Early adopters of technology are investing in a new toy: solar-powered electric yachts. Reports show that 5,555 of these vessels are currently sailing the seas and oceans, with the majority of new buyers being from North America. The boating industry, however, takes a toll on the environment, releasing pollutants into the air and water. To combat this environmental damage, some vessels have started transitioning to electric power sources. ForSea Ferries out of Sweden has converted two ferries from diesel engines to battery-powered ones, but the 640 batteries each weigh nearly 200 pounds, making the vessels heavier. This is where solar-powered systems become a much more appealing option, as they could reduce this weight. Companies like Silent Yachts and Sunreef Yachts are leading the development of new technologies that use solar-panels to harvest energy that recharges the batteries. These lithium batteries power onboard necessities like air-conditioning and lights, with a diesel generator acting as a backup in cloudy conditions. Silent Yachts has delivered nearly 20 vessels already, while Sunreef has created over 300 yachts, 30 of which are fully electric. The companies both list simplicity of maintenance as a key feature, although the technology does pose challenges for the adoption of large commercial ships. They note that the sweet spot for solar electric boats is between 50 and 120 feet, as the larger the vessels get, the less advantageous solar power becomes. Professional explorer Mike Horn believes that electric yachts have a place in the market, although he thinks alternate energy sources like hydrogen could enable the vessels to go further.
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