Solar Marine

Custom Photovoltaic Modules for Sailboats, Catamarans and Motorboats

Solar Panels Designed Around Your Boat

Harnessing solar power aboard a vessel presents challenges that off-the-shelf panels simply cannot address. Curved decks, irregular coachroof profiles, structural bimini tops, custom hard-tops — every boat has a unique geometry, and a standard rectangular panel rarely integrates optimally. MR WATT designs and manufactures fully custom photovoltaic modules, shaped to fit the exact profile of your boat.

From sailing yachts to catamarans, from motorboats to RIBs and tenders, our panels are dimensioned to exploit every available square centimetre of deck surface — maximising power output without compromising crew movement, sail trim, or cockpit access. Weight and aerodynamic profile are always factored into the engineering brief.

Engineered for the Sea: Every Detail Matters

ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) is the preferred front-sheet for marine applications: lighter than glass, slightly flexible to tolerate hull flexion underway, zero water absorption, and exceptional resistance to the thermal cycling of a Mediterranean summer. Unlike tempered glass, ETFE does not chip on impact and maintains high optical transmittance for decades of offshore use.

Where structural rigidity is required — on hard-tops, flybridge panels, or bimini-mounted arrays — 4mm or 6mm tempered glass with an anodized aluminium frame provides the mechanical strength needed to withstand green-water impact, crew footing loads, and wind pressure at sea.

Where Our Marine Panels Work

Sailing Yachts & Catamarans — Panels shaped to fit the coachroof, bimini, or stern arch. Low profile, lightweight ETFE construction to preserve sail trim and minimize windage.
Motorboats & Flybridge Yachts — Rigid glass panels for flybridge roofs, hard-tops, and forward decks. Designed to withstand crew footing loads and spray impact at planing speeds.
RIBs & Sport Boats — Ultra-compact panels for rigid inflatable boats and sport motorboats — custom shapes to integrate around console, T-top, or bow rails without modifying the hull.
Tenders & Rescue Craft — Small-format panels for auxiliary tenders, rescue RIBs, and patrol craft. Off-grid battery charging without weight or size compromise.
Marine Equipment & Buoys — Compact custom panels for navigation buoys, oceanographic sensors, GPS beacons, and mooring monitoring systems.
Fishing & Work Boats — Robust panels for professional fishing vessels, coast guard craft, and work boats. Powering onboard electronics, fish-finders, and navigation systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you produce panels in any shape for marine applications?: Yes. MR WATT specialises in fully custom shapes — L-profiles, trapezoids, cutouts for hatches, cleats, and mast bases. Send us the deck drawing or template and we will engineer the panel to fit.
What is the difference between ETFE and glass lamination for boats?: ETFE is lighter, slightly flexible, and immune to saltwater corrosion — ideal for sailing yachts and curved deck applications. Tempered glass offers greater structural rigidity and is preferred for motorboats, flybridge roofs, and flat hard-top installations where crew weight loads are a factor.
How do you handle saltwater resistance and waterproofing?: All marine panels are assembled with IP67-rated junction boxes, marine-grade connectors, and silicone-sealed cable exits. ETFE lamination itself is fully impermeable to water and unaffected by saltwater corrosion.
What is the minimum order quantity?: We work from single prototypes upwards — ideal for custom boat builds, refit projects, and one-off racing builds. Contact us to define the production plan for your project.
Can you integrate the panel directly into the hard-top or bimini structure?: Yes. We supply panels with custom cable routing, flush mounting hardware, and connector positions to allow integration directly into GRP or aluminium structural panels during fabrication.