally be and that storage space can be used to house water toys and additional recreational equipment.

Check out this video by Yachts For Sale to see more on the Silent 80 Tri-Deck Catamaran, how it is built and what sets it apart:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCZMzE5Q8lc[/embedyt]

Price: From €5.51 Mio.

Final Thoughts on Solar Boats

As solar and battery technology has improved, and boat owners have become more conscious of their environmental impact, solar boats have become both more viable and more desirable.

Modern solar boats, from small solar-powered yachts to solar superyachts, are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to make them economical, easy to maintain, and a pleasure to use.

They’re also becoming increasingly affordable, and we hope, will be a mainstream option available to every eco-conscious sailor soon!

Electrek: I Drove A Rare Solar-Electric Yacht to Test Clean-Sea Propulsion, Here’s How It Went

Environmental Protection: The Environmental Impacts of Boating

Custom Marine Products: A Cruiser’s Guide to Selecting and Sizing a Solar Charging System

Forbes: Solar-Powered Yachting: A Look Inside ‘The Tesla of Yachts’

Knysna Yacht Company: Top Things to Know About Yacht Solar Power

Robb Report: How Zero-Emission, Solar-Powered Yachts Entered Boating’s Mainstream

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The Land Between: Recreational Boating and the Environment – Tips and Tricks for Environmentally Conscious Boating

Yachting Monthly: Sailing with Solar Power: A Practical Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a solar boat work.

Solar boats use renewable energy from the sun to run their motors, electrical systems, and onboard appliances. They do not use petrol/diesel generators or engines and meet all their power needs using solar panels and batteries. Read the full guide for more details on how a solar boat works.

What are solar boats used for?

Solar boats are used for any boating purpose but they’re most frequently used for recreational sailing, such as yachts and catamarans, as ferries and tour boats, or as houseboats. Solar boats are generally slower and less powerful than fuel-powered boats. In situations where speed is needed, solar is usually supplemented with wind-sail or fuel-driven motors. Read the full guide for more on solar boats.

What is a solar yacht?

A solar yacht is a yacht that uses solar energy to power its electric motors and all the electronic equipment on board. Solar yachts do not rely on diesel or petrol engines and run solely on solar power. They do sometimes have other power sources, like backup diesel generators or engines. Read the full guide for more on solar yachts.

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Sailing with solar power: A practical guide

• Duncan Kent
• November 13, 2020

The latest solar technology makes self-sufficient cruising much more achievable. Duncan Kent gives the lowdown on everything you need to get your boat sorted

SOLAR POWER ON BOARD

Solar power is fast becoming the most popular and economic method of keeping the batteries charged on a boat.

Particularly now that the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) panels, charge controllers and batteries is improving every day.

Furthermore, the latest technology in regulators and charge controllers has brought about a noticeable increase in useable power output, so the problems of shading and non-alignment can be compensated for more easily.

Not only has PV equipment become more efficient and cost-effective, but many of the modern devices we want to use on a boat have become less power hungry.

This means it is now far easier to provide your entire yacht’s electrical needs, both 220Vac and 12/24Vdc, from natural energy resources – particularly solar power, even if you are planning on a fully electric boat .

Thinking carefully about how much power you need and how much your boat can accommodate is key to planning a solar array. Credit: Graham Snook

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

For instance, a boat with two new, good quality, deep-cycle house batteries of 100Ah each would supply 100Ah of energy to consume between charges, if you only use the recommended 50% of available charge between each charge cycle to protect the batteries.

From this you could run:

• a modern 12Vdc fridge (approx. 1.5Ah, or 36Ah over 24hrs),
• all LED lighting (say 20Ah per day),
• various small device chargers (20Ah)
• and a number of other items such as water pumps, TVs and stereos (25Ah/day)
• Totalling around 100Ah.
• For this you’d need 400W of solar capacity.

Of course, if you like to run a lot of AC devices off-grid such as hair dryers, microwaves, toasters and the like, then you’re going to need a DC/ AC inverter, which will take you to another level in power consumption terms.

But even then, with careful planning, solar could provide a large portion of the power you need before resorting to engine charging or a generator.

THE AVAILABLE SPACE

In practical terms, a modern 40ft monohull would have the space for around 1,200W of PV panels (cockpit arch, sprayhood top, deck), maybe 1,500W with the addition of a few portable panels for use at anchor.

The 1,200W of fixed position solar array could produce around 360Ah on a sunny summer’s day (zero shading) or more likely 250Ah on the average UK summer’s day.

So that’s enough for your 100Ah general DC consumption plus another 150Ah of AC consumption via the inverter.

Of course, to do this you’ll most likely need to increase your battery capacity to around 400-500Ah for maximum flexibility (you’ll need to store as much as possible during daylight hours), a typical figure for a 40-50ft offshore cruising yacht these days.

Get your solar charging right and you may never need to hook up to shore power

Typical daily inverter loads for a cruising yacht off grid might be:

• induction cooking plate (20min) 60Ah
• microwave (15min) 30Ah
• coffee maker (20mins) 25Ah
• hair dryer (5min) 15Ah
• laptop charger (2h) 10Ah
• or around 140Ah in total.

The trick is to monitor the batteries’ state of charge (SOC) at all times and vary your use of the inverter to suit.

For example, you might want to cook supper mid-afternoon, when solar is in abundance, and then reheat it in the evening when you want to eat it.

In some cases, when you’re cruising in warm climates such as the Med, you might end up with excess charge from your solar panels .

In this situation, many long-term cruisers devise a method of ‘dumping’ the extra energy by heating water for showers.

Do bear in mind if you’re planning to live aboard full time , then it’ll be a whole different story on cloudy days and during the winter, when inverter use might need to be knocked on the head entirely.

Continues below…

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Then heads to UN climate conference

POWER DISCREPANCIES

There’s often confusion as to how much power you can harvest from a solar installation.

A PV panel is nearly always advertised stating its theoretical peak output power (Pw).

But in reality, on a yacht where there are limited areas in which to mount them, they will more likely produce a maximum of 60% of their peak output if mounted horizontally, increasing to 80% if tilted towards the sun and regularly adjusted.

The latter is rarely achievable on a boat, however, as even at anchor it can swing through an arc of 180° in wind or tidal shifts .

Flexible panels can be mounted on sprayhoods or awnings to add power when it’s needed at anchor or in harbour

INSTALLATION

Having trawled through hundreds of ‘deals’ to get the best price on the most efficient panels you can afford you now need to know how to install them to best fulfill your energy generation needs.

The output, even from the highest quality photo-voltaic array, will only be as good as the installation itself.

So following our guidelines should ensure you extract every last drop of energy from your investment.

PANEL MOUNTING

Sailing boats are not the ideal structure on which to mount wide, flat PV panels.

So before you go ahead and purchase what looks like the biggest and best, take a few minutes to decide on exactly where you can mount them, as this will affect what size and type of panels you should buy.

In many cases the first choice would be on an arch, davits or gantry aft, especially if you already have, or plan to fit one.

Dinghy davits, particularly on multihulls, can support a huge solar capacity

These allow a solid metal framework to be constructed that will be strong enough to take the heavier, more productive rigid PV panels.

You can also build in some form of adjuster to the framework that will allow the panels to be orientated towards the sun for the best performance.

With luck (or careful planning) a gantry will also keep them aft of the boom, thereby eliminating loss of output caused by boom shading.

The next most popular position for mounting the panels is on a cockpit sprayhood or bimini, although this will often mean using the flexible or semi-flexible panels, which are generally less efficient than the rigid ones for the same area.

ELEVATED MOUNTING

Alternatively, there are kits available for mounting panels onto lifelines, which can allow their elevation to be manually adjusted to a certain degree.

Pole-mounted panels can be used for maximum adjustability

Finally, panels can be fitted directly onto the deck by either gluing them down using mastic or attaching them onto a rigid support frame.

Once again you will probably need to use semi-flexible panels – especially if the deck surface is curved.

Rigid, glass-coated panels will obviously not be suitable for deck mounting in an area that is frequently walked over.

Don’t be tempted to drill through the panels, even along the edges, as this will invalidate the warranty and possibly damage the panel.

With solid panels, the ability to adjust the angle can add significantly to output

It might seem obvious, but the key to an efficient system is to avoid shading wherever possible.

It’s no good fitting expensive, high-efficiency PVs right under the boom as they’ll perform little better than the cheaper types.

Saying that, in good quality panels each cell will be isolated from the next by a series of diodes (one-way electrical valves), so that if one cell is shaded at least it won’t drag down the other cells within the same panel.

Older panels often didn’t have these, so the slightest partial shading caused the output of the entire panel to cease.

OVERHEATING

Another important factor that is often ignored when installing the panels is that of overheating.

If a PV panel gets too hot, which is quite likely if mounted directly onto a flat surface without an air gap behind, its output will drop quite noticeably.

To allow for some air circulation behind the panels it’s best to apply mastic adhesive in numerous large dabs.

This is best achieved by placing wooden spacer strips between the dabs until the mastic has completely cured, after which the spacers can be removed.

You might need some form of trim around one or more of the outside edges, though, if they are positioned where sheets and other lines might get caught under them.

Raising the panels up will also help water to drain off and thereby helping to avoid possible delamination from sitting in water for too long.

CHARGE CONTROL

A PV module cannot supply an electrical device directly due to the changeability of the sunlight, which in turns varies the current it can produce.

Therefore, it has to be connected to a battery, which stores and smooths its output.

Whatever the size of your solar array you will need to fit a regulator, or charge controller as they are now more commonly known, to the system in order to control the output and to help extract as much power from the panels as possible.

There are two types of PV charge controller.

The older designs, called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) types, were fairly basic voltage regulators and simply output volts at just above battery level.

The latest controllers use Multi Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology and can accept much higher input voltages (up to 240Vdc).

MPPT controllers can be up to 30% more efficient as they use the peak output of the panels to charge the batteries, even compensating for partial shading.

BEWARE FAKE GEAR

If you buy online do be careful to ensure you’re getting what you pay for.

There are a huge number of fake MPPTs out there, which are simply the much cheaper PWM dressed up with fake labels.

It’s hard to tell which is which, but the old adage of ‘if it looks too good to be true, it usually is’ makes good sense.

MPPT controllers are usually bigger and heavier than PWMs, but if in doubt call or email the supplier to discuss the pros and cons of their kit before buying.

If they’re not happy to chat and advise you then I would steer clear of their gear.

Some good MPPTs are made in China, but unless they have a UK supplier, I wouldn’t bother with them as you’ll have no follow-up advice.

To calculate what size controller you need simply divide the panel’s peak power in Watts (Wp) by the battery voltage, which will give you the maximum current (Amps) they could theoretically supply.

For example 240W/12V = 20A. Although it’s unlikely you’ll ever get near the peak output from any PV panel, it’s best to go for the maximum possible.

Induction cooking is now a reality on board, even without shore power

PV panels come with a short length of cable, usually around 1m long.

Some are supplied with MC4 connectors already attached but most only provide bare wires.

The latter can be easily extended using proper waterproof connections but thought must be given as to the current rating and voltage drop (usually max 3%) for the size of cable you intend to use.

If in doubt, bigger is better!

Panels can sometimes be ordered with the wiring on the back so that the cable can go straight below deck through a hole under the panel.

You may need to fit extra battery capacity if you want to run an inverter from solar charging

SERIES OR PARALLEL?

A commonly asked question is ‘should I wire my PV panels in series or in parallel?’

The simple answer is, if there’s any danger of frequent shading to one or more of the panels then install them in parallel.

If wired in series the shading of a single panel will drag down the output from all of the others in the same series.

PARALLEL IS PREFERRED

Most commonly, multiple panels are wired together in parallel to a single charge controller, with diodes protecting each panel from discharging the others should one become partially shaded.

With the advent of MPPT controllers, however, there can sometimes be a benefit to wiring two or more identical panels into a series bank, thereby presenting a higher voltage to the controller.

It’s worth noting that, like batteries, wiring PV panels in series increases the voltage only – the current capacity of the array remains the same as for a single panel.

‘Where’s the benefit of wiring them in series then?’ you might ask.

Well, the higher the voltage fed into the MPPT, the more consistent it will be with its output, which could, in some cases, prove more efficient than a parallel installation with PWM controllers.

It’s also likely to be necessary if you have a 24V domestic system.

SERIES WIRING

Series wiring is usually only done when the cable runs are long, as it helps negate the voltage drop caused by the resistance of the cable.

While a decent controller will have no problem handling the output from four or even five panels wired in series, it is often inappropriate for sailing yachts as shading just one of the panels will reduce the output of the entire series array.

If you need to do so in order to reduce cable runs then it’s best to split the panels between each side of the boat – a series bank on each side.

If you do this, then you would ideally fit a separate controller to each series PV bank and then connect their outputs together in parallel to the battery bank.

Note, however, that panels wired in series must all be the same types with an equal number of cells per panel.

Furthermore, the charge controller needs to be sized for the total of all panel voltages added together and the current rating of one individual panel.

Differently rated panels can be connected together in parallel but only if each panel has its own controller.

The outputs of the individual controllers can then be joined together to go to the battery bank.

BATTERY BANK QUESTION

Another frequently asked question is ‘Can I connect another charging source to the battery bank while the solar array is charging?’

The answer is yes.

Any decent PV controller will be protected against feedback from other charging sources.

Think carefully about where shade from mast, boom and rigging will fall. Credit: Graham Snook Photography

CABLE SIZE AND CONNECTORS

A frequent cause of reduced output from PV arrays is wiring that is too small.

The resistance of a wire conductor increases in direct proportion to its cross-sectional area, so go as big as is practicable for the least cable loss.

Each panel should be supplied with the correctly sized cables for its own maximum output.

But if you’re combining panels, either in parallel or in series, you will clearly need to rate the single feed cable to suit the maximum current available at theoretical peak solar output and to minimise voltage drop.

Likewise, the cable from the controller to the batteries should be sized to suit the controller’s maximum output current and protected with a fuse.

For outside it’s important to use exterior grade cable, which is double- insulated and UV-proof.

WEATHERPROOF CONNECTORS

And wherever possible use compatible weatherproof connectors (usually MC4) to those found on the panels rather than cutting off the plugs and hard-wiring them.

Field- assembly MC4 plugs are available, so you don’t have to drill large holes in the decks or bulkheads when feeding the cables through.

When joining more than one panel together try to use the approved multiway connectors; not only do they keep the wiring neat and tidy, but they also offer a greater contact area than budget terminal blocks.

If you have to use screw-type connectors make sure to fit proper ferrules to the wire first to avoid any stray wires in the multistrand shorting across the terminals.

When feeding a cable from above to below deck, try to go through an upright bulkhead where possible to minimise ‘pooling’ of water around the access hole.

Also, use a proper watertight deck seal that matches the cable you’re using.

If drilling through a cored deck you need to drill a larger hole first, fill it with epoxy resin and then drill the required size hole through the epoxy to ensure no water gets into the deck core.

Ideally, the charge controller should be mounted no further than 2m from the battery bank.

If you need to go further, you’ll require larger cabling to reduce the voltage drop.

A generous solar array will keep you self- sufficient indefinitely. Credit: Graham Snook Photography

CONTROLLER LOAD TERMINALS

There is often confusion over the ‘load’ output of a charge controller (often depicted by a light bulb) and what can safely be connected to these terminals.

Rarely explained in the manual, the load terminals should be pretty much ignored in a marine installation as the output on these terminals is usually very limited (10A max).

Some attach an LED light to them to indicate the controller is operating, but all your usual electrical loads should remain connected to the batteries with the battery terminals on the controller connected directly to that battery bank via a fuse.

It is possible, though, to control a high-current switching relay in certain conditions.

Parallel installation is more resilient to shading, but a series installation will increase peak charging outputs. A combination of the two offers some of the benefit of both

CIRCUIT MONITORING

Unlike most cheap PWMs, the majority of good quality MPPT charge controllers come with an alphanumeric LCD screen to let you know what is going on.

This can either be a remote display or simply one on the front of the box.

It’s obviously a lot better to have a proper numerical display than to rely on a few flashing LEDs to tell you when something’s not right.

So if your chosen controller doesn’t have one be sure to fit a battery monitor (the shunt type) into your solar circuit between the controller and the batteries.

It doesn’t have to be a very ‘smart’ monitor, just one that can display the voltage and current being supplied by the panels.

For smartphone addicts there are several wifi apps that will do the job remotely on your phone or tablet.

DEVICE PROTECTION

All good quality PV panels feature built-in diode protection between each cell to prevent a shaded cell from dragging down the productive ones.

In addition, there will be internal blocking diodes on the final output to protect the panel from polarity reversal and to ensure that the batteries can’t discharge back into the panel during the night.

The latter can be added externally, the former can’t, so check before you buy.

A fuse, rated just above the maximum current available, should be fitted between each panel and the charge controller.

Another fuse should then be installed between the charge controller’s output and the batteries.

In the case of multiple arrays, this second fuse will be rated higher than the individual panel fuses and should match the maximum current rating of the cable.

With this protection installed other charging devices can be connected in parallel at the battery, meaning the solar can be left connected even when you are hooked up to shore power and the battery charger is operating.

In some circumstances, however, this arrangement can affect the sensing of the battery by the charger, causing it to fall back into float mode.

If this becomes apparent it can be overcome by installing a manual/auto switch to disconnect the solar array when on shore power.

Check the flex of the solar panel is sufficient for your deck

EXCESS POWER DUMPING

A solar charge controller works by disconnecting the supply from the PV panels when the batteries are fully charged.

But for some full-time liveaboards in sunny climates that can be considered a waste, when the excess power could be put to good use – heating water, say.

This is commonly done using an inverter to supply AC power to the heating element.

Alternatively, you can now buy a 12Vdc element for your calorifier (hot water tank) and supply this directly from your battery bank.

Both of these methods would require a voltage sensitive relay (VSR) to disconnect the element should the battery voltage drop below a pre-set level.

Don’t expect boiling hot water, as there will probably only be enough spare power to take the chill off it before your battery bank reaches its lower threshold voltage.

A 600W/12V element will draw some 50A, from the batteries, whereas a 1kW AC element run through an inverter will need close to 100A.

A small, semi-flexible panel will be sufficient for keeping batteries trickle charged, but not for heavy use

RIGID, FLEXIBLE, OR SEMI FLEXIBLE?

Despite massive recent improvements in semi-flexible panels in recent years, the solid glass panels still offer a higher power density.

That said, they are heavier, more awkward to mount and can’t be walked on, so unless you have a dedicated gantry aft, you’re better off choosing the more rugged semi-flexibles.

Modules incorporating monocrystalline cells also have a better output than those with polycrystalline cells (that’s cells made from a single slice of silicon as opposed to layers of smaller pieces).

Output voltage also depends on the number of cells on the panel.

In the past this has commonly been 32, but now some 36 and even 40 cell panels are available.

That said, they’re larger, of course, so an array of interconnected smaller panels might be a better solution.

Module efficiency is now more often around the 20% mark, as opposed to 12-15% for older models and semi- flexible (up to 20° bend) are usually better than flexible (up to 180° bend).

A rigid panel is more efficient, but less robust

There are a huge number of panels on the market, but many use the same cells.

Sunpower Maxeon cells are exceptionally good, as are the Panasonic HIT range and LG, but they are pricey.

If the maker is offering a 25-year guarantee instead of a 3-5 year one, you can be pretty confident they’re good.

When it comes to charge controllers it’s definitely worth paying a little more for a decent MPPT.

A cheap PWM might be okay just to keep a small starter battery charged with a 30W panel, but the MPPT will give you much more when it comes to heavy service.

Victron are probably top of the range, while cheaper brands like MakeSkyBlue and EPever are also good value – but treat imports of unclear origin with care.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Duncan Kent has been evaluating and reviewing yachts and marine equipment for the past 30 years

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The ZEN50 is a game changer. World’s first series production catamaran equipped with a wingsail, it defines a new distinctive class of its own, where genuine zero-emission meets high comfort and performance, limitlessly. 

Designed from scratch for ZEN Yachts by award-winning naval architect Julien Mélot , this full carbon catamaran is the ultimate essence of technology driven, high performance and luxurious, eco-friendly leisure yachting. 

The blue water capable ZEN50 lightweight racing carbon hulls are combined with a huge solar roof for an unrivaled solar power vs. displacement ratio above 1:1 (18 kW / 17 tonnes), making this yacht completely energy self-sufficient. A revolutionary, fully automated, wingsail - by Ayro© - can be added as a range and speed extender. The yacht’s high capacity battery bank powers a powerful silent electric propulsion, allowing the ZEN50 to achieve 14 knots and maintain high continuous speeds in unrivaled safety and comfort, indefinitely… 

The ZEN50 is offered with or without wingsail and comes in 3 main different versions: Racer, Cruiser and Explorer, each dedicated to a different usage and owner profile. We use these versions as a basis to define a final, bespoke specification for each of our valued clients and ZEN Community Members. Scroll down for more details, specifications and prices.

1st WINGSAIL series production yacht in the world!

The OceanWings32 - by Ayro© - was initially developed for Team Oracle, for the America’s Cup 2010 in Valencia. Over years, it has further been developed and automated by VPLP and was installed on Energy Observer in 2019. Two years of field feedback have allowed the Ayro team to fine tune the algorithm commanding the wingsail. The ZEN50 is the first series production leisure craft to be equipped with this fully automated wingsail. It is controlled at the touch of a finger on screens, is automatically adjusted and has several safety modes and features. The two parts of the wingsail can be hoisted and lowered independently and with the simple touch of a button. The wingsail OceanWings32 is the ideal complement for the solar roof for those wishing to cruise long distances off-shore with zero-emissions.

Greatest ratio SOLAR POWER / weight on the market

At 17 tonnes lightweight and 18,000 W of peak solar power, the ratio of the ZEN50 is at over 1 kW per displaced tonne of water or beyond 1:1 which is far beyond any other blue water CE Cat A yacht in this size range. Lots of solar power for little water to displace is the strong and healthy foundation the energy self-sufficient ZEN50 is built upon.

Performance CARBON sandwich hulls

The hulls of the ZEN50 have been designed from a blank screen for ultimate efficiency - understand minimum drag or minimal energy consumption for a range of speeds from 6 to 10 knots. Their shape is aggressive, sharp and slender. Their reverse bows cut through water like a sword cuts through butter and their curvature is reminiscent of graceful dolphin bodies. These hulls are undoubtedly of the performance type and are built with the best available composites: Carbon fibre and Corecell™. The combination of high strength, low weight and performance design allow the ZEN50 to reach speeds of up to 14 knots.

INFINITE range at high CONTINUOUS speeds

With maximized solar and wind power and minimized energy consumption… the ZEN50 can sail continuously at speeds varying between 6 and 10 knots. Thorough simulations in various sea states and weather system have consistently shown the ZEN50 will be able to achieve performance catamaran speeds continuously without using a genset. With the ZEN50, the world is your oyster and the wildest destinations are within your reach with this self-reliant vessel!

True ZERO-EMISSION operation

The first ZEN50 unit, whose construction started in March 2023, will not be equipped with a genset at all and will not have any fossil fuels onboard. The ZEN50 energy system with its very large capacity 160 kWh battery bank, has been designed to function for days in complete safety with minimal solar energy harvest and no wind. It is perfectly safe with no backup genset and operates 24/7 without any polluting emissions.

NO FUEL , no costs

Naturally, requiring no fuel to operate day in day out is great news for the environment, it is also fantastic news when sailing into remote areas where fuel bunkering might be near impossible or where the fuel quality might be an issue. Finally, it also makes a massive difference in this yacht’s costs of operation. Imagine the hundreds of liters of diesel saved over just a week, the obsolete engine maintenance schedules, the clogged filters and dirty tanks from another age… Welcome to a new burden-free, energy self-sufficient era, welcome to clean and graceful eco-yachting, welcome to ZEN Yachts.

Highest SAFETY & reliability

At ZEN Yachts, we have made some design choices to attain energy self-reliance with the ZEN50 that reduces the habitable volume in the hulls, similar to performance catamarans. Where we have not and will never compromise is on safety. Our main voltage system is 48V making it perfectly safe to work on. The level of redundancy of the batteries and solar panels is 10! The main electrical architecture is split in 2 so that should anything happen on 1 hull, the entire vessel can still operate normally. There are 2 independent helm stations and the ZEN50 is packed with special safety features, nonsubmersible compartments and we can even offer an in-depth practical course on safety equipment usage and management. Sailing with the ZEN50 is not only exhilarating and clean, it is ultra safe!

Unrivaled space & COMFORT

The ZEN50 offers the speeds of a performance catamaran, the comfort of a large motor yacht and the simplicity of an electric car. No less than 2 large day beds, 3 dining areas for over 10 people, 1 professional galley and 2 wet kitchens, 5 heads, up to 4 double ensuite cabins, 1 bunk double and 1 single together with both saloon and dining areas converting into extra sleeping areas, this is simply unrivaled on a 50 ft. catamaran. Add an electric tender, dive compressor, satellite internet, 2 helm stations (cockpit and flybridge), a solar roof that converts into a gigantic upper deck to enjoy the most epic sunrises and sunsets, welcome onboard the ZEN50!

SPECIFICATIONS

Main particulars.

• Length Over All: 15.7m

• Beam: 8.4m

• Depth Molded: 2.7m at midship

• Displacement (light) : 17 T

• Draft (design): 1.3m (4.3ft) incl. keel

• Passenger Capacity: 12

• Berths: 12 (4 x double + 2 x single + saloon)

• Building Material: Carbon Fiber - Corecell™ composite

• Certification: CE Cat A - Unrestricted with 12 persons

Note: Some of the above figures may vary between versions

PROPULSION & ENERGY

• Propulsion: 2 x 50 kW brushless DC motors

• Main Battery Pack Capacity: 160 kWh Lithium

• Solar Roof Peak Power: 18 kWp

• Wingsail: Oceanwings® OWS 3.2 by Ayro©

• Backup Battery Pack Capacity (Nav/Com/Wing): 5 kWh Lithium

• Main System Voltage: 48V - Low voltage for total human safety

• Accommodation Voltage: 110V or 220V

SPEED & RANGE

• Max. Speed on e-motor only: 10 kn

• Max. Speed on e-motor & Wingsail: 14 kn

• Cruising Speed for continuous operation - solar only: 4.5 - 5 kn

• Cruising Speed for continuous operation - solar and wing: 6 - 10 kn

• Cruising Speed day time: 8 - 10 kn

• Range Over 24 h: 180+ nm

Note: These values may vary between versions and sea / weather conditions

EQUIPMENT INCLUDED - RACER VERSION

• Integrated power management system

• Solar power & energy storage system

• Electric propulsion system

• By-wire steering system

• Helm stations at cockpit & flybridge

• Galley counters, storage, sink, oven, stove, fridge, freezer

• 4 en suite heads with enclosed shower, toilet, sink & faucet (in each head)

• All cabin furniture (as shown in layouts)

• Aft deck fixed dining table and aft sofa with collapsible back rest (as shown in layouts)

• Fore deck day bed and lateral seats (as shown in layouts)

• Outdoor marine cork decking / indoor saloon natural bamboo decking

• All cushions In/Outdoor upholstered with Sunbrella® fabric

• 6 deck hatches

• 2 x 500 liter (2 x 132 gal) fresh water tanks

• 2 x 100 liter approx. (2 x 26 gal) fresh water tanks + 1 fresh water pump

• 2 x 350+ liter approx. (2 x 92 gal) holding tanks

• Railings, cleats and fore deck trampolines

• Mooring equipment: 33 kg Rocna® stainless steel anchor + 50 m stainless steel chain 10 mm + 150 m nylon rope + e-windlass

• Regulatory navigation equipment including navigation lights & mast

• 2 x chart plotter 16”; 2 x VHF with DSC button

• Regulatory Life Saving Appliances

• Critical spare parts kit

Note: The above equipment is for the Racer version. Cruiser & Explorer versions carry additional equipment

ZEN50 Solar Wingsail Electric Catamaran - Solar Roof Layout

ZEN50 Solar Wingsail Electric Catamaran - Flybridge Layout

ZEN50 Solar Wingsail Electric Catamaran - Main Deck Layout - Asymmetric D (subject to changes)

ZEN50 Solar Wingsail Electric Catamaran - Cabin Layout - Asymmetric D (subject to changes)

ZEN50 Solar Wingsail Electric Catamaran - Cabin Layout - Asymmetric E (subject to changes)

SOLAR & WINGSAIL

OCEAN RACER

Solar power & Wing, basic configuration, navigation, safety, fridge, etc.

EUR 2 150 000

WORLD CRUISER

Solar power & Wing, well equipped with A/C and water maker

EUR 2 400 000

ARCTIC EXPLORER

Solar power & Wing ultimate configuration with all available options

EUR 2 650 000

Solar power, basic configuration, navigation, safety, fridge, etc.

EUR 1 700 000

CONTINENTAL CRUISER

Solar power, well equipped configuration with A/C and water maker

EUR 1 900 000

TROPICAL EXPLORER

Solar power ultimate configuration with all available options

EUR 2 100 000

Ready to reserve your ZEN50?

Want more information .

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Sailboat Life

Sailboat Cruising and Lifestyle Magazine.

Sailboat Solar Systems and How-To

Solar on a sailboat goes together like hands and gloves, but sailboat solar systems can be installed in a variety of ways. The solar components themselves create an infinite combination of possibilities for off-grid sailing. Victron Energy chargers, Renogy Panels, Sunpower Yachts, BlueSea Systems, and many more brands have entered the marketplace, and that’s not including the lithium battery companies.

To simplify things, we’ve compiled three sailboat solar systems videos to give you an overview of what’s possible. And to help you decide on your own simple solar panel setup for sailing.

How-To Install Solar Panels on Your Sailboat

This system from Zingaro shows flexible panels summing 300w of power on a 38′ catamaran.

300W Solar System:

• Three 100w solar flexible panels
• 1 MPPT Solar charger controller

View on Amazon >>

100W HQST Flexible Solar Panels $100-$200

20amp Solar Charge Controller by Victron Energy $150-$200

Simple Sunpower Solar System

This simple solar system from The Fosters shows a quick and easy setup with limited space on top of a bimini.

Sunpower Solar Panels are considered by most in the industry as the gold standard. They use the highest-efficiency solar cells and have top-notch build quality. In this simple installation, three 50w panels are just enough to get you started. Plus, it’s the most affordable installation!

150w Starter Solar System

• Three 50w Flexible Solar Panels
• A Single 15amp solar charge controller

50W Sunpower Solar Panels $150-$200

75v/15amp Solar Charge Controller by Victron Energy $100-$124

Off-Grid on a DIY Solar Powered Sailboat

Here’s a special installation that turned a derelict sailboat into an off-grid sailing machine!

Simon has transformed this derelict sailboat into an epic off-grid solar-powered and fossil-fuel-free cruising catamaran. He’s been living aboard and renovating the boat for the past 3.5 years We’re excited to show you the transformation as well as how he plans to propel the boat without the use of diesel or fossil fuels!

5280w Solar System for Electric Powered Catamaran

• 16 Rigid solar panels (330w each)
• 20kwh of Lithium Batteries

240W Rigid Solar Panels $250-$300

200AH Lithium 4d Battery $1200-$1200

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Saved Up For This Dream

The award-winning entry to solar-electric yachts

As the successor to the Silent 64 (the first ever solar powered production yacht to cross the Atlantic Ocean during January of 2018), the 60 Series is equipped with the most refined, efficient and clever technology available today. Being a multi-award winner, including the prestigious “Best of Boats Award” in the category of ‘Best for Travel’, she embodies solar electric yachting in its purest form. Available in a variety of deck and cabin options, the Silent 60 is ideally suited for families cruising with or without additional crew.

Specifications

Deck options, silent 62 flybridge.

The flybridge version with a retractable roof offers enough space for a dining area with a small lounge and a dedicated helm station. For owners who do not need the additional space of the 62 3-deck configurations, the flybridge version offers enough space and outstanding 360° visibility.

Silent 62 3-Deck Open

An additional open deck instead of the flybridge combines the benefits of larger catamarans with the compact dimensions of the 60 Series. The open sky lounge is a fantastic outdoor community space, equipped with a full dining area including a panoramic view and a superyacht atmosphere.

Silent 62 3-Deck Closed

The closed version of the 62 3-Deck further develops her character as a compact superyacht. Providing additional indoor space, the closed third deck is available in two options: a choice between a sky lounge or an exclusive owner’s deck makes sure it can be tailored towards individual needs.

Model variations

Front Master Version

• Available for every deck option (flybridge, 3-deck open & 3-deck closed versions)

The Master cabin is located below the bow in the front of the main deck. This replaces the additional exit in the front of the salon.

Front Exit Version

Hereby the salon on the main deck is equipped with an additional exit in the front. The Master cabin moves to the side of the hull in the lower deck.

3-Deck Open

3-Deck Closed

Front Master

Solar-electric yachting advantages

Unlimited range, noiseless cruising, zero emission, minimal maintenance, powertrains, 6o series highlights.

Kite sail system

Adding the option of a fully automatic towing kite gives the 60 Series the opportunity to make use of the wind without shading the panels. The either 9m² or 12 m² sized kite flies at heights where winds are much stronger, thus being able to create up to 10x more pulling power compared to a conventional sail.

Self-sufficient lifestyle

Designed from the ground up to be fully autonomous. By being able to produce your own energy and water while making use of coolable food supplies for storage as well as a worldwide internet connection, you have the possibility of creating a fully self-sufficient lifestyle on board.

Bridgedeck storage

Under the bridge deck, there are two spacious storage boxes for SUPs, surfboards, small RIBs or compact sailboats. Both of them can be accessed either from the aft cockpit deck or directly from the hydraulic tender lift.

Owner's suite

Being able to design the 60 Series with an exclusive owner’s suite on the 3rd deck us unique amongst 60-foot catamarans. The suite itself is fully equipped with an en-suite bathroom and measures 23 m² in size. It also gives direct access to the 36 m² lounge area in the aft.

8 Years Warranty Battery Banks

4 0 years warranty solar panels, lifetime warranty electric motors, ce-a category certification, ocean crossing capabilities.

If you would like to enquire about this electric yacht and get in touch with a member of our team, please click on the button below.

Other models

120 Explorer

Silent Group

Our charters offer you the opportunity to book a memorable vacation on board of our electric yachts. Including our helpful crew, consisting of a captain and a chef, you will experience the comfort of solar powered yachting.

As the pioneers of solar yachting, we have almost three decades of experience regarding the research, design and build of electric yachts. Our team, shipyard and the hiring of new talent are the backbone of our operations.

By transferring our solar yachting technology, Silent Resorts develops sustainable beachfront resorts in beautiful locations worldwide. Memberships offer full or part ownership of an eco-property and a Silent yacht.

Create your infinite playground on the water. A selection of premium electric water toys, which can be recharged by simply connecting them to your Silent yacht, as well as other accessories for the ultimate experience on board.

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Green Propulsion for Eco Catamarans

While dependency on wind remains an inevitable source of propulsion for sailing catamarans, Sunreef Yachts Eco has witnessed remarkable technological advancements with hybrid and electric engines.

Renewable Energy on Yachts

Apart from powering our solar catamarans with sunlight, we also adapt to other forms of renewable energy to further reduce our carbon footprint and improve reliability and resilience onboard.

Energy Efficiency on Yachts

Eliminating energy wastage is the key principle for Sunreef Yachts Eco. Our research and development team consistently evolves their modus operandi to facilitate sustainable cruising.

Sustainable Finishing Materials

Our eco catamarans capitalize on ethical and sustainable furnishings to encourage a prolonged lifecycle and ease of recycling for an additional benefit action in the environment.

GREEN CONCEPT

Sunreef Yachts Eco catamarans are the future of sustainable yachting. With a 360° approach to eco-responsible cruising, they offer cutting-edge green propulsion solutions, naturally-sourced finishing materials, smart energy management and new technologies including a proprietary composite- integrated solar power system produced in-house to power their newest range of solar catamarans .

This new philosophy of yachting is present in each and every aspect of the Sunreef Yachts Eco catamarans. Their design incorporates ultralight custom- engineered batteries, a revolutionary air-conditioning system, wind-generators, nontoxic bottom paints, green composite structures as well as state-of-the-art watermakers and water-saving systems.

ECO Q&A

Exploring The Advantages Of Hydrogen Catamarans Over Yachts In A Sustainable World

As the world transitions to a more sustainable way of life, finding ways to enjoy leisure activities without generating

Harnessing the Power of Hydrogen Yachts – The Future of Sustainable Yachting

Hydrogen yachts are the future of sustainable yachting. As the world shifts to renewable energy sources, hydrogen yacht

How does Sunreef bring Sustainability & Luxury together?

Justin Ratcliffe stepped aboard Marie-Joseph, the first Sunreef 80 Eco, to speak with founder Francis Lapp and his son

What Ways Can You Reduce Yacht Water Waste Onboard?

With water being one of our most precious resources, eco yacht owners can take a few simple steps to make a big impact

The Green Side of Luxury Yachting: Sunreef Yachts Eco

The sustainable design movement is gaining momentum and Sunreef Yachts is embracing a greener way to cruise in luxury.

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This New 100-Foot Sailboat Uses Solar and Wind Power to Cruise Autonomously

The sunreef eco 100 has all the hallmarks of a luxury sailing vessel, but also benefits from 2,600 square feet of solar panels for nearly autonomous power., kevin koenig, kevin koenig's most recent stories, open space, eco-friendly tech: what a rising class of millennial superyacht owners looks for, ‘people don’t want to be inside’: how the outdoors became yachtmakers’ most coveted design element.

• Azimut’s New 72-Foot Yacht Has One of the Largest Flybridges in Its Class. We Hopped Onboard.
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The solar panels are fully integrated into the yacht’s composite structures, from the superstructure to the hull sides. They measure up to 2,600 square feet, generating 45.1 kWh. It’s a design feature that Sunreef has dubbed the boat’s “solar skin.”

The 100 also has the requisite features that one would expect on a yacht this size. A full-beam, main-deck master gives an owner an embarrassment of space, and the boat can sleep an additional 11 guests, plus crew.

On the outside, there are plenty of social areas, from the open foredeck to the flybridge to the aft cockpit. Twin garages in each of the yacht’s hulls have fast-charging ports that charge electric toys and tenders in under an hour. Other features such as a spa, gym, multiple bars, and a Jacuzzi on the flybridge are also available.

The new flagship joins the 50, 60, 70 and 80 in the Eco line. Hull number one will split time its time between the Med and the Caribbean, while the second hull is set to be a world explorer.

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This yacht sets sail with solar

The 60 square meters of solar panels produces 30-50 kWh of energy per day, enough to power all of the onboard electronic equipment for around seven hours.

• Commercial & Industrial PV

Solar-powered Baltic yacht.

Image: Solbian Solar

Baltic Yachts began delivery in July of its Baltic 146 Path, which includes an 8,714 watt solar rooftop and energy storage system designed by Solbian Solar using the company’s walkable solar modules.

Recently, some of the yacht’s technical work has been shared online. Built from 1,742 monocrystalline solar cells, many of the 86 solar panels were custom cut to fit the deck’s shape by the Solibian team in Italy. The units were based on the company’s Super Rugged (SR) Series .

The SR series has solar cell busbar technology developed by Merlin Solar. In one video, the Merlin team drives over the solar panel, throws bags of cement on it, and even shoots it with a bow and arrow in an effort to prove the product’s resilience. The company said its busbar technology makes this kind of abuse possible.

The 60 square meters of solar panels produces 30-50 kWh of energy per day. The company said that’s enough to power all of the onboard electronic equipment–including navigation, autopilot, lighting, and entertainment–for around seven hours.

Once the sun goes down, a Mastervolt MLI 44kWh LiFePO4 battery pack allows the diesel generator mostly to stay off, providing generally silent operation for 14-18 hours.

Baltic Yacht’s solar system is roughly half the size of the Silent 60’s 16.8 kWdc solar plus storage system. The Silent 60 is a solar-propelled yacht less than half the lengthBaltic yacht and price, which reaches 6-8 knots on solar power alone. The Path does not feature electric propulsion and therefore relies on diesel engines when the wind dies down.

Since the Path uses a sail for propulsion, the team installed 154 bypass diodes and 12 solar panel strings and trackers – Mastervolt SCM-60 MPPTS – in an effort to maximize power output and minimize the effect of the sail’s shadows on the panels. The entire solar system, including wiring, controllers and small parts, weighs less than 300kg, the company said

The 146 Path has an overall length of 146 feet. The yacht can accommodate eight in addition to the ship’s owner, as well as eight crew members. Path carries two tenders, an 8hp Torqeedo electric outboard-powered RIB, and a 6.5m twin-engined RibEye. There are also two ultra-lightweight Reverso Match sailing dinghies.

When the front tender is deployed, its storage container can be turned into a pool.

The ship’s main diesel engine is a 405kW (550hp), six-cylinder Scania. The specific model isn’t listed, however the “ DI13 092M IMO Tier III, EU Stage IIIA ” lines up with all of the stats and looks like the unit in a video of the engine being installed.

The owner’s suite includes a sleeping cabin, and an en suite lounge with a glass divider doubling as a movie, tv, and sailing information screen. An upper lounge features a 2.7m-long video wall.

This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com .

John Fitzgerald Weaver

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Sandia offers public access to csp archives, related content, elsewhere on pv magazine....

Since it is E propulsion all they have to do to change while sailing is use the motor in regen it’ll generate power back into the pack at much larger amounts. And a small RE fueled generator just in case. As a sailor who does solar, not a chance it’ll get that much from the solar from all the shading from the rigging. More likely 10-30kwh/day. On mine, I made the sails small with 2 masts so I can lower them to not shade the panels.

Any photos of your boat you can share?

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SOEL YACHTS

Solar electric yachts.

With dedication and passion for high tech, sustainability and excellent design, Soel Yachts creates solar electric yachts that promise high efficiency, low emissions, outstanding comfort, low maintenance, and significantly reduced costs of ownership. We are driven by an unwavering commitment to accelerate the transition to sustainable and autonomous mobility on the water.

ENJOY THE RICHNESS OF THE SEA

Our solar electric catamarans combine all the elements for a luxurious and environmentally conscious aquatic lifestyle. With zero CO2 or noise emissions on board, you can reconnect with your senses and fully enjoy the journey.

electric models

The Soel Yachts portfolio offers solar electric catamarans for both private and commercial applications. With the vast experience gathered trough different projects worldwide and boats successfully performing on a daily basis for many years, we gladly can discuss individual requirements and find the ideal solution for your preferred electric yacht and destination

PIONEERS SINCE 2007

Bringing over 15 years of extensive expertise in electrifying solar electric yachts since 2007, we have been pioneers in the solar yachts industry. Our integral solar electric systems in-house have impressively powered more than 27 circumnavigations of the Earth across the world’s oceans, offering unmatched real-world testing and performance validation for an extraordinary and worry-free sailing experience.

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At our core, we strive for the perfect balance between cutting-edge technology, purposeful design, and outstanding performance. Our innovative approach combines streamlined hull designs for electric propulsion, engineered in conjunction with our in-house systems, to ensure an exceptional range.

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Electric boats

Electric yachts.

• Solar Electric Boats
• Sunreef Yachts

Sunreef shows off gorgeous 80-foot solar electric luxury yacht ahead of US debut this month

Eco-responsible shipbuilder Sunreef Yachts had given the public its first glimpse of its new 80-foot solar electric yacht before it makes it US debut in Fort Lauderdale, Florida later this month. The 80 Sunreef Power Eco is a fully-electric luxury catamaran that could very well be one of the most advanced solar electric yachts built to date.

Sunreef Yachts was established in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland where its shipyard and office still operates in addition to a presence in the the UAE. A year into its existence, the company was touting the launch of the world’s first 74-foot luxury oceangoing catamaran with a flybridge and has been innovating ever since.

Today over 140 Sunreef Yachts are sailing waters across the globe, and the shipbuilders clientele includes Tennis great Rafael Nadal , plus F1 champions Fernando Alonso and Nico Rosberg. As the company looks to delve further into electrification, its latest vessel – the 80 Sunreef Power Eco has already garnered a German Design Award 2023.

Its touting some truly unique solar technology you can see below, and if you happen to be in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area this month, you can check out Sunreef’s solar electric yacht in person.

Check out Sunreef’s newest electric yacht in Ft. Lauderdale

Top comment by dan b.

To be clear, I'm not a boater and not fond of being on water that much. In my younger days, I did have a couple boats and was on the Mississippi quite a lot as well as a larger lake in NW IL. The thing that I recall not so fondly was the smells and fuels, putting fuel in them, the spills in the water, the nasty exhaust fumes and film in/on the water, etc. That's always bothered me and I feel that the boating industry may be one of the dirtiest as for pollution along with motorcycles. The fact that boats spend so much time baking in the sun makes them totally great for solar.

So I'm happy and grateful for the fact that boats and motorcycles seem to be moving well into the EV power and using renewable energy as well. It gives me hope for the future where people can still enjoy recreational activities while greatly reducing emissions.

In addition to the new images of 80 Sunreef Power Eco above, we’ve learned that its makers are already declaring the solar yacht “world’s most advanced electric luxury catamaran,” due in large part to is emission-free in-house technology.

The 80-foot vessel is propelled by two 360 kW motors, powered by a massive 990 kWh battery bank. Sunreef says these custom-engineered banks offer an energy density less than 5.2 kg per kWh, nearly 30% lighter than the typical systems most commonly used in the yachting world today.

What may be most impressive about this electric yacht is Sunreef’s 36 kWp composite-integrated solar panels, which have been seamless placed along the catamaran’s hulls, bimini roof, and superstructure. Sunreef describes the technology as a “solar skin” around the yacht.

The interior features 4 luxury cabins and customizable layout to comfortably sleep eight guests. unfortunately, that’s all Sunreef is sharing about the 80 Power Eco at the moment, but the public can learn more at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show , taking place October 25-29. It’s there that this beautiful Sunreef yacht will make its US debut. If you happen to go and see her up close, please send me pictures. If you buy one… please invite aboard. TYSM.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Scooter Doll is a writer, designer and tech enthusiast born in Chicago and based on the West Coast. When he’s not offering the latest tech how tos or insights, he’s probably watching Chicago sports. Please send any tips or suggestions, or dog photos to him at [email protected]

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Adding Solar Power to a Sailboat

• By Emily Fagan
• Updated: October 18, 2019

During our nearly four-year cruise of Mexico, my husband, Mark, and I lived almost exclusively on 555 watts of solar power charging a 640-amp-hour house battery bank. We anchored out virtually every night aboard our 2008 Hunter 44DS, Groovy , and relied on the sun for power. During one 10-week stretch, while we waited for a replacement engine alternator to arrive, our boat’s solar panels were our sole source of power. We had no backup charging system to turn to, and yet we lived and sailed comfortably the entire time. Mounting solar panels on a sailboat was not difficult, but a few key decisions made a huge difference in how effective our panels were.

A solar-power installation on a sailboat is made up of two independent systems: one system to charge the batteries, and another system to provide 120-volt AC power for household appliances. In the charging system, the solar panels convert sunlight into electrical current and deliver it to the batteries via a solar charge controller. Similar to a voltage regulator, the charge controller acts as a gatekeeper to protect the batteries from receiving more current than they need as they are being charged. In the AC power system, an inverter or inverter/charger converts the 12-volt DC power in the battery into 120 volts AC whenever it is turned on.

Panel Positioning and Wiring Considerations

One of the biggest challenges for sailors installing solar power on a sailboat is finding a place on the boat where the panels will be shaded as little as possible. Just a few square inches of shade on one panel can render that panel all but inoperable. Unfortunately, between the mast, radome, spreaders and boom, shadows cross the deck all day long, especially as the boat swings back and forth at anchor.

What’s worse, if the panels are wired in series rather than in parallel, this little bit of shade can shut down the entire solar-panel array. When we installed solar power on Groovy , we had already lived exclusively on solar power in an RV for over two years. Our RV solar panels had been wired in series, and we had witnessed the array shutting down current production when just half of one panel was shaded.

Choosing whether to wire the panels in series or parallel on a boat affects the wire gauge required, which is why many solar-power installers lean toward wiring the panels in series. Panels wired in series can be wired all the way to the solar charge controller with a thinner-gauge wire than those wired in parallel. This is because the voltage of panels wired in series is additive, while the current remains constant, so the current flowing is just that of a single panel. In contrast, the current flowing from panels that are wired in parallel is additive, while the voltage across them is not. This means that in a parallel installation, the current going to the charge controller is several times higher and requires much thicker cable to avoid any voltage loss over the length of the wire.

Not only is thinner-gauge wire less expensive, but it is also more supple and easier to work with, making the job of snaking it in and around various crevices in the boat and connecting it to the solar charge controller much less of a struggle. Thus the choice between series and parallel wiring boils down to a trade-off between system performance, expense and ease of solar system installation.

Luckily, the size of the wire can be reduced if higher-­voltage solar panels are chosen. Since watts are determined by multiplying volts by amps, a higher-voltage panel that generates the same watts as a lower-voltage panel will produce less current. Therefore, selecting nominal 24-volt panels instead of 12-volt panels allows for the use of thinner wire sizes no matter how they are wired.

Our Marine Solar Panel Design Choices

In our installation, we decided to mount three 185-watt, 24-volt (nominal) Kyocera solar panels high above the cockpit, well aft of the boom, as far away as possible from potential shade. Our Hunter came with a big, solid stainless-steel arch, and we turned to Alejandro Ulloa, a brilliant metal fabricator at Baja Naval Boatyard in Ensenada, Mexico, to build a polished stainless-steel solar-panel arch extension onto the existing structure. He designed the arch extension with integrated telescoping davits to hoist our dinghy as well as support the solar panels. These davits were strong enough — and the lines and blocks had enough purchase — that either of us could lift our light Porta-Bote dinghy with its 6-horsepower outboard without a winch.

We spaced the panels about a half-inch apart and wired them in parallel. Using two twin-lead wires, we snaked the three positive leads and one common ground down through the inside of the arch tubes so they wouldn’t be visible, and placed wire loom over the exposed wires under the panels.

The junction points for the three parallel panels were on positive and negative bus bars inside a combiner box, all mounted in a cockpit lazarette. Inside the combiner box, we installed three breakers, one for each panel. This gave us the ability to shut off any or all of the panels if we needed to (we never did).

We mounted a Xantrex solar charge controller (model XW MPPT 60-150) in a hanging locker, as close to the batteries as possible, in a spot where it was easy to monitor and program. We ran twin-lead wire from the combiner box to the charge controller and from there to the batteries.

Our boat came with three new 12-volt Mastervolt 4D AGM house batteries, all wired in parallel, for a total of 480 amp-hours of capacity. We wanted a bigger house battery bank, and because it is best for the age, type and size of the batteries to be matched, we added a fourth new Mastervolt 4D AGM house battery, which brought our total to 640 amp-hours. Our batteries were installed at the lowest point in the hull, below the floorboards, and they ran the length of the saloon, from just forward of the companionway stairs to just aft of the V-berth stateroom door.

The best way to charge a bank of batteries that are wired in parallel is to span the entire battery bank with the leads coming from the charge controller. We did this by connecting the positive lead from the charge controller to the positive terminal of the first battery in the bank, and the negative lead from the charge controller to the negative terminal of the last battery. By spanning the entire bank, the batteries were charged equally rather than having the charging current focused on just the first battery in the bank.

We feel that AGM batteries are superior to wet cell (flooded) batteries because they can be installed in any orientation, don’t require maintenance, can’t spill (even in a capsize), and charge more quickly. Our Mastervolt batteries, like almost all AGM batteries on the market, are dual-purpose, combining the very different characteristics of both deep-cycle and start batteries. Our batteries work well, but if we were doing an installation from scratch today, we would consider the new Trojan Reliant AGM batteries. These batteries are engineered strictly for deep-cycle use and have been optimized to provide consistent current and maximize battery life.

Our boat came with a Xantrex Freedom 2,500-watt inverter/charger wired into the boat’s AC wiring system with a transfer switch. The inverter/charger performed two functions. While the boat was disconnected from shore power, it converted the batteries’ 12-volt DC power into 120-volt AC power, allowing us to operate 120-volt appliances, like our microwave. When the boat was connected to shore power, it charged the batteries.

Because this inverter/charger was a modified-sine-wave inverter, mimicking AC ­current with a stair-stepped square wave, we also had a 600-watt pure-sine-wave inverter to power our potentially more sensitive electronic devices. We chose Exeltech because its inverters produce an electrical signal that is clean enough to power medical equipment, and they are NASA’s choice for both the Russian and American sides of the International Space Station. For simplicity, rather than wiring the inverter into the cabin’s AC wiring, we plugged ordinary household power strips into the AC outlets on the inverter and plugged our appliances into the power strips. Like the charge controller, the inverter must be located as close to the batteries as possible. Ours was under a settee.

Shade’s Impact on Sailboat Solar Panels

Once our solar installation was completed on our sailboat, we closely observed the effects of shade on our solar-panel array. We were often anchored in an orientation that put the panels in full sun. Just as often, however, we were angled in such a way that shade from the mast and boom covered portions of our panels. It was fascinating to monitor the solar charge controller’s LCD display whenever the sun was forward of the beam — the current from the panels to the batteries fluctuated up and down as we swung at anchor.

Taking notes one morning, we noticed that the charging current was repeatedly creeping up and down between 9.5 and 24.5 amps as the boat moved to and fro. When the entire solar-panel array was in full sun, it generated 24.5 amps of current. When we moved so the mast shaded a portion of one panel, the array generated 15 amps. When it shaded portions of two panels and only one was in full sun, the array produced just 9.5 amps. Of course, it would have been preferable to see a steady 24.5 amps all morning, but this sure beat watching the current drop to zero whenever a shadow crossed a panel.

We discovered that shade makes a huge impact while sailing, too. Surprisingly, it is far worse to have the panels shaded by the sails than to have the panels in full sun but tilted away from its direct rays. One afternoon, we noticed that while we were on a tack that tilted the panels away from the sun, they generated 24.5 amps of current, whereas on a tack where the panels were tilted toward the sun but two of the three were partially shaded by the sails, the current dropped to a mere 10 amps.

Reflections On Our Solar Panel Installation

A wonderful and surprising side benefit of our large solar panels and arch system was that the setup created fabulous shade over the jumpseats at the stern end of the cockpit. Our metal fabricator, Alejandro, placed a support strut at hand-holding height, and sitting in those seats feels secure and comfortable while sailing, no matter the conditions.

After living on solar power for eight years of cruising and land-yacht travel, we’ve learned that you can never have too much solar power. Groovy’s 555 watts was enough to run all our household appliances as needed, including our nearly 4-cubic-foot DC refrigerator, two laptops, a TV/DVD player, and lights at night. However, it was not quite enough power to run all that plus our stand-alone 2.5-cubic-foot DC freezer during the short days and low sun angles of the winter months without supplemental charging from the engine alternator every few days. For the 10 weeks that we did not have a functioning alternator, our solution was to turn off the freezer, which enabled our batteries to reach full charge every afternoon.

Solar power made a world of difference in our cruise. Not only did it allow us to live comfortably and with ample electricity for weeks on end when our engine alternator went on the blink, but as a “set-it-and-forget-it” system, it also gave us the freedom to anchor out for as long as we wished without worrying about the batteries. In our eyes, the solar-panel arch enhanced the beauty and lines of our boat, giving her a sleek and clean appearance. It was true icing on the cake to discover that the panels and arch system also provided much-needed shade over the cockpit and helm from the hot tropical sunshine. If you are preparing for a cruise, consider turning to the sun for electricity and outfitting your sailboat with solar power.

The Installation:

Emily and Mark Fagan offer cruising tips and share their stories and photos on their website, roadslesstraveled.us . They are currently enjoying a land cruise across America aboard an RV.

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EXPO Solar Sailer

Designed as a sail trainer, this dinghy with an electric motor and solar panel makes a fun family boat..

Put Gary Hoyt, Ted Hood and Everett Pearson in a canoe and you have the marine industry’s maximum tripartite brain power. The cerebral sparks from these three New England dynamos produced the EXPO Solar Sailer.

Introduced at Sail Expo ’93 in Atlantic City, the EXPO Solar Sailer is a brilliant, purposeful little boat. The object is to “solo” a rank beginner in an hour.

Despite its utility as an educational tool, the 13-1/ 2-foot boat was dubbed by Naval Architect Bob Perry as “an ideal daysailer for a sailor with a relaxed attitude.”

In short, it’s a fun boat-at the other end of the scale from, for instance, a sailboard, which is guaranteed to make anyone look foolish for a couple of weekends.

Design and Construction

The EXPO was conceived by Hoyt (who has a long list of conceptions to his credit), designed by Hood (who needs no introduction) and built by TPI (at present, or one time or another, the builder of J Boats, Aldens, Jeanneau catamarans and Freedoms).

“It takes both the mystery and the fear out of learning to sail,” said Hoyt, who, beginning with the Freedom 40, has spent 20 years trying to take the mystery out of learning to sail. He can talk for hours about how fast, tippy boats intimidate beginners, and that if the sailing industry is serious about attracting newcomers, it must first provide a simple, safe boat that won’t scare off those on the edge of jumping in. That’s the premise of the EXPO Solar Sailer.

Hood calls the EXPO a “cruising Finn dinghy” because the shape of the hull, although beamier, is like the Olympic-class Finn. Pearson is proud of the EXPO’s sturdiness.

The hulls are “Infused Resin Molded” using a vacuum-bagged, injected resin system that creates a powerful, high strength-to-weight composite that should defy decades of hard usage.

She’s a fat little rascal, very stable. Hoyt said that of the 70 built and in use as of late 1994, mostly in educational programs and rental businesses, he knows of only one capsize (by a very hefty gentleman beginner who, in a stiff breeze, jibed and didn’t move until he was in the water).

The white-painted aluminum boom, independent of the rotating mast, arches up and over the cockpit. You’d have to stand up to get clouted. Hoyt has applied for a patent on the free-standing boom.

The 14-pound, tapered carbon fiber mast rotates on a Harken base. The 105-square-foot, loose-footed sail furls on the mast, very easily controlled by a continuous line that serves also as an outhaul. The outhaul and rotating mast also provides reefing, in seconds, with little effort.

On the non-skid deck just forward of the cockpit is a permanently-mounted windvane with color-coded sectors. To trim the sail, the beginner merely matches the color-sector indicated by the vane to the color-coded mainsheet, held in a Harken cam cleat pedestal mounted in the cockpit.

The kick-up rudder is mounted inboard, not only to make it very accessible to the skipper but to give the EXPO a proper yachty look. The daggerboard is easy to operate and has a stopper hole and pin to secure it in the withdrawn position. With the board up and the rudder taking care of itself, the EXPO can simply be winched up on a dock or trailer.

It has a two-way Henderson pump, one channel to pump the hull, the other for the cockpit, which is not self-draining because Hoyt wanted to keep the floor low for adequate leg room. A commodious bow compartment with a well-fitted door provides stowage for a cooler, lunch, foul weather gear and an anchor and rode (in case you want to stop to fish or swim).

The EXPO displaces 350 pounds. It carries up to six persons, but Hoyt conceded that with that load she’d be crowded and sluggish.

To get away from the dock and motor about, it has an electric engine powered by two securely-anchored gelcell batteries (with an in-line regulator and battery meter) charged by a flexible Unisolar solar panel mounted neatly on the deck aft of the cockpit.

There’s also a built-in 110-volt charging unit. The simple engine switch handle provides three forward speeds and two in reverse. The little prop is protected by a skeg. In flat water, the boat will motor at close to 3 knots (full power) for three hours, five hours at half-speed. Hoyt warned that, under power, it will not work against much of a chop.

Aboard the EXPO, you can shove off and be sailing in five minutes. The EXPO has a hull speed of 4.7 knots, which it should reach in a moderate breeze, even while dragging the little prop on the Minnkoto engine.

The Sail Trainer Test

To try out the EXPO, we dragooned two lads—a 14-year-old experienced Laser racer (he happens to be our son, Kyle Nouse), and Kyle’s 14-year-old buddy, Joe Costa, who knew absolutely nothing about sailing. In fact, he never before had been aboard a sailboat of any kind.

At Newport’s Ida Lewis Yacht Club, the day was hot, with a moderate breeze, with some slightly heavy gusts.

We elected to conduct the test as though we had bought the EXPO for use on an inland lake or bay, taken it out of the crate, assembled it, and said, “It’s all yours, boys.”

Our experienced lad looked over the boat for no more than 10 minutes, tried the furling and the engine controls, pushed the daggerboard down, straightened up the mainsheet, cast off and in less than three minutes was sailing back and forth. Our neophyte, Joe Costa, watched carefully from the dock.

As instructed, Kyle furled the sail and motored back to the dock, with little ado. All he said was, “Awesome.” but he says that often.

With Kyle as a passenger (under orders to not provide even a speck of help or advice), Joe Costa stepped aboard, a bit timorously, settled himself in the starboard aft corner of the cockpit and cast off. He motored away from the dock, hooked the boat into the wind, unfurled the sail, checked the color-coded wind vane and sheet and shouted, “Hey, I’m sailing!”

There was one glitch. Because Joe had an overwhelming tendency to jibe to starboard, round and round and round and round, he skinned too close to shore and ran aground. Kyle quickly furled the sail, put the engine in reverse, pulled up the daggerboard (she draws 2′ 6″ with the board down), backed into deeper water and had Joe sailing again in two or three minutes.

After coming into the dock to collect Joe’s wits and add a little advice about going to weather and the need to shift his butt to the windward side, off the boys went again, this time for a half-hour sail, during which Kyle quickly refined Joe’s skill at tacking, jibing and, most of all, going straight.

Kyle said the most difficult part for Joe was going to weather, keeping the boat moving in a straight line, and then tacking.

It all took about an hour and a half, at the end of which Kyle and Joe were zipping around the harbor, changing helmsmen frequently. When hailed, they responded:

“Do we have to come in now?”

When they did, they were making plans to go out in a Laser, at which time Joe’s learning curve will take a steep upward turn.

What do we think of the EXPO?

It’s a marvelous design, beautifully built with a great rig. With a sail area/displacement ratio of 37 and a displacement/length ratio of 76, it moves very well in most any kind of air. Reefed down a bit, it can handle some fairly heavy going.

However, as a dinghy, the EXPO wouldn’t do. It’s too heavy to tow or lift aboard. It might make a tender or harbor sailor for a big boat that can hoist her aboard, but unshipping the mast would be difficult.

As a teaching tool for both youngsters and adults, this little boat is peerless, squarely meeting its designed intent better than any boat we’ve ever seen. For both commercial usage and for junior programs at yacht clubs and sailing associations, it’s ideal.

We also see the EXPO as simply a very safe, comfortable, inland lake or bay boat that would be a joy to own.

The 1994 price, $6,415, which includes everything, reflects the high quality present in every detail. The price is difficult to compare with other daysailers. Lined up against engineless boats like a Laser ($3,200) or a Sunfish ($2,200), she’s expensive.

However, compared with a 15’ West Wight Potter at $5,995, a Peep Hen 14 with a 4-hp. outboard at $7,245, or an American 14.6 (a Carolina version with an outboard and trailer) at $4,250, the EXPO seems reasonably priced.

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9 Best Solar Panels for Sailboats

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Solar panels have become game changers when it comes to supplying power while off the grid. Marine solar panels can charge anything from batteries to computers to bigger electronic appliances. What are the best solar panels for sailboats? 

The 9 best solar panels for sailboats are: 

• Renogy Flexible Solar Panel
• Newpowa Solar Panel
• SunPower Flexible Sol ar Panel
• Eco-Worthy Off-Grid Solar Panel
• Rich Solar Polycrystalline
• Topsolar Flexible Solar Panel
• HQST Monocrystalline Solar Panel
• WindyNation Solar Panel Complete Off-Grid
• DOKIO Solar Panel Kit

This article will explore everything you need to know about the best marine solar panels. 

Table of Contents

Solar Panels on Sailboats: An Overview

Before exploring the best solar panels, it is helpful to consider how solar panels on sailboats work and how many you need. Solar panels sit on different parts of a sailboat’s surface and absorb the sun’s rays, converting them into energy. This energy is used to power chargers, fridges, cooking stoves, and other electronics you need for self-sufficient sailing. 

Worth noting is that today we will only discuss solar panels and not the batteries, which of course is an essential part of a complete system; we will also not discuss charges or charge controllers.

The products in this post will get you started in the right direction, but if you’re looking for a high-output system, then I suggest you contact someone that can help you calculate your energy requirements.

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for My Sailboat?

You will need between 2-8 solar panels for your sailboat. The exact amount depends on your sailboat’s space and how many electronics you need to power. Most solar panels can absorb between 100-300 watts per hour. On average, you will need approximately 1500 watts of power each day. 

If your solar panels absorb 1500 watts daily, here’s what they can power on your sailboat: 

• A laptop charger
• A microwave 
• A coffee maker 
• An induction cooker 

If you want to power more heavy-duty electronics like a washing machine or a television, look for solar panels that absorb 400 watts. For heavy-duty electronics, try installing 5-8 solar panels. 

Flexible vs. Rigid Solar Panels

The three main types of solar panels are rigid panels, flexible panels, and semi-flexible panels.

Rigid panels are surrounded by aluminum and made with sturdy tempered glass. They are resilient against various weather conditions but require flat space to install. 

Semi-flexible panels can be slightly bent to fit the shape of the installation surface. However, they can’t absorb a lot of power. 

One very common type of solar panel used on boats is the flexible panel . Flexible panels are thin and lightweight, and, as their name suggests, they can be added to a wide variety of surfaces. 

Here are the pros of flexible panels: 

• They are thin and light. Flexible panels are approximately one-eighth the weight and size of rigid and semi-flexible panels. This allows you to add them to various sailboat sizes and surfaces. It also reduces the load on your sailboat. 
• They are easy to install. Flexible panels are easy to work with and can be self-installed by following the instructions that come with the panels. Meanwhile, rigid and semi-flexible panels may require expert installations. 
• They’re sturdy. Despite being light, flexible panels can bear a lot of pressure – you can easily walk over them. 

However, there are also some drawbacks to using flexible solar panels: 

• May fly away . As flexible panels are fragile, they can easily be dislodged and fly away, especially in strong winds. 
• Vulnerable to scratches . While flexible panels can bear much weight, they may get scratched more easily. Over time this may affect their functionality. 
• Not easy to reposition. Flexible panels are generally adhered to the surface of a sailboat using a specially prepared adhesive. Because of this, it is challenging to reposition the solar panels when there is a change of season.
• Less efficient. Flexible solar panels don’t convert energy to electricity or rigid panels. It may be harder to power heavy-duty appliances from a flexible solar panel. 

How Many Panels Can I Fit on a Sailboat (Catamaran and Monohull)?

The amount of panels you can fit on your sailboat depends on the size of the panels and the surface space you have available. 

You can fit at least two 400W panels on a Monohull and at least four on a Catamaran around 35ft in length. You will be able to fit 4-8 more solar panels if you add a solar panel bracket at the stern. 

Renogy Flexible Solar Panel 100W

Renogy is a popular solar panel producer that designs high-quality solar panels. The Renogy Flexible Solar Panel is specially designed for marine vehicles, including sailboats. 

Here are the best features of this solar panel: 

• Flexibility . These solar panels are fragile, making them flexible and easy to mount on served surfaces. 
• Easy to install. These are made with high-quality Monocrystalline, allowing them to be easily bent and easy to install. 
• Lightweight. One solar panel weighs only 4 pounds, ensuring that no extra pressure or weight is displaced on your boat. 
• Durability . User reviews have noted that these panels are highly durable and can last you a few years. 
• Users have noted that these panels do not have the best outputs. They also can’t be stacked, which impacts their accessibility. To ensure that these panels can be connected, you may purchase extra extension cords. 

Newpowa Rigid 160W Solar Panel

The Newpowa Right Solar Panel is a new design with a maximum power of 160W. It is weather-resistant and can be used on various surfaces and vehicles. 

Here are the pros of the Newpowa Solar Panel: 

• Weatherproof . The design features of this solar panel ensure that it survives under a range of different weather conditions. It has a heavy-duty frame preventing it from strong wind and waves. Its mainframe has a further layer of protection for the Junction box. 
• Long warranty . Newpowa offers a 25-year transferrable output power warranty. 
• Easy to install . These solar panels are made with mono cells and bypass diodes. Consequently, the solar panels can be immediately unpacked and are ready to install. 
• High wattage. As these solar panels have 160 Watts of power, you need less of them to power all the devices on your boat. 
• If you are planning on buying the Newpowa Solar Panel, you should note that they only make rigid panels. As a result, you may find it to be difficult to install them on curved spaces.

SunPower 110W Flexible Solar Panel

SunPower’s Flexible Solar Panels are made with high-quality materials ensuring durability. They are especially ideal for sailboats as their warranty also covers saltwater damage. 

Here are the standout features of the SunPower 110W Flexible Solar Panel: 

• Flexibility . This solar panel can be bent up to 30 degrees, making it easy to install on various surfaces. 
• Easily portable. These solar panels are incredibly lightweight (4.4 pounds or 2 kilograms) and can be easily uninstalled and transported. 
• Extended warranty . SunPower offers a five-year warranty on power and a two-year warranty on the product. The warranty includes damage caused by saltwater which many other solar panel warranties do not. 
• Some users have noted that the output quality of these solar panels deteriorates over time. However, you can use the extended warranty to address any quality deterioration. 

ECO-WORTHY Rigid 25W Off-Grid Solar Panel

This is a rigid, 25-watt solar panel that is waterproof, making it ideal for your boat. It is highly durable and has inbuilt indicators that highlight the battery’s status. Its low output makes it only suitable for charging phones or smaller electronics.

Here are some notable features of the Eco-Worthy Solar Panel: 

• Ease of use. This solar panel is easy to install and requires no maintenance. 
• Warranty. Eco-Worthy offers one year of warranty on all of its products and free maintenance if needed. 
• USB control. This solar panel is attached to a USB control panel, preventing it from overcharging and getting damaged. 
• Waterproof. All solar panel parts are entirely waterproof and can handle exposure to both saltwater and freshwater. 

Some of the drawbacks to this solar panel include: 

• Low watt absorption. Unlike many of the other solar panels on this list, this one can only absorb up to 25 watts of power at a time. So, it can only power smaller devices like batteries. 
• Instruction manual. Some users have noted that the instructions to set up the Eco-worth solar panel are confusing for beginners. If you have never installed solar panels before, it’s best to call in an expert to help. 

RICH SOLAR 100W Rigid 12V Polycrystalline

This 100W rigid solar panel is designed to absorb energy even in low light conditions. It is easy to install and ideal for marine environments. 

Here’s why you should consider buying Rich Solar Panels: 

• Works well in low light. This solar panel has been tested in various low light conditions, including cloudiness and during sunrise and sunset. It is certified to be able to harvest energy in low light conditions. 
• Extended warranty. Rich Solar Panels offers a 25-year warranty on limited power output and a five-year warranty on quality. 
• Water and weatherproof . The Rich Solar panels have used selective design elements to ensure they are water-resistant. They have high transparency and are made with tempered glass to withstand high winds and water pressure. 
• Cost-effective . These are significantly cost-effective, making it easy to equip your sailboat fully. 
• While solar panels can easily resist strong winds and water, they can be vulnerable to hail. Hail storms can cause dents on the solar panels, which can eventually cause damage. 

Topsolar Flexible 100W Solar Panel

Topsolar provides premium flexible solar panels that are easy to move and install. They are ideal for installing on water vessels like sailboats with waterproof materials. 

Here are some of the pros of choosing the Topsolar Flexible Solar Panel: 

• Flexibility . The arc radius of this solar panel is 16 inches (40 centimeters) and can be bent to fit several curved surfaces allowing your solar panel to harvest the most sun. 
• Efficiency . These solar panels are made with ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) materials. They are extremely energy efficient and can rapidly convert energy. 
• Some users have noted that these solar panels don’t have as long a life as other panels. In addition, some panels may only be able to absorb up to 75 watts of power at a time. 

HQST Rigid 100w Monocrystalline Solar Panel

This is a 100-watt solar panel that has been specially designed to perform well in low light. It is made with high-quality materials and is ideal for sailing boats as it is durable even in unfavorable weather conditions. 

Here are the pros of installing the HQST Solar Panel: 

• Durability . These solar panels are designed to withstand strong winds and snowfall. They’re made with tempered glass and aluminum and are resistant to corrosion, ensuring longevity. 
• Testing and warranty. Each solar panel is quality tested before it is distributed. It also comes with a three-year warranty. 
• Easy to install . While these are rigid solar panels, they have pre-drilled holes, making them easier to install. 

WindyNation 100W Solar Panel Complete Off-Grid

As its name suggests, this solar panel is designed for off-the-grid living and is helpful if you need to access power when you’re in the middle of the sea. 

Here is why you should consider the WindyNation Solar Panel: 

• Includes a charge controller. This controller lets you quickly see the amount of power the solar panel has absorbed. 
• High power. Several positive user reviews have indicated that this solar panel is highly efficient in absorbing and converting power. 
• This solar panel is more expensive than many others on the market.

DOKIO 300W 18V Portable Solar Panel Kit

If you are looking for a heavy-duty solar panel, the Dokio Solar Panel Kit is excellent. It can absorb a lot of energy and power a wide range of appliances on your sailboat. 

Here’s why you should consider this solar panel: 

• Versatile and flexible. While this is a rigid solar panel, it can be folded, making it easy to transport and install. 
• High efficiency. This solar panel is highly efficient at converting energy into power. As it absorbs up to 300 watts, you can install just two of these panels to get significant energy. 
• Some users have noted that this solar panel does not work well in low-light conditions. You may want to have a backup solar panel for days when it’s rainy and windy. 

Here are Some of My Favorite Catamaran Cruising Resources

Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful as you hopefully start your sailing adventures. Here are some resources that I use as a sailor that I hope you’ll also find helpful. These are affiliate links, so if you do decide to use any of them, I’ll earn a commission. But in all honesty, these are the exact things that I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family. Sailboats: If you’re looking for the best boat to suit your needs, I would recommend a catamaran. If you’re interested, I can show you the differences between catamarans and other types of sailboats .

Books:  For getting started, I really like  Cruising catamarans made easy . It is actually a textbook from the American sailing association; it is used to get a cruising catamaran certification. There are some other great books, and I have compiled a list of books about cruising catamarans that you will find useful.

Communication:  Being out on adventures, whether it be sailing or climbing mountains, good communications are essential to being safe. I recommend two things Google fi (incredibly simple cellular data all over the world) and Garmin inreach mini (for text and voice in remote areas without cell coverage)

Sailing courses: Online sailing courses are great for beginners starting out their sailing career; it’s an efficient way of learning the basics of navigation, throttle controls, and maritime safety. I suggest starting with two free courses from NauticEd .

To see all my most up-to-date recommendations,  check out this resource  that I made for you!

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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Top 3 Best Solar Panels For Sailboats

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

Choosing whether or not to install solar panels on your sailboat is a big decision. They are not exactly cheap, though they can start to pay themselves off pretty quickly.

This article is going to cover not only why you might want to use solar panels but all the benefits they provide. You will also find a helpful guide on which solar panels would be best for you and your budget. Hopefully, by the end, you will feel confident in your decision to install solar panels on your sailboat and even have an idea of which ones you might like.

Table of contents

Are solar panels on sailboats necessary?

Whether or not you should be installing solar panels on your boat is a matter of choice, not out of necessity. Sailboats get their power from the wind, by harnassing it in their sail. So if you plan to be sailing for the afternoon you probably don’t need solar panels.

You could charge a battery pack from the marina and that will probably see you through several trips. The problems only really start to arise if you are planning to be on your sailboat for longer periods, or even permanently. If you plan to live on your sailboat year-round, even if you spend 80% of it in a marina, you would be better off with some solar panels. Even if it is just as a backup source of power.

Are solar panels on boats safe?

Solar panels are generally pretty safe. They have no moving parts and typically have a very strong protective cover over them so you never come in contact with the electrics themself. So, as a source of power, they are generally pretty safe. The only time they may become unsafe is if they are badly damaged.

Solar panels are often covered by glass plating that keeps them safe. It also helps them absorb sunlight and warmth. This is great, except when the glass breaks. If the glass protective cover on your solar panels should crack and splinter you are at risk of serious injury from sharp shards of glass. Not only is the glass itself dangerous at this point, so are the electronic components inside. They have powerful currents running through them, and if you come in contact with them you may be in for a shock.

Furthermore, if these electronics get wet they can become deadly. Electricity and water do not mix well at all. Being as you are on a sailboat, at sea, the chances of them getting wet is very high. Luckily, the chances of them breaking in the first place are slim to none. The only real way they would break, besides vandalism, is by debris hitting them during a bad storm. There is not often debris at sea, so this shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

What are the benefits of having solar panels on a sailboat?

There are so many great benefits of having solar panels on a sailboat. They can be a lifesaver if you find yourself at sea for a long time. There benefits range from trivial comforts to being the difference between life and death. Here are some of the benefits you might not have considered about having solar panels installed on your sailboat.

Money-saving

Solar panels are not cheap, it is far cheaper to just run a generator or charge your batteries from the marina the whole time. At least, it is in the short term. Over time, it can start to become very expensive. With solar panels, you are looking at a big initial cost (the solar panels themself) and then it’s smooth sailing. You don’t need to pay for power again. Solar panels last for about 40 years before they start to become too inefficient at producing power. The cost of a few solar panels upfront compared to 40 years of marina fees and gasoline for a generator is the financially savvy move.

Emergency power

If you find yourself at sea, the wind dies down (or becomes too strong), and you find yourself stuck bobbing around waiting for more favorable conditions you may run into trouble. Depending on how long you are out there, you may find yourself with dead electronics. Be it a satellite phone, radio, or secondary engine (depending on the boat). Having a set of solar panels and a power bank can be a genuine lifesaver in these situations.

Comfort amenities

Whether you are day sailing or making a week-long voyage, having access to the comforts in life can make the whole journey so much more enjoyable. The amenities may not be available to you without having a constant source of power at sea. Having access to a kettle, tv, videogame system, radio or microwave oven may be the only thing keeping you going at rougher times. As exciting as sailing can be, when you aren’t sailing and are just bobbing around it can be quite dull. The sea is beautiful, but there is only so much time you can spend looking at the water before you miss the comforts of land. With solar panels, you can bring those comforts with you.

Eco-friendly

There are only two alternatives to solar panels. A gasoline generator, and taking power from the grid. Neither of these is good for the environment. Luckily, solar panels are a great third option. Solar panels are completely eco-friendly and are great for the environment. This is not just great for the earth, and your conscience, but for the journey itself. If you are running a gasoline generator at sea you are going to be listening to it thrumming away and smell the burning gasoline. Wouldnt you prefer silence and nothing but the smell of the sea breeze?

How much do solar panels cost?

How much solar panels cost is almost entirely tied into both their voltage/wattage and whether or not they are portable panels. Portable solar panels are great for people who don’t spend a lot of time on their boat or are happy enough living off the marina’s power grid. Permanent solar panels, the kind that may need to professionally installed, can end up costing far more. They are also likely to be far superior and you can pretty much forget about them once they are installed.

Portable solar panels will cost just a few hundred dollars each. You will need a few to be sustainable, but that’s not going to be much of a problem. These portable solar panels can just be rolled out on the deck of your boat, weighed down, and then hooked up to a battery pack. The battery itself here is going to be the most expensive part of the whole set up. A decent-sized battery could set you back a $1000. But, when charged fully it will last days. Even with constant use.

Permanently installed solar panels can cost one or two thousand dollars in some cases. The advantage here though is once they are installed that’s it, you can forget about them. You don’t have to put them up, take them down, and find somewhere to stow them every time they need using. They too will need to be hooked up to a battery, the battery is still only going to cost you $1000. If you are installing permanent solar panels because you plan to be making long voyages, it is ideal to have two or perhaps even three large batteries hooked up to your boat. One to run off, one or two for emergencies.

How do I maintain my solar panels?

Solar panels, unlike gasoline generators, are generally pretty easy to maintain. They have no moving parts and are thus pretty self-sufficient. They don’t need taking apart and they last as long as 40 years. That being said, if they do break they need repairing as soon as possible. The exposed electrics can be deadly when water is thrown into the mix. Which, on a boat, is almost always. The glass cover will need replacing and the electronics inside may need repairing, though not always. Don’t ever attempt to do this yourself unless you are experienced at making these repairs. The cost of hiring someone to do it for you is preferable to being dead. Solar panels have very powerful electric currents, that when in contact with water and yourself can be fatal. As mentioned above, these panels rarely break so you will likely not ever run into this problem. If you do, hire a contractor.

Do my solar panels need cleaning?

Solar panels work by converting the light and heat of the sun into useable power. The process itself is rather complicated but the results are simple to understand. That being said, there are some reasons that your solar panels will stop working as effectively. They all revolve around a lack of sunlight. It could be because it is night time. It could be because it is very cloudy. Or, it could be because they are dirty. If solar panels become too dusty, dirty, and become too covered in grime they stop operating at maximum efficiency. This is not as much of a problem at sea, the sea spray stops dust settling. The biggest thing you will need to clean off your solar panels is salt build-up and slime. This is easy enough to do with some warm soapy water. Freshwater, not seawater. You want to be removing as much salt as possible. Salt is corrosive to electronics, so removing it is important. Never clean your solar panels using pressure washers as they can crack the glass.

Which are the best solar panels for sailing?

There are so many options on the market at various price points. Here are three very different options that will all make good choices, depending on your needs. It is important to consider not just price but power output. Spending a lot of money on solar panels now might not feel ideal, but it is the most cost-effective decision.

1. Renogy Starter Kit

This starter kit is going to be perfect for installing on almost any sized boat. There are four solar panels, each can be fitted permanently to the boat. They can be mounted (and unmounted) easily, for your convenience. They do require a flat surface, but they are small enough that that likely won’t be too much of a problem. This starter kit is very middle of the pack price-wise but should provide enough power for a small to medium-sized vessel easily. It is also possible to buy extra panels individually should you need them.

Wattage: 400/4 (100 per panel)

2. Nature Power Rigid

The nature power rigid is a large, powerful, single solar panel. If you are looking for the right panels to power your entire boat comfortably, these are the ones for you. They are very large so they will need a large flat surface area. alternatively, they can be hung vertically from rails. This is an inefficient way of using them, so you would need to buy more this way. Nature power makes various solar panels so you could find some smaller ones of the same brand to supplement it. This one is not so easy to install, you might need to hire someone to install it for you.

Wattage: 165

3. Nature Power Monocrystalline

Nature power makes a portable solar panel that fits inside a special briefcase. It is perfect for stowing away easily and only taking it out when it is needed. It is decently powerful considering its portable, but there is the inconvenience factor of having to set it up each time. If you planned to buy the nature power rigid, buying one of these portable panels might be ideal for supplementing your power supply when it is especially sunny. Though, it may be cheaper for you to just fit more of the Nature Power Rigids.

Wattage: 120

Hopefully, you now have a good idea about whether solar panels would be right for you and your sailboat. Sailing is great, but the lack of power at sea can be dreadfully boring. Luckily, there are so many great options available on the market. Not just the ones mentioned above. Buying a solar panel is an investment, the initial cost is minor compared to the steady return from all the savings you will make.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Best Solar Panels For Sailboats of 2024

Sailing uses the power of the wind to move, so why not use the power of the sun to charge your batteries? Solar panels offer the best way to charge boat batteries. This method can also save the engine from being used just for charging. Getting the best solar panels for sailboats means choosing the right size and power for your boat.

But, how much power will you need? Will your panels be able to keep up even on cloudy days? Do you plan to sail in cold water or deep in the tropics? Do you need the panels to sit on a curved surface? There’s a surprising amount of factors to consider when purchasing sailboat solar panels.

Whether you’re replacing old panels or buying for the first time, let us do the hard work of comparing the best solar panels for your boat.

For more of our top sailing gear recommendations, check out the Best Wind Generators for Sailboats . 

QUICK ANSWER – THE BEST SOLAR PANELS FOR SAILBOATS 

• Nature Power Monocrystalline
• Nature Power Rigid
• Renogy Starter Kit (4 panels)
• Newpowa Poly Solar Panel
• Acopower Polycrystalline
• Nature Power 90W Rigid
• Newpowa 150W
• Suaoki SunPower
• Eco-Worthy Semi-Flexible

SAILBOAT SOLAR PANEL REVIEWS

Nature power monocrystalline.

Check out the latest price on: Amazon  | West Marine

BEST FOR: Efficient high-power use

WEIGHT: Unspecified

WATTS/AMPS: 120W/6.6A

SIZE: 45.1” x 33.6” x 3”

PROS: Foldable for easy storage and portability, pop-out legs that allow it to easily sit at an angle, sturdy design

CONS: On the upper end of the price spectrum, short warranty

NATURE POWER RIGID

BEST FOR: Energy-hungry boats

WATTS/AMPS: 165W/9.4A

SIZE: 57.8” x 26.3” x 1.4”

PROS: Powerful and efficient, scratch resistant and anti-reflective coating, well-built aluminum frame, easy-to-use connections

CONS: Powerful but expensive, only suitable for larger boats with a big flat space to set it up on

RENOGY STARTER KIT (PACK OF 4 PANELS)

Check out the latest price on: Amazon

BEST FOR: Large boats needing lots of power

WEIGHT: 18.0lbs

WATTS/AMPS: 400W/22A

SIZE: 4 x 47.0” x 21.3” x 2.0”

PROS: Includes x4 100W panels along with a charge controller and everything else needed to set up, ideal for sailors looking for a lot of power, easy mounting system, great price for a comprehensive kit

CONS: Rigid solar panels can only be on flat surfaces or mounted on rails, included charge controller might not be the charge controller for your needs

NEWPOWA POLY SOLAR PANEL

BEST FOR: Keeping small battery banks topped up

WEIGHT: 6.3lbs

WATTS/AMPS: 30W/1.7A

SIZE: 27.0” x 14.3” x 1.9”

PROS: Sturdy design, small and slim making it ideal for stern rail, wattage should be enough to trickle-charge medium battery banks, very affordable

CONS: Rigid design means placement is limited, heavy for a small panel

ACOPOWER POLYCRYSTALLINE

BEST FOR: Larger sailboat trickle-charging

WEIGHT: 6.9lbs

WATTS/AMPS: 35W/2A

SIZE: 29.9” x 16.1” x 1.7”

PROS: Looks neat with silver aluminum frame, should be able to easily keep batteries topped up and contribute to energy requirements when boat is in use, very affordable and slim, other wattages available

CONS: Weighty, aluminum frames can have sharp corners

NATURE POWER 90W RIGID

Check out the latest price on: West Marine

BEST FOR: Permanent mounting

WEIGHT: 15.2lbs

WATTS/AMPS: 90W/4.9A

SIZE: 33.7” x 26.5” x 1.0”

PROS: Sturdy frame can be mounted on gantry rails permanently, good power output and small enough to be mounted alongside an identical panel for double power, long warranty, reputable brand

CONS: Awkward to move about the deck so not ideal for portable panel, fairly heavy

NEWPOWA 150W

BEST FOR: Medium to large sailboats

WEIGHT: 24.4lbs

WATTS/AMPS: 150W/8.3A

SIZE: 58.4” x 26.6” x 1.2”

PROS: Great for permanent mounting, powerful and well-built,

CONS: Very heavy, only comes with 3ft of cable which may well be too short and require extension

SUAOKI SUNPOWER

BEST FOR: Smaller, lightweight sailboats

WEIGHT: 4.8lbs

WATTS/AMPS: 100W/5.6A

SIZE: 43.3” x 22.4” x 0.1”

PROS: 30-degree curve possible making this ideal for boat coach roofs, very thin makes for less dirt buildup and less wind resistance, good price for a powerful panel

CONS: Cable connections are on the top of the panel which may encourage corrosion and UV damage

ECO-WORTHY SEMI-FLEXIBLE

BEST FOR: Coach roofs and curved deck areas

WATTS/AMPS: 100W/5.5A

SIZE: 47.4” x 21.6” x 0.1”

PROS: Capable of a 30-degree curve making it suitable for coach roofs and curved decks, thin and durable construction

CONS: Connector on top allowing salt build-up and accidental damage

COMPARISON TABLE – THE BEST SOLAR PANELS FOR SAILBOATS 

How to choose the best solar panels for sailboats, 1. required energy.

Buying solar panels for your sailboat involves more than going over a few models at random. You need to know how much power you’ll need daily. Also, you need to determine whether you will rely solely on solar power or use the engine as well.

SOLAR AND ENGINE

Will you use solar power most of or all the time? If yes, then you will need higher power, larger or more solar panels. If you plan to use the engine more, then you won’t need as much solar power.

Your sailing goals come into play in this decision. If you want to cruise the intercoastal waterways, chances are you’ll be using your engine a lot. If you plan on cruising the Caribbean, you can often rely on good winds for sailing.

Once you’ve worked out how you plan on powering your sailboat – solar and engine, or just solar – you’ll need to work out your daily amp draw . If you’ll be running a fridge, freezer, water maker, VHF and SAT NAV all day long, you’re definitely going to need a lot of power!

It can be difficult to determine how many amps your sailboat will need, especially if you still don’t have all the electronics you plan to bring on board. Some products will give you an idea of their power draw in their technical specifications. For others that don’t provide that information, you may have to settle for an estimate.

Once you have an idea of your daily amp draw, then you can work out the solar output required to keep up with that power draw. But there are other considerations too, namely, actual output vs maximum output.

ACTUAL OUTPUT VS MAXIMUM OUTPUT

While a 90W solar panel might sound like it’ll give out 90W, remember that this is its maximum output. That is, it refers to a clean panel in full sunshine. It won’t be giving anywhere near that output on cloudy days. In the case of a fixed panel, ask yourself if the sail will be casting a shadow over it on one tack.

Unless you plan on running the engine to top up the batteries on cloudy days, you will find yourself needing enough solar panel output for these times. Make sure to also consider the times when your panels aren’t giving out their optimum performance.

TEMPERATURE CHANGES

If you’re starting in Nova Scotia, your fridge won’t take much power to keep it at a cool temperature. But, what happens when you sail south to go diving in Mexico ? Suddenly, the water temperature is higher and the fridge would have to work twice as hard to stay cool. While good insulation is a bonus on a sailboat, it’s important to remember that atmospheric changes like temperature may mean an increase (or decrease) in your power requirement.

ARE WE TALKING AMPS OR WATTS?

While you need to know how many amps your sailboat will draw on a daily basis, solar panels are sold by watts. There’s no need for that to be confusing though, as we’ve also provided the amps in the chart. You can read more about watts and amps to get a better understanding.

2. HOW MANY SOLAR PANELS DO YOU NEED?

Many sailboats have more than one solar panel. This means you won’t need to move the panels to follow the sun or as the boat shifts at anchor. Having multiple solar panels also allows you to have smaller panels, which tend to get in the way less. Your required power output can be divided among them as well.

If you need 200W a day, then you could have three 90W solar panels on different parts of the boat and be covered power-wise, even on different tacks.

How much space do you have on deck? Where you place your solar panels is very boat and sailor dependent. Day-sailing in hot places? Solar panels on the bimini rack are an easy solution. Long-distance cruising? You’ll need solar panels that are efficient yet out of the way to improve windward performance.

If you spend a large amount of time on board, your energy consumption will be higher. You’ll need your solar panels to be as efficient as possible. Many cruisers have panels on top of gantries on the stern to keep them in sunshine all the time. This is terrible for sailing performance, so you have to think about where you want to compromise. Don’t forget to consider the other on-deck items, such as your paddle board , as well.

Solar panels generally come in two types: mono- and multicrystalline and amorphous thin film silicone. However, all solar panels listed in this article will be mono- or multicrystalline as they are the most effective.

MONO- AND MULTI-CRYSTALLINE

Efficient and sturdy, these panels will probably make up your core solar panel collection. For everything on board like lights, fridge, radio and navigation electrics, mono-and multicrystalline are your best bets. They aren’t forgiving on cloudy days though, and even a shadow over the corner of a panel will pull down the output by a lot.

AMORPHOUS THIN FILM SILICONE

Not as efficient as crystalline panels, amorphous panels are cheaper and flexible. They’re good for trickle-charging batteries while the boat is left unattended.

Solar panels are expensive, but their prices have been dropping over the years. If you only use your sailboat for summer weekends, chances are you won’t need pricey, hyper-efficient panels. You just need enough to keep up with your power consumption for two days a week and let the trickle-charge solar panel do the rest.

Take your solar panel budget and split it between the number of solar panels you think you’ll need. Keep in mind though that you’ll most likely need to buy a charge controller as well.

For more of our top sailing gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:

Sailboat Anchors

Sailboat Winches

Sailing Shoes

Solar Panels for Sailboats

Bilge Pumps

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• Sailboat Guide

Expo 14 (Solar Sailer)

Expo 14 (Solar Sailer) is a 13 ′ 5 ″ / 4.1 m monohull sailboat designed by Ted Hood and Gary Hoyt and built by TPI Composites starting in 1993.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Equiped with motorcraft MInn Kota Endura30 electric motor built into the hull. A solar panel charges the included battery pack.

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Watch NASA unfurl basketball-court-sized solar sail for deep space propulsion (video)

"We've met our goal and demonstrated that we're ready to be flown."

NASA has reached a significant technological milestone with progress on an experimental form of spacecraft propulsion which utilizes solar radiation.

The space agency successfully deployed one of four identical quadrants of a huge solar sail at Redwire Space's facility in Longmont, Colorado on Jan. 30. The demonstration was a big step towards some day using the technology in space and, farther in the future, utilizing the concept for deep space transportation.

"This was a major last step on the ground before it's ready to be proposed for space missions," NASA technologist Les Johnson said in a statement . "What's next is for scientists to propose the use of solar sails in their missions. We've met our goal and demonstrated that we're ready to be flown."

Related: Solar-sailing probes may soon get their moment in the sun

In the same way a sailboat uses the wind to propel itself, the solar sail harnesses and reflects sunlight to generate propulsion. Particles of light, known as photons, have no mass, yet when they bounce off of a reflective surface such as the foil-like material of a solar sail, they impart some of their momentum onto it. In the vacuum of space, and with enough photons, a large amount of energy can be transferred to a solar sail over time. 

When used within a solar system in which solar radiation is abundant, a solar sail can continue absorbing this momentum to accelerate as long as light reflects off of it. This means craft propelled by solar sails can reach very high speeds, much faster than a chemical rocket — at least in theory. 

The major advantages of solar sails are that they do not require fuel and are very light. This makes the technology suitable for low-mass missions in novel orbits. These include orbits for studying space weather and its effects on the Earth, or for advanced studies of the north and south poles of the sun, according to NASA.

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Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!

The sail will measure 17,780 square feet (1652 sq. meters) when fully deployed. It is made of a polymer material coated with aluminum with a thickness of 2.5 microns, or less than the width of a human hair.

Solar sails have gathered momentum in recent years. The first solar sail to successfully fly was the Japanese Space Exploration Agency's Interplanetary Kite-craft Accelerated by Radiation Of the Sun ( IKAROS ) spacecraft in 2010. Later missions have included NASA's NanoSail-D and the Planetary Society's Lightsail 1 and Lightsail 2 missions.

The tech could soon be propelling low-cost, long-duration space missions and even help accelerate missions beyond the solar system . NASA's Johnson added that lasers could even be used to accelerate the solar sails to high speeds.

"In the future, we might place big lasers in space that shine their beams on the sails as they depart the solar system, accelerating them to higher and higher speeds, until eventually they are going fast enough to reach another star in a reasonable amount of time," Johnson said in the statement.

—  What Is a Solar Sail?

 — Researchers unlock the keys to designing an interstellar sail

— LightSail 2 spacecraft ends its solar-sailing mission in a blaze of glory

NASA's Science Mission Directorate funded Redwire's solar sail technology to reach a new technology readiness level, or TRL 6, which means it's ready for proposals to be flown on space missions. The 1-9 TRL scale represents the stage of development of a technology, with TRL 9 meaning the system has proven through successful mission operations and is considered fully mature and operational.

The project is led by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Prime contractor Redwire developed the deployment mechanisms and booms, with subcontractor NeXolve of Huntsville providing the sail membrane. Marshall developed the algorithms for controlling and navigating with the sail when it flies in space.

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: [email protected].

Andrew is a freelance space journalist with a focus on reporting on China's rapidly growing space sector. He began writing for Space.com in 2019 and writes for SpaceNews, IEEE Spectrum, National Geographic, Sky & Telescope, New Scientist and others. Andrew first caught the space bug when, as a youngster, he saw Voyager images of other worlds in our solar system for the first time. Away from space, Andrew enjoys trail running in the forests of Finland. You can follow him on Twitter  @AJ_FI .

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• Cisventure Astronot I can't wait for a spacecraft to pull an Opportunity, and operate long after its initial mission. Let's just hope it doesn't also pull an OSIRIS-APEX, and rename itself every time it gets a new objective. Reply
• Atlan0001 Probably not, but I wonder if the UFO disks we keep seeing pictures of house titanic (for the size of the disks) unfolding and folding cosmic energy sails to power drives of constant acceleration/decelerations in the space of the universe? Even balloon-shaped surface sails ("surround-sound" and then superconduct energy, so to speak) if not strictly sun facing energy sails? Whatever? Reply
• iMaxPlanck Increasing speed of space travel, okay, but "reach another star in a reasonable amount of time"? Like hundreds or thousands of years reasonable? Reply

iMaxPlanck said: Increasing speed of space travel, okay, but "reach another star in a reasonable amount of time"? Like hundreds or thousands of years reasonable?

Atlan0001 said: ...cosmic energy sails to power drives of constant acceleration/decelerations in the space of the universe?

• Classical Motion I hate to be so contrary but I don't think a solar sail will work. Yes they can put one up there and measure some momentum and gain some acceleration. But the power source for this device decreases at an inverse square rate with distance. Not practical for any outward travel. Imagine the size of the sail needed at Neptune to have the same momentum we would get here. Light is not a free ride. It fades too quickly. I was under the impression that cosmic rays were more or less omni-directional. Or at least what net direction it had would be sparse. Much less than the stated number. And from what I've heard what directional flux there is temporary. The net cosmic flux could be like the wind. One would need to detect the cosmic flow currents for navigation. The solar wind might work if we could harvest it's momentum. The depictions of it show a net stream of it that might be tacked. This flux also has some dispersion to it, but unlike light, this flux is accelerating. The flux is sparse at Neptune but has much higher velocity. With an efficient harvesting method or converter or collector...this would help counter the inverse square loss for a more practical form of solar travel. But it's in the future. For future tech. Understanding why the solar wind accelerates for so long might really help space travel. It's so anti-gravity. Reply
• billslugg Yes, solar sails are possible but there are lots of problems. In order to get a good enough push from the Sun, one must start very close to it. And, yes, galacitc cosmic rays are omnidirectional, they would need to be absorbed, converted into another form of energy, aimed out the back. Solar cosmic rays come from one direction, but why use them when you have sunlight? Reply

billslugg said: Yes, solar sails are possible but there are lots of problems. In order to get a good enough push from the Sun, one must start very close to it. And, yes, galacitc cosmic rays are omnidirectional, they would need to be absorbed, converted into another form of energy, aimed out the back. Solar cosmic rays come from one direction, but why use them when you have sunlight?

• billslugg Well, first off, solar cosmic rays produce a power output about 10^-10 that of sunlight, and the intensity falls off by the inverse square just like sunlight does. However, at some point far from the Sun, sunlight power would fall below that of interstellar cosmic rays. I don't know how far that might be. Reply
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Home » Blog » Gear » DIY sailboat arch

DIY sailboat arch

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: August 18, 2023

Build your own sailboat solar arch or radar arch for a fraction of the price.

We were outfitting our 1979 Dufour 35 for a multi-year sailing trip and had decided to install a 400-watt solar array. But how to best mount them?

A structural arch made the most sense, and we didn’t have one. After a couple of quotes over $5000 USD for a ‘simple arch,’ we decided that we would have to build our own. 

We sought opinions around the docks and almost universally received the advice, ‘Don’t do it…just don’t.’

But, being young and foolish we decided to try it anyway; what did we really have to lose?  While it was more difficult than I had anticipated, we ended up with a product with we were quite happy with and it only cost us a little more than $200 USD.  

Note: A version of this article was published in Good Old Boat Magazine

What is the purpose of a sailboat arch?

Structural arches, also commonly referred to as solar, stern, or radar arches, are a common feature of coastal cruising and bluewater sailboats .

They are used for a variety of purposes, but most commonly to mount and support:

• Solar panels
• A wind generator
• A radar radome
• A weather station
• Various communications antennae
• A dinghy davit, for raising and lowering the dinghy

What do sailboat solar arches cost?

While they provide many advantages, arches can often be prohibitively expensive (commonly from 5k – 12k); but with a little sweat equity, limited metal working skill, and some careful measurements there is no reason why you can’t build your own sturdy arch for a fraction of the normal cost.

Customizing your solar arch

There are as many shapes and sizes of structural arches as there are sailboats.  Determining the style of an arch for your sailboat will depend on a variety of factors, primarily; aesthetics, cost, and function. 

This article details my experience designing, fabricating, and installing a simple, aluminum arch that I use for solar panels, radar, AIS antenna, and a weather station, not to mention a hundred other small things. 

The principles of design and fabrication are common to a wide variety of arches and can likely be used as the basis for other who want to modify the design to fit their own needs and boat shape.

I provide very little engineering guidance below and I recommend that readers creating their own arches first pass their design by a structural engineer or someone knowledgeable in structural design.

There are three main types of material from which to construct an arch; stainless steel, aluminum, and fiberglass. 

There are a variety of factors that go into material selection, with the most common being; aesthetics, price, strength, and ease of construction.  I made a subjective traffic light comparison of the different materials, to assist our decision-making process. 

Stainless steel and aluminum compared closely for our needs, but as our chief concerns were price and ease of construction we opted to go with aluminum. 

There are many different grades of aluminum and it is important to select one that will stand up to the marine environment. 

We selected aluminum alloy 5052.  It is a medium-strength aluminum alloy with good ductility and excellent corrosion resistance and for the latter reason is often preferred for marine environments. 

High-grade aluminum cannot be easily found in conventional building supply stores like Home Depot. 

Purchasing metal from a wholesaler, such as Metal Supermarket or Metals Depot , is much cheaper than buying from a local welder or manufacturer.  A simple google search will supply you with the options for metal wholesalers in your area. 

We purchased our raw materials for the arch for around $70 USD.

In addition to the aluminum tubing, we required the same type of aluminum in flat-stock and stainless steel bolts and lock-nuts to fasten the frame together and to secure it to the deck of the boat. 

I made all the required cuts with a hack-saw and jigsaw, though a metal cutting blade on a radial arm saw or circular saw would have worked as well. 

I cleaned up the cut edges and any sharp spots with a 5” angle grinder with a grinding disc made for aluminum.  A titanium-coated drill bit was used to make the bolt holes.

Determining the shape

Once the material was selected we had to decide on a shape.  We wanted as simple and robust a shape as possible. 

Many arches have a form that cantilevers over the transom of the boat.  While the aesthetic is nice, the primary function of this shape is to support dinghy davits. Due to its cantilevered nature, it imparts a constant rotational force on the attachment locations. 

We have a wind vane on the back of our boat, so hoisting the dinghy was out of the question.  We opted for a simpler shape that transfers load straight down, thereby reducing stress on attachment locations.   

The arch design makes use of a forward tube (1) and an aft tube (2) with two bends in each tube.  A tube connecting the aft and forward tubes at an angle creates a cross brace (3), resisting lateral force fore and aft and distributing dead load. 

Two pieces of flat-stock aluminum (4) bolted on top of the forward and aft tubes also provide lateral resistance and further rigidity to the frame. 

The 3” radius bends in the tubes resist lateral forces from the sides. 

Four ¼” thick, 3” square plates (5) were cut from flat stock and welded to the ends of the tubes.  These plates were bolted through the deck to matching plates on the other side. 

Calculating the tube bends

After measuring everything out to ensure no obstruction, the next step was determining the slope angle (A) of the forward tube.  The slope of the tube would give the arch a sleeker look and improve access on and off the boat.  

Wherever possible it is nice to create parallel lines as too many intersecting lines can be displeasing to the eye, so I maintained the same slope as the pushpit. 

The slope of the forward tube (A) also determines the angle (B) at which the tube will be bent in order to keep the sides of the arch in one plane and in line with the sides of the boat.

There are three ways to calculate the angle of bend (B) in the forward tube:

The first requires some complex trigonometry for which I created a calculator in Excel, which requires only the dimensions of the arch as inputs. 

Another option is to use a free CAD (computer-assisted drawing) program such as Trimble SketchUp and draw the arch you want to build using the measurements you took from the boat.  If using CAD, it is a simple process to measure the angle of the bend with the protractor tool. 

Lastly, you can construct the arch out of a practice material such as PVC pipe or doweling and physically measure the angles and dimensions.  This option also provides the chance to see how the arch interacts with other components of the boat.

Tube bending

Bending the tubing can be done for a low cost at home.  It is possible to rent a tube bender from a building supply store for $50 USD per day or purchase a hydraulic tube bender for around $100-150 USD. 

We ended up renting a tube bender and found the process quite easy.

We were advised by a tube bending company (Aggressive Tube Bending) to select tubing with a 1.5” outer diameter and a 0.145” wall as it didn’t require annealing (heating and slowly cooling) to bend to a 3” radius, whereas 2” tubing would have required annealing. 

It is a good idea to contact a metal shop or tube bending company to ensure that your design can be fabricated without special equipment or techniques. 

Usually, these questions can be answered quickly and over the phone and do not incur a consulting fee.

Installation

Dry-fit preinstallation.

My recommendation would be to dry-fit everything prior to any welding. 

It takes a little extra time to assemble and dry-install the arch, only to disassemble it again, but the time saved in having to cut welds or modify a finished product is well worth it. 

We designed and installed our arch while dry-docked in a boatyard.  We tried to keep the solar panels parallel to the waterline, but when the boat went back in the water, due to weight redistribution, the panels ended up angled slightly forward. 

It is a good idea to fit the arch on a calm day at the dock, rather than guess how the boat sits in the water.

Measure and cut the tubes

The most difficult process of the whole job was transferring the angle of the deck to the bottom of the tubes to ensure that the base plates would be flush when mounted.  Because the deck slopes in two directions it would be impossible to assume an angle at which to cut. 

The solution we devised was using a piece of ½” wood and tracing around the tube with an indelible marker (see image below).

We first made the tubes as secure as possible in the locations they would be when they are bolted to the deck.  This required installing the flat stock between them and lashing them to as many points on the deck as we could find. 

The bottom of the tubes rested on the deck.  We used a 3/8” thick, block of wood, which was placed flat on the deck, as a guide and traced a line around each tube. 

The line transferred the correct angle of the deck to the tubes. I made the cuts with a hack saw and cleaned them up with an angle grinder.

Weld base plates and attachment tabs

We hired an aluminum welder to weld 3”X3”X1/4” plates to the tubes that would be used to connect the arch to the deck of the boat.

When fitting the base plates to the tubing, trace the shape of the tube onto the baseplate to ensure the orientation of the plate is maintained. 

We also welded tabs to the fore and aft tubes and corresponding tabs to the ends of the cross-brace tubes.   The length of the cross-brace tube must be exact to connect to the attachment tabs on the fore and aft tubes, so careful measurements are required. 

Install the fore and aft tubes

We bolted the fore and aft tubes to the deck prior to bolting together the rest of the frame. 

We had planned to run the electrical cables for antennae and the radome through the tubes so we drilled 1” diameter holes in the base plates and through the deck where the base plates would be attached. 

The 1” diameter hole will accommodate most electrical connectors. You may also want to install a ‘messenger line,’ which can be used to pull the cables through the frame after the arch is installed.

We applied Sikaflex 291 to the entire underside of the base plate immediately prior to installation to ensure a water-tight connection between the base plates and the deck. 

The base plates were secured with 1.5” x 5/16” stainless steel bolts that connected to corresponding plates on the underside of the deck. 

If there is not enough room for a plate on the underside, you can double up oversized stainless steel washers to meet the pull-out resistance requirements. 

Stainless steel will react to aluminum and cause corrosion of the aluminum.  A simple way to avoid this is to apply lanolin (we used Lanocote) to the stainless steel bolts to insulate them from the aluminum.

Bolt the frame together

Next we attached the cross-brace tubes. There will be a little flex in the frame, which provides some allowance for connecting the cross braces. 

After securing the cross-brace tubes with stainless steel bolts, we installed the 1/4” flat stock to the tops of the tubes. 

We had previously cut the flat stock into two 8” wide strips.  If you are concerned about rigidity you can bend a 90-degree angle into the length of the flat-stock, though over a 3’ length, the deflection of unbent flat-stock will be minimal.

To improve corrosion resistance and the aesthetic appearance of the arch, the various pieces, now that they have been welded, can be anodized or painted. 

Anodizing requires submersion in a shallow electrolytic bath, so the arch must be in its disassembled form in order to be anodized.  We received a quote for $150 USD to anodize the arch in any color we wanted. 

Another option is to have the arch powder coated.  We received a quote of $100 to paint it white or black. 

In the end, we opted to do nothing as we don’t mind the dull silver look of the aluminum and were still penny-pinching. 

In retrospect, we wish we’d had the arch anodized bright orange, but we were in a rush and focused on keeping costs to a minimum. 

The arch has not only been extremely useful for its intended purpose but also become invaluable for the various add-ons that we could never have foreseen. 

In addition to being a mount for solar panels, radome, communications antennae, and the weather station, an arch is also a place that supports or provides attachment points for:

• the outboard fuel tank and outboard lifting tackle
• fishing rod holders and a fish cleaning station
• the stern anchor
• furling line and boom brake attachment points
• boogie board storage

It also adds to the sense of security in the cockpit and is a great handhold in rolling conditions.  It was a lot of work, but in the end, only costs us $200 USD and we can no longer imagine our little boat without it.

*Note: We installed our radome directly over the solar panels, which was a bad idea as it shades a small portion of the panels most of the time, greatly reducing solar output.  I would recommend installing the arch on an extension away from the solar panels so that the noon-day sun is unobstructed, or even better, installing the radome on the mast.

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

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Solar Plexus and Emotional Health

Your solar plexus is a cluster of intertwining nerves that cross paths in a central location just below the sternum (breastbone) and above the diaphragm in the upper abdominal (stomach) area.

"Solar plexus" and "celiac plexus" refer to the same thing and can be used interchangeably. In the Ayurveda healing system and yoga practices, the solar plexus chakra is called Manipura, or the third chakra. The Manipura chakra is associated with fire, personal power, and the sun's yellow energy.

This article explains what you need to know about solar plexus anatomy, how it performs different bodily functions, what causes solar plexus pain, and how to "unblock" your solar plexus using yoga poses or breathing techniques that promote emotional health.

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Solar Plexus Anatomy

The solar plexus is located in the center of the torso along the body's midline at the T12/L2 vertebral level of the thoracic spine . It sits in the upper abdomen near the pancreas and wraps around the roots of the abdominal aorta .

The solar plexus is part of the autonomic nervous system , meaning it is involved in automatic bodily functions like breathing and regulating blood pressure. The solar plexus is a nerve center hub that sends signals between the gut and brain.

Nerves from the solar plexus are connected with abdominal organs and glands, such as the:

• Gallbladder

Solar Plexus Function and Spiritual Interpretation

The solar plexus's ability to communicate between the gut and brain is key to survival. Nerve signals from the solar plexus control peristalsis (wave-like contractions that push digestive material through the intestines), which affects how the gastrointestinal (GI) tract digests food. Many digestion-related issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acid reflux have links to the solar plexus.

When the body's stress response kicks into fight-or-flight mode, sympathetic branches of the solar plexus inhibit peristalsis and redirect blood flow to skeletal muscles, which disrupts digestion in preparation for running or confronting something threatening. Conversely, the solar plexus's parasympathetic nerves activate when the body feels safe and calm. These "rest and digest" nerve fibers promote peristalsis and healthy digestion.

There are ways to hack into the solar plexus and override some of its involuntary responses. For instance, taking a deep diaphragmatic breath followed by a long, slow exhale through pursed lips (as if blowing out lots of candles on a birthday cake) activates the vagus nerve and can soothe a "nervous stomach" via the solar plexus.

If you're feeling unmotivated or lacking gusto, taking quick, shallow breaths with short, forceful exhalations that emulate hyperventilation can trick your sympathetic nervous system into gear and put a "fire in your belly" by activating the sympathetic nerves emanating from the celiac plexus.

Solar Plexus Chakra in the Ayurveda Belief System

In Ayurvedic medicine, the solar plexus chakra is the third chakra in the body's seven-chakra system. It's located below the fourth (heart) chakra. In Sanskrit, the third chakra is called Manipura , which means "city of jewels" or "lustrous gem" because it's associated with the element of fire and the sun's sparkly yellow hue.

What Is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is an ancient system of natural medicine that started in India many millennia ago. In Sanskrit, ayur means "life," and veda means "knowledge." Hence, the direct translation of Ayurveda is "life knowledge" or "science of life."

Prana is a broad term used to describe life-force energy and vital strength that circulates throughout the body. Optimizing prana is key to Ayurveda. All of the chakras are conduits for prana energy. The third chakra is the center of another vital energy called Samana vaya , which facilitates digestion and metabolism.

Solar Plexus Physical Pain Symptoms

In Ayurvedic medicine and yogic practices, "unblocking the solar plexus" or third chakra is a good thing. In this context, removing a solar plexus "block" opens up the body's central energy channel called Sushumna nadi , which allows life-force energy to flow freely through all seven chakras from the spine's base to the head's crown.

According to the Ayurveda belief system, physical pain symptoms of a solar plexus chakra "blockage" can include:

• Indigestion
• Pancreas issues
• Liver problems
• Colon inflammation ( colitis )

Accurately using the words "block" or "unblock" in reference to the solar plexus and pain symptoms varies depending on the context. In Western medicine, a "celiac plexus block" is a medical procedure that deadens nerves in the solar plexus that send pain signals up to the brain from the stomach area and is used to manage chronic upper abdominal pain that doesn't respond to other treatments.

Sometimes, "Blocking" the Solar Plexus Is Good

A celiac plexus block (CPB) can provide pain relief and offset the use of opioids for pain management in people with pancreatic cancer , pancreatitis , gastrointestinal cancer , cholangiocarcinoma , and Crohn's disease .

Managing and Treating Solar Plexus Pain

Treatments will vary depending on the cause of solar plexus pain. For example, if solar plexus pain is caused by blunt force trauma, such as getting the wind knocked out of you during an athletic event, self-care techniques such as icing the affected area, anti-inflammatory medication, and rest can provide relief and promote healing.

More serious medical conditions that cause solar plexus pain, such as pancreatic cancer, are often treated with a celiac plexus block and neurolysis , which help manage and treat upper abdominal pain associated with the solar plexus.

According to Ayurveda belief systems, there's a connection between the solar plexus and emotional health. Anxiety and stress—as well as low self-esteem and feeling powerless—can create solar plexus chakra imbalances that perpetuate these emotions if the third chakra stays blocked.

Breathing exercises are a simple way to balance and heal the solar plexus chakra while also hacking the parasympathetic and sympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system in this plexus.

If the solar plexus is underactive and you're in a gloomy mood, take short, quick breaths to awaken prana energy, enhance feelings of self-worth, and cultivate an "eye of the tiger" go-getter attitude by activating sympathetic nerves. Ideally, you want to use breathwork to create an energized but not overexcited state of mind by balancing the push-pull mechanisms within your nervous system.

When solar plexus nerves are overactive, and you feel stressed out, take slower breaths with a deep inhale and a longer exhale. Diaphragmatic "belly breathing" activates parasympathetic nerves and calms the nervous system, which triggers the relaxation response and promotes emotional health.

Yoga Poses for a Blocked Solar Plexus

Below are some yoga poses that can activate and balance the solar plexus by opening or "unblocking" the third chakra, which boosts confidence and can help improve overall well-being.

Reverse Plank Pose  (Purvottanasana)

Sit on a yoga mat with both legs extended in front of you, your torso erect, and palms on the floor by your hips. Inhale as you lift your upper abdomen and pelvis towards the ceiling while keeping your legs straight and pointing your toes. Hold the pose for 5-10 breaths. 

Warrior 2 Pose (Virabhadrasana 2) 

Stand with feet wide apart and bend one leg until the bent leg’s knee is above its ankle. Twist your torso and extend both arms outwards while looking forward, keeping the other leg straight. Hold for 3 to 5 breaths. Repeat on the other side. 

Boat Pose (Navasana) 

Lay flat facing upwards, then lift your legs and chest simultaneously to form a “V” shape. Extend both arms forward, keeping them parallel to the ground. Feel the muscles in your core and abdominal area contract. Hold for 5-10 breaths. 

Dolphin Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

From a plank position with knees/shins and elbows/forearms touching the matt, bring the hips up towards the ceiling while straightening the legs to form an “A” shape. Hold for 5-10 breaths. 

Sun Mudra (Surya Mudra)

Sit cross-legged with your torso erect, elbows on your knees, and palms facing upwards. Fold your ring finger towards your palms and hold it in place with your thumbs while breathing deeply. This mudra pose awakens kundalini energy and the solar plexus’s "inner fire."

The solar plexus is a bundle of nerve fibers in the upper stomach area that shoot out from a central hub like sun rays. These nerves send signals back and forth between the brain and the gut. The solar plexus is called the third chakra in spiritual and yoga practices. When this chakra is blocked, it makes people feel less confident and lose their self-esteem. Yoga poses that activate the solar plexus can unblock this chakra and boost feelings of personal power. Quick, shallow "fire breathing" also unblocks this chakra and awakens vital life-force energy. 

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By Christopher Bergland Christopher Bergland is a retired ultra-endurance athlete turned medical writer and science reporter.