Sunreef Yachts has once again raised the bar in sustainable yachting with the launch of Solar Skin 3.0, the latest advancement in its revolutionary solar panel hull material. Following the debut of Solar Skin in 2022 and its improved version in 2024, this new iteration further enhances efficiency and smart energy generation on board.
The original Solar Skin 1.0 transformed yacht design by embedding photovoltaic cells directly into the composite material of the hull, effectively turning the entire vessel into a power-generating solar panel. Solar Skin 2.0 significantly boosted performance, achieving an impressive 24.8% efficiency rate—on par with the best residential solar panels—while offering exceptional thermal stability and durability.
This second-generation system operates at temperatures exceeding 100ºC (212ºF) and withstands over 20,000 mechanical load cycles, simulating various physical stresses and harsh weather conditions. Each panel also features an RFID chip, simplifying diagnostics and maintenance throughout the yacht’s lifespan.
Solar Skin 3.0 introduces advanced technologies to tackle the unique challenges of marine solar power, where fluctuating light and shading from sails and superstructures complicate energy harvesting. Sunreef Yachts’ CTO, Nicolas Lapp, explains, “Using AI, machine learning, and real-time data from our catamarans in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Dubai, we continuously optimize panel placement and energy output. Each panel functions as an intelligent unit, dynamically adjusting to shading effects to maximize efficiency—even in winter months.”
Additionally, the new catamarans include next-generation photovoltaic cells optimized for shaded areas like the bimini, further boosting solar energy production under less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
Sunreef’s journey began not as a builder but as a charter company in the Indian Ocean. Founder Francis Lapp recognized a gap in the market for luxurious, family-friendly catamarans, which led to the creation of the world’s first luxury catamaran with a flybridge. The debut at the 2003 Monaco Yacht Show sparked a trend now embraced by shipyards worldwide.
On the electric yacht front, Sunreef’s Eco line made its debut in 2019 with the Sunreef 60 Eco at the Cannes Yachting Festival. The model won the Sailboats category of the Gustave Trouvé Electric Boat Awards in 2021, with the Sunreef 80 Eco repeating the success in 2022.
Nicolas Lapp highlights the three pillars of electric yacht efficiency: “Hydrodynamics, energy generation, and energy storage. To optimize these, we develop custom-engineered batteries.” The Eco range’s lithium-ion marine battery banks deliver 1 kWh of energy per 5.2 kilograms—making them about 30% lighter than typical yacht batteries. This weight reduction decreases drag and energy consumption, while the compact size frees up more living space.
“The longevity of our batteries is crucial,” adds Lapp. “After 10 years, they retain 80% of their capacity, ensuring durability and sustainability.”
