Marine-PV solar offsets auxiliary generator (genset) loads

Marine vessels rely heavily on auxiliary generators (gensets) to supply power for onboard systems when main engines are not running or during peak demand. These gensets consume significant amounts of fuel, contributing to operational costs and carbon emissions. Marine-PV solar systems offer a practical solution by delivering clean, low-voltage DC solar energy directly into the vessel’s grid. This technology reduces genset fuel consumption, lowers emissions, and helps shipowners comply with increasingly strict environmental regulations and reduce costs under EU&UK ETS + FuelEU.

2.500m2 of Marine-PV solar panels installed on the Grimaldi Shanghai series (10 vessels)

How Marine-PV solar systems work on vessels

Marine-PV solar solutions are designed specifically for the maritime environment, where saltwater, humidity, and constant motion pose challenges to traditional solar installations. These systems consist of:

• Marine-approved solar panels that withstand harsh weather and salt spray

• Low-voltage DC microinverters that convert solar energy safely and efficiently without generating high string voltages

• Basalt fiber support structures that prevent galvanic corrosion by isolating the solar array electrically from the ship’s carbon steel hull

  
  

The microinverter architecture is fully approved by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), ensuring compliance with marine safety standards. By integrating solar energy directly into the vessel’s electrical grid MSB (automatically synchronizing voltage and phases), the system supplies power to auxiliary loads, reducing the need to run gensets.

Benefits of offsetting genset loads with solar PV energy

Using solar PV power to offset genset loads offers several advantages:

• Fuel savings: Solar energy reduces the amount of diesel or heavy fuel oil consumed by auxiliary generators, cutting fuel costs.

• Lower emissions: Solar power is a zero-emission energy source, helping vessels reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants.

• Regulatory compliance: Under FuelEU Maritime Annex III, solar energy qualifies as a certified zero-emission technology, helping shipowners avoid carbon taxes and penalties.

• Reduced maintenance: Less genset runtime means lower wear and tear, extending generator life and reducing maintenance expenses.

• Improved energy resilience: Distributed solar generation enhances onboard energy security by diversifying power sources.

  
  

Engineered for maritime challenges

Marine-PV solar systems must overcome unique challenges:

• Corrosion resistance: The basalt fiber support structure prevents galvanic corrosion, a common problem when dissimilar metals contact seawater. This extends system lifespan and maintains electrical safety.

• Electrical safety: The microinverter design avoids high string voltages that could pose shock hazards or damage sensitive equipment.

• Durability: Panels and components are built to endure constant vibration, salt spray, and UV exposure.

• Integration: The system seamlessly connects to the vessel’s existing low-voltage DC grid without requiring major electrical modifications.

  
  

Real-World impact and examples

Almost 40 seagoing vessels have successfully integrated Marine-PV solar systems since 2022 to reduce genset fuel consumption. For example the ones you can find on our Marine-PV reference page:

These cases clearly demonstrate how solar power can be a practical, cost-effective tool for marine operators aiming to reduce environmental impact and operational costs.

Steps to implement Marine-PV solar on your vessel

Shipowners interested in adopting Marine-PV solar solutions should consider the following steps:

1. Assess energy needs: Analyze auxiliary load profiles to determine the optimal solar system size.

2. Evaluate installation space: Identify suitable deck or superstructure areas for solar panel mounting with proper exposure to sunlight by sharing your good vessel's GA with ShipDecarb. For contact details you can check our contact page.

3. Consult marine solar specialists: Work with providers experienced in marine solar technology and marine certification, like Marine-PV.

4. Plan integration: Coordinate with supplier, shipyard and your engineers to ensure safe and efficient installation onboard.

5. Monitor performance: Use onboard monitoring systems to track solar generation and genset fuel savings.

   
   

The future of marine energy

As maritime regulations tighten and fuel costs rise, Marine-PV solar systems will play an increasingly important role in sustainable shipping. By offsetting auxiliary generator loads, these systems help vessels reduce emissions, save fuel, and avoid costly penalties. The combination of marine-grade design, ABS approval, and zero-emission certification makes Marine-PV solar a reliable and responsible choice for shipowners.

Adopting solar power onboard is not just an environmental decision but a strategic investment in operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. Shipowners who integrate Marine-PV solar solutions position themselves ahead of the curve in the transition to greener maritime operations.

Want to learn more?

In case you want us to propose a maritime solar PV solution based on your vessels GA, then please send an e-mail to: sales@shipdecarb.com and we'll get in touch.