Modifying Silent Yachts Explorer 120

[Thomas Murphy]

Hi there. I'm looking to add solar panel area and an owners cabin on the upper deck of the Silent Yachts 120 Explorer, by extending the upper deck.

I'm curious about anyone's inital thoughts. Thanks!

 

[mc_rash]

Hi Thomas,

what will be the purpose of the solar panels? Shall the whole yacht be powered by solar energy, are there other power sources a board? What's the plan?

 

[Thomas Murphy]

Hi, yacht is electric powered - solar electric generators and diesel electric generators for long-hauls. Purpose of the solar panels is to minimize the use of the diesel generator.

Silent 120 Explorer | Luxury Solar-Powered Yacht https://silent-yachts.com/yacht/120-explorer-2/

 

[Rumars]

I think expanding the solar panel area is relatively pointless. Right now it already has 40kWp wich are estimated to generate 240kWh/day. The drive motors are 2x720kW and the battery 624kWh. Even if you could double the generating and battery capacity, it won't make a significant contribution to the propulsion budget while adding a bunch of weight and windage.
The only case for adding solar I can see is if the current capacity isn't sufficient for the existing hotel loads.

 

[fallguy]

The boat already has bow extensions to deal with forward loading. Have you done the maths for the added load and the trim effect?

If not, you’ll want to do that first, before spending a dime on parts.

The other thing is the higher mass will also raise the vcg, and I would avoid that without consulting a NA.

 

[Milehog]

First, I'd add a canting feature to the solar panel decks so they could capture maximum solar energy and double as air foils (sails)...