A superyacht designed for global voyages and maximum on-board comfort – SY SILVERLINING, built in 2011, has been fitted with every conceivable amenity, which naturally results in considerable energy requirements. As is absolutely standard for a vessel of this size, these requirements are primarily met by a diesel generator that runs virtually round the clock. As part of a comprehensive electrical refit, the yacht was fitted with a bespoke SolbianFlex SP series solar system.
Design & On-board verification
Once an initial set of plans had been drawn up based on the original drawings of the deck areas, our technicians checked these in Phuket using 1:1 paper templates. As the shipyard’s plans differed significantly from the actual layout in some cases, the deck areas were digitised on site and a new set of templates was produced.
The second set of templates was verified by the ship’s crew with guidance provided via video call, meaning that the system could be put into production immediately following the inspection and a few final adjustments. The owner ultimately opted for a slightly scaled-down version, which covered only the roof areas but not the lower deck areas.
To facilitate a straightforward retrofit of the deck areas, the MPPTs for the remaining area were to be included in the installation. A total of 11 Victron Energy SmartSolar units intelligently regulate zones divided according to expected shading, thereby ensuring maximum output despite the challenging lighting conditions: the shade cast by the main boom, mast, sails or antennas thus affects only one zone at a time, and the controller subsequently ensures the optimal operating point for that area.
Installation
Four technicians from Sailectron Services GmbH, who, as part of the same project, overhauled the yacht’s entire energy management system and installed a hybrid generator system using LiFePO4 batteries and Victron Energy components (more information on the project here), carried out the installation of the system in Phuket, Thailand. The 43 solar panels were bonded, wired and grouted within three days.
Such rapid installation is made possible by the pre-applied adhesive covering the entire rear surface of the solar panels: once deck openings for the cables have been cut, the module can be bonded in place within a few minutes – all that is required is to peel off the protective film. The acrylic adhesive not only ensures an optimal bond with the deck, its foam backing also allows for thermal expansion of the panels and reliably seals the cabling, which is routed invisibly beneath the module into the interior. The joints between the modules are then filled with a permanently elastic and UV-resistant sealant.
The matte finish of the solar panels is not only particularly durable; thanks to the composition of the material, it is virtually self-cleaning and therefore very easy to maintain. As it is more slippery when wet than the textured version, we only choose it for surfaces that are not walked on regularly.
System benefits – cost savings and silent operation
Yachts of this size can hardly be powered exclusively by renewable energy sources – yet the benefits of such a system are enormous. By combining a Victron Energy hybrid generator solution with intelligent energy management, high-performance photovoltaic panels and powerful alternators, it has been possible on board SILVERLINING not only to drastically reduce generator running time: the increased self-sufficiency and redundancy make operating the yacht safer and more comfortable, whilst reducing maintenance requirements. In addition to a smaller environmental footprint, running costs can be reduced and dependence on local infrastructure significantly minimised.
Technical data:
Power: 4,416Wp
Panel series: SP
Weight: 48kg
Battery voltage: 24V
Battery type: LiFePO4
