Why solar power?

Solar power is the perfect energy source for a yacht. It brings us closer to the beauty and power of nature. Even better than sailing – as it combines the advantages of sailing and motorboating in an unprecedented way.

Capturing maximum amounts of solar energy requires a large area of photovoltaic cells to be directioned at the sun in the most effective way. The top surface area of a yacht can be perfectly suited to this need, at least when that yacht is a multi-hull designed specifically for that purpose. Just like our yachts.

Until the advent of solar sailing, large motor yachts capable of traveling across oceans in comfort had harmful effects on their environment by burning incredibly large amounts of fossil fuels. While their goal is to create an intimate connection with their owners and the seas, they unfortunately heavily pollute the very same waters they travel. Furthermore, not only do diesel engines require a lot of time-consuming maintenance, they create a lot of fumes, vibrations and noise during operation. All these characteristics disconnect the experience on board from the natural surroundings.

Solar yachting is a completely different experience. Using latest technologies in intelligent ways, it is possible to create luxury yachts with infinite range that require virtually no refueling or drive-train maintenance at all. And when cruising in complete silence, at one with the sea and its ecosystem, you do so in total comfort, experiencing the sea and sea life in all new, harmonious ways.

Our founders Michael & Heike pioneered the research for powering yachts with solar energy already during the 1990´s. By personally dedicating years into sea trials, engineering and development, they have fully optimized the solar electric drivetrain for a self-sufficient lifestyle on board. Almost three decades later, Silent Yachts leads the way for a more sensible and sustainable approach to luxury yachting through solar power.

The Solar Electric Drivetrain

Solar panels

We use the most efficient, most advanced and highest quality modules currently available. Their arrangement, the positioning and the regulation of charge are some of the key secrets and reasons why our yachts are able to harvest incredible amounts of energy from the sun.

Batteries

Whenever the sun is not shining or more power is needed than the solar panels produce at that time, they provide energy for the propulsion system and all household appliances. Our water cooled lithium batteries provide top notch reliability, safety and performance.

Electric motors

All our yachts are equipped with industry leading dual electric motors. With large amounts of instantly available torque, they enable a powerful and smooth drive which is completely free of unpleasant noise, fumes and vibrations produced by regular combustion engines.

Range extender

During longer periods of unfavorable weather conditions or whenever higher speeds are required for more than a couple of hours, an efficient diesel generator recharges the batteries. This makes sure you never run out of power, even when the sun in not shining.

The Solar Electric Drivetrain

Solar panels

We use the most efficient, most advanced and highest quality modules currently available. Their arrangement, the positioning and the regulation of charge are some of the key secrets and reasons why our yachts are able to harvest incredible amounts of energy from the sun.
Batteries

Whenever the sun is not shining or more power is needed than the solar panels produce at that time, they provide energy for the propulsion system and all household appliances. Our water cooled lithium batteries provide top notch reliability, safety and performance.
Electric motors

All our yachts are equipped with industry leading dual electric motors. With large amounts of instantly available torque, they enable a powerful and smooth drive which is completely free of unpleasant noise, fumes and vibrations produced by regular combustion engines.
Range extender

During longer periods of unfavorable weather conditions or whenever higher speeds are required for more than a couple of hours, an efficient diesel generator recharges the batteries. This makes sure you never run out of power, even when the sun in not shining.

Comparison

Sailing yacht

Advantages

Zero emission & environmentally friendly
Free power by the wind
Noiseless & fumeless cruising without vibrations

Disadvantages

– Wind is less reliable than the sun
– Speed & direction is determined by the wind
– Power for on board appliances only provided by diesel engine
– No energy back-up as wind energy is not stored
– Less luxury, space & comfort
– High maintenance & operating efforts for sailing rigg
– Only noiseless when the wind is coming from the right direction in the desired force – otherwise a sailing boat becomes a motorboat

Solar yacht

Combines the benefits with no drawbacks

Eco-friendly with zero emission
Free propulsion & recharging by the sun
Energy back-up stored in batteries for several days without sun
Range extender for longer periods without sun
You determine speed and direction
Noiseless & fumeless cruising without vibrations
Unlimited range
High top speed
Abundance of luxury, space & comfort
Low maintenance, low operating cost, low operating effort

Motor yacht

Advantages

Luxury, space and comfort in abundance
Consistent high speeds while you also determine the direction

Disadvantages

– Severe pollution & environmental impact
– Almost permanent fumes, noise and vibrations
– High fuel consumption & running costs
– High maintenance efforts & costs
– Limited range & frequent refueling required
– If diesel engines fail, boat stops as there is no back-up

Benefits

Experience

Noiseless
With no diesel powered engines required for propulsion, solar electric boats are simply silent.

Fumeless
A lack of burned fossil fuels means no more exhaust gases, which pollute the experience and the environment.

Vibrationless
In contrast to the smooth drive of electric motors, internal combustion engines create uncomfortable vibrations.

Recharging

No Forced Docking
Conventional motor yachts are forced to regularly undergo inconvenient and expensive docking at crowded fuel stations.

No Costly Fuel Bills
Heavy fuel consumption and increasing gasoil prices result in expensive running costs. The sun on the other hand is free.

No Valuable Time Lost
The flexibility to recharge the batteries of your yacht wherever you like means you spend more quality time on board.

Ownership

Unlimited Range
Our silent electric yachts can travel infinite distances by cleverly balancing the energy production and consumption.

Minimal Maintenance
Electric motors and their drivetrains have very few moving parts with barely any maintenance required.

Much Lower Running Cost
A minimal amount of maintenance means significantly lower running costs needed for the yacht to remain in shape.