New solar panels that look like teak

[Thalas]

This looks like a very cool new technology. Solar panels coated to look like teak while claiming to not lose efficiency. I know there are many practical sailors out there, but for sailors like me who want the boat to look uncluttered, this could be a great way to have power needs met while still keeping the deck looking great.

The cells are Sunpower which are very high efficiency. A 104W Teak panel measures
1363x546x2mm. So many questions... are they hot to walk on? Are they still grippy when wet? Can't wait to find out more.

https://www.solbian.eu/en/31-isp-series

[Paul L]

That's pretty innovative. Nice way to stand out from the low cost flex panels.

[Matt Johnson]

The link says something about a Canvas series too. I wonder what colors those will be?

Matt

[Clamdigger]

Problem I see is that regardless of what the panels look like they still stick out because of their profile and wiring. To me teak like that would stand out just like the plain solar panels.

[J.Kitchens]

That's crazy I just paid $8000 for some teak that looks like a solar panel.

[Shaunskie]

Mr. Kitchens, still pissing myself laughing, that was ACE.

[Thalas]

Originally Posted by Clamdigger

Problem I see is that regardless of what the panels look like they still stick out because of their profile and wiring. To me teak like that would stand out just like the plain solar panels.

I think the idea is that you would use them in conjunction with teak in areas where teak would already be put down. They won't be invisible, but will help blend in.

Don't get me wrong, flexible solar panels that you can walk on are a miracle, but they almost always look at best like an afterthought and at worst an eyesore on a normally cohesively aesthetic vessel.

That said, I'm nervous/curious about having solar on the deck. Most boats have it on the coach roof, bimini, or davits. The difference in salt water splashing the deck and foot traffic is significantly higher that low versus a coach roof.

[Nikki S]

Originally Posted by J.Kitchens

That's crazy I just paid $8000 for some teak that looks like a solar panel.

hahahaha
maybe in the future we will have solar panels you can walk on (without even burning your bare feet)

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by J.Kitchens

That's crazy I just paid $8000 for some teak that looks like a solar panel.

Well that stuff doesn't grow on trees!

[CatNewBee]

the next big thing are sails made of flexible canvas solar panels. You will not need to walk on them. There are prototypes already installed on square sails on a super yacht. You get much more usable surface and efficiency too than by deck mounted panels.

[mikedefieslife]

Originally Posted by CatNewBee

the next big thing are sails made of flexible canvas solar panels. You will not need to walk on them. There are prototypes already installed on square sails on a super yacht. You get much more usable surface and efficiency too than by deck mounted panels.

Doesn't really sound that useful to the average cruiser. Most their time will be spent in an anchorage. You can't really keep your sails raised then.

[CatNewBee]

Originally Posted by mikedefieslife

Doesn't really sound that useful to the average cruiser. Most their time will be spent in an anchorage. You can't really keep your sails raised then.

why not? At anchor your nose points to the wind, no pressure on the main sail. In light winds and a protected anchorage no problem to raise it for an hour to quick re-charge the LFP batteries. It is a big surface, you can raise just the upper part / reef where the solar area is too, lets say 10sqm not necessary the full sail.

[mikedefieslife]

Originally Posted by CatNewBee

why not? At anchor your nose points to the wind, no pressure on the main sail. In light winds and a protected anchorage no problem to raise it for an hour to quick re-charge the LFP batteries. It is a big surface, you can raise just the upper part / reef where the solar area is too, lets say 10sqm not necessary the full sail.

Fair enough, on a small sail for short period.

Here in the Med the wind changes direction frequently. It gusts too. Secondly, a sail pointed into the wind flutters around and make a hell of a racket, and of course its not good to have your sail luffing about,

Underway though especially on a long passage I think it would be brilliant