Solar Power

The implementation of solar cells on board cruise ships is becoming more widely used in the effort of the shipping company to be more aware of the environment and also contributing to the research and development of the Solar energy market.

If there is deck space available which is inaccessible for passengers and hence could be utilized to install photovoltaic solar panels, there is little excuse for not using them. Fitting solar panels on certain parts of the ship can generate solar-powered electricity to provide power. Peak output levels of 150 W/m2 can be reached during the day, with a solid solar array which can contribute amounts of the ship’s overall energy consumption.

On a vessel of this anticipated size, space can be designed into the construction of the vessel to optimize the potential of the Solar System Typical areas that could be utilized.

  • Helideck surface; robust model, low efficiency but tough panels, 150m2 = 50 kw peak performance
  • Some superstructure surface, high efficiency (solbian.eu), 50m2 = 25kw peak performance
  • Storage of produced energy would be in Lithium batteries that would in turn supply the vessels electrical grid

Power              104 W 

Weight             1.7 Kg

Length             1363 mm

Width               546 mm

Thickness        2 mm

Cells no.          40

Voc                  27.3 V

Vmp                 22.7 V

Isc                   4.8 A

Ipm                  4.6 A