Continuing to evolve the design language of its entire new catamaran range, Sunreef Yachts has introduced Solar Skin 3.0 as its next step in leading the industry towards more intelligent and sustainable yachting without compromising on luxury. This builds on their ecologically friendly legacy with highly refined and efficient technology solutions which significantly shrink each vessel’s carbon footprint.
Nicolas Lapp, Sunreef Yachts’ CTO explained, “The latest generation of our solar skin technology offers top efficiency — currently the highest attainable for silicon cells — marking a major milestone in marine solar innovation. Leveraging machine learning algorithms and real-time data from Sunreef catamarans operating in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Dubai, we are able to continuously refine panel placement and optimize energy yield. Fully developed and produced in-house, each panel functions as a smart unit, dynamically adjusting its electrical output to mitigate shading effects from sails and superstructure, significantly boosting system efficiency even during winter months.”
Their previous Solar Skin 2.0 was already recognized across the industry for its highly efficient performance and exceptional thermal stability, being able to operate at 100°C plus temperatures while being compatible with even dark paint finishes. Durability testing over 20,000 load cycles also proved its impressive micro cracking resistance, while each panel incorporated RFID chips for seamless diagnostics and maintenance.
Elevating this technology to an even higher level, Solar Skin 3.0 now features smart yield optimization that adapts electrical output in real-time using advanced algorithms, particularly in areas where complex shading from sails or rigging affects the amount of sunlight they receive. Machine learning algorithms have also been utilised to design the solar system’s layout, ensuring optimum panel placement to maximize energy efficiency according to usage needs in the real world.
Next-generation photovoltaic cells optimized especially for shaded environments have now also been integrated into the new catamarans’ bimini sections, increasing energy production even when lighting conditions are less than ideal.
