The 62ft Solarwave is said by its creators to be the first emissions-free yacht, apart from sailing yachts. The dream of greener boating, particularly in an age of high fuel prices, has preoccupied the marine industry in the last decade.
Now thanks to the continuous development of solar cells, electric drives and batteries it has became possible to run a luxury yacht solely by sun energy. As the power is generated from light energy, the Solarwave 62 concept by Solarwave Yachts and Ned Ship promises to provide enough energy for propulsion and all electric appliances on board, even without bright sunshine.
The advantages are clear: no fuel costs, no emissions, very little noise and vibration, and very little maintenance. With the Solarwave 62’ the impressive zero emissions status has been achieved thanks to an electric motor, a large solar-panel roof and a battery bank, making it totally independent of external power sources. Performance is not undermined, according to Solarwave, as tests show it can cruise at a speed equivalent to a traditional catamaran’s. Turkish shipyard Ned Ship teamed with Solarwave to create a series of zero emission solar yacht designs.
The Solarwave 62 combines a carbon composite hull design from Nedship's Dr. Orhan Celikkol, and Michael Köhler's Solar Energy system to create a luxurious 62 foot catamaran that's capable of operating with zero emissions. Solarwave has spent four years testing the technology, and very first Solarwave 62' models are now approaching completion, with new owners lined up.
Designed for energy efficiency
This Solarwave 62' comes complete with full fitted kitchen and lounge, three to five guest cabins, and a retractable sky roof. There is also a 6.5m (21.3 ft) tender garage and rear and front sun decks providing ample outdoor dining space. Most of the furniture is a part of the structure, which saves weight and brings more space.
The yacht's roof is clad with a 15 kW photovoltaic array connected to a series of 100 kWh batteries. The number of batteries can change depending on the yacht owner's needs. While existing yachts use solar panels to power their electrical system, the Solarwave yachts are fully powered by the photovoltaic-generated energy.
With two e-motors (41 kW continuous and 62 kW peak) on board, the yacht can cruise at speeds between 7 and 13 knots without the need to utilize additional fuel sources during sunny conditions and light winds. There's also a standard emergency generator included – with the Solarwave 62' is 8 kW, but Nedship will also offer upgrades from 12 to 20 kW, or a 30 kW MME turbine generator.
Solarwave says less maintenance is needed with these engines, compared with traditional diesel engines.
The Solarwave 62' will cost between 2 and 2.5 million euro (US$2.25 - 2.5million).
Nedship will also offer a hybrid version of the Solarwave 62', which will incorporate D3 VolvoPenta 220 hp engines, allowing the vessel to exceed 20 knots. The hybrid system can be used in 3 modes: Pure electric, Diesel propulsion or Booster mode (both systems together).
In addition, a special sail assisted version of the Solarwave 62' will be available for owners looking for a more sportive, hands-on yacht. More models are also in the works – the Relax 72' and tri-deck Eclipse 85’, which are based on a similar concept but boast much more space.
Faiss says this puts it more or less in the price range of comparable catamaran yachts of the same size, and expects it to hold its value better than conventional yachts.
Solarwave 62' Video:
More about Solarwave Yachts
Solarwave-Yachts are available in 52, 62 an 72 feet, with other sizes and commercial solarboats available on request.
There are three possible propulsions
The 3 types "Solarwave-Cruiser", "Solarwave-Power" und "Solarwave-Sailor" have an identical design regarding hull, deck and interior, but they differ in they way of propulsion.
"Solarwave-Cruiser" is a pure solaryacht. As she is a "Sunssailor" she is independent form the wind, energy-efficient, easy to maintain, fast, reliable and noiseless. She is powered by serial-hybrid-propulsion.
"Solarwave-Power" is a parallel-hybrid. She has 2 powerful diesel-engines as well as 2 electric-motors. They can propel the boat togehter or each of them alone. It is your choice to have unlimited range at lower speeds with the e-drive or high speeds by using the diesel-engines.
"Solarwave-Sailor" offers you an additional option. You can set sails and accept the challenge of a fast ride way beyond 10 knots under sails. The rigg can be combined with the serial-hybrid of the "Cruiser" as well as the powerful diesel-engines of the "Power"-version. You have the choice!
Photos: Solarwave Yachts
Article: Alison Clements
Feeling inspired? You'll find a wide selection of luxury superyachts for sale and yachts for sale in the uk on our website.
The yacht's roof is clad with a 15 kW photovoltaic array connected to a series of 100 kWh batteries. The number of batteries can change depending on the yacht owner's needs. While existing yachts use solar panels to power their electrical system, the Solarwave yachts are fully powered by the photovoltaic-generated energy.
With two e-motors (41 kW continuous and 62 kW peak) on board, the yacht can cruise at speeds between 7 and 13 knots without the need to utilize additional fuel sources during sunny conditions and light winds. There's also a standard emergency generator included – with the Solarwave 62' is 8 kW, but Nedship will also offer upgrades from 12 to 20 kW, or a 30 kW MME turbine generator.
Solarwave says less maintenance is needed with these engines, compared with traditional diesel engines.
The Solarwave 62' will cost between 2 and 2.5 million euro (US$2.25 - 2.5million).
Nedship will also offer a hybrid version of the Solarwave 62', which will incorporate D3 VolvoPenta 220 hp engines, allowing the vessel to exceed 20 knots. The hybrid system can be used in 3 modes: Pure electric, Diesel propulsion or Booster mode (both systems together).
In addition, a special sail assisted version of the Solarwave 62' will be available for owners looking for a more sportive, hands-on yacht. More models are also in the works – the Relax 72' and tri-deck Eclipse 85’, which are based on a similar concept but boast much more space.
Faiss says this puts it more or less in the price range of comparable catamaran yachts of the same size, and expects it to hold its value better than conventional yachts.
Solarwave 62' Video:
More about Solarwave Yachts
Solarwave-Yachts are available in 52, 62 an 72 feet, with other sizes and commercial solarboats available on request.
There are three possible propulsions
The 3 types "Solarwave-Cruiser", "Solarwave-Power" und "Solarwave-Sailor" have an identical design regarding hull, deck and interior, but they differ in they way of propulsion.
"Solarwave-Cruiser" is a pure solaryacht. As she is a "Sunssailor" she is independent form the wind, energy-efficient, easy to maintain, fast, reliable and noiseless. She is powered by serial-hybrid-propulsion.
"Solarwave-Power" is a parallel-hybrid. She has 2 powerful diesel-engines as well as 2 electric-motors. They can propel the boat togehter or each of them alone. It is your choice to have unlimited range at lower speeds with the e-drive or high speeds by using the diesel-engines.
"Solarwave-Sailor" offers you an additional option. You can set sails and accept the challenge of a fast ride way beyond 10 knots under sails. The rigg can be combined with the serial-hybrid of the "Cruiser" as well as the powerful diesel-engines of the "Power"-version. You have the choice!
Photos: Solarwave Yachts
Article: Alison Clements
Feeling inspired? You'll find a wide selection of luxury superyachts for sale and yachts for sale in the uk on our website.
