Sunreef Solar Skin 3.0 Turns Yacht Hulls into Power Sources

A next-gen system developed by Sunreef Yachts is finally gaining notoriety as the company launches Solar Skin 3.0. The launch of the 3.0 system is part of the Polish company's larger evolution across its fleet of high efficiency catamarans. The boutique builder had already been gaining traction with their 2.0 system, which boasted 24.8% efficiency, thermal stability above 100°C, and resistance to micro-cracking. It also featured integrated RFID chips in each panel to give owners access to streamlined diagnostics and maintenance. The objective of the Solar Skin is to provide renewable energy to a larger vessel without changing or obstructing the vessel's design. The production of electric power operates many or all of the vessel's onboard systems, creating a fully sustainable boat.

Sunreef has collaborating extensively in recent years, both inside and outside the industry. The company announced a partnership with luxury aftermarket company Brabus in late 2024 to develop a new line of luxury catamarans.

The company also has popular ambassadors in tennis superstar Rafael Nadal and F1 champion Fernando Alonso, both of whom own eco-friendly custom catamarans built by the Polish company. Alonso commissioned a fully-electric 60-foot Sunreef Power Eco in 2021, while Nadal's 'Great White' is a Sunreef 80 Eco with unique customizations in ode to the tennis champ. The biggest features of the Solar Skin 3.0 system is intelligent yield optimization, which adjusts electrical output in real-time. This allows the panels to adjust output flow around areas impacted by shade from its sails or rigging. In turn, this boosts energy production even in suboptimal lighting by maximizing the areas capable of generating the most power.

According to Sunreef, machine learning played a key role in designing the system and determining panel placement for maximizing energy efficiency. They describe Solar Skin 3.0 as more than an upgrade but a leap forward in sustainable yachting. In late 2024, the company announced the first sale of their Sunreef 35 meter Eco Series which would feature the new integrated solar panels. The silicon panels are embedded into the sides of multiple areas including the hull sides, bimini, and superstructure. Once linked with a custom battery storage system the yachts are capable of operating in near total silence and emissions free. The panels are designed and built in-house by Sunreef.

The silicon panels are fully customizable, flexible, and can be adjusted in shape and size for any structure. They can also be dismounted and repaired as needed. Sunreef also claims to be developing an advanced system that recovers heat from the solar panels to heat up a vessel's boiler.