Multihull specialist Sunreef Yachts has revealed pictures of its newly developed solar power system.
The Polish-based yard has claimed it is both the industry’s first composite-integrated photovoltaic technology and also the lightest, weighing just 1.8kg/m².
The solar skin system which uses, what Sunreef calls “ultra-thin, shock resistant and highly-efficient solar cells”, is currently being installed on both power and sail catamarans within the Sunreef Yachts Eco range of luxury catamarans.
Francis Lapp, Sunreef Yachts Founder and President, has stressed the importance of this latest development, saying: “We reinvented solar panels for yachts. Our team has challenged the status quo in marine photovoltaic technology, making solar panels an integral part of the Sunreef Yachts Eco design. This is something unique in the whole yachting world.”
The look of the yacht is not affected in any way with the panels sitting flush with all curved structures including masts, hull sides and biminis. Sunreef claims the panels deliver the industry’s top solar power efficiency with a peak performance of 24%.
We reinvented solar panels for yachts. This is something unique in the whole yachting world.
Founder and President
Sunreef Yachts
Founded in 2002 Sunreef launched its first yacht, 22.5m (74ft) CHE, a year later which immediately broke new ground as the first ocean-going luxury catamaran to be fitted with a flybridge.
Last year proved to be its busiest year to date, with eight yachts being delivered, a mixture of sailing and power multihulls. This year is set to see the delivery of what will be both Sunreef’s largest yacht and the largest yacht built in Poland, the 49m (160.7ft) Sunreef Power.
A number of yards have been making use of the broad, stable spaces a multihull provides to utilise eco-friendly solutions. Austrian shipyard Silent Yachts most notably recently introduced the 17.99m (59ft) Silent 60 with 42 solar panels and a promise of an unlimited range.
If you are interested in buying a catamaran and want to see what the market has to offer the best place to start is by viewing all new and pre-owned multihulls for sale.
