New solar yacht Silent 55 is to debut at Cannes Yachting Festival
It’s electric: the new S2 Silent 55 solar yacht from Silent Yachts will feature at the Cannes Yachting Festival.
The new model of the Silent 55 solar-powered yacht, the S2, from Silent Yachts is to make its debut at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival in September.
Silent Yachts told Superyacht Investor: “The new Silent 55 version has a completely revised drivetrain with significantly more battery power, two times more powerful e-motors, structural improvements and significantly better noise reduction. The drivetrain is the most important upgrade to the new model.”
The 17m solar-powered ocean-going catamaran is capable of 20 knots using silent electric propulsion for unlimited range without noise or fumes and minimal vibration. Power is supplied by a pair of 250 kW e-motors, with a battery capacity of 210 kWh.
30 high-efficiency solar panels
Fitted with 30 high-efficiency solar panels rated for about a 10 kilowatt-peak, the yacht uses maximum power point tracking (MPPT) solar charge regulators and lithium batteries. The power units provide capacity for all-night cruising, while a 15-kVA inverter provides power for all household appliances.
The solar panels are supplied with a 25-year warranty and the battery banks come with an eight-year warranty.
Since the systems “are virtually maintenance-free”, operational costs are said to be substantially lower than those of power yachts using more traditional propulsion systems.
The company’s founder and CEO Michael Köhler said: “What this represents to the yachtsman, among other features, is the ability to cruise for many hours at normal speed and throughout the entire day and during the evening at reduced speed. Silent Yachts sets the standard for an entirely new dynamic in yachting: No fuel. No maintenance. Pure solar-powered luxury.”
‘Solar-powered luxury’
Structural modifications have also been made to ensure the ride and guests’ experience is as comfortable as possible and noise reduction has been improved.
So far, one Silent 55 S2 had been produced and four units of the Silent 80 flagship are currently under construction and will be launched next year. The 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival will take place at the Vieux Port and Port Canto from Tuesday September 10th to Sunday September 15th.
Meanwhile, the Monaco Solar & Energy Boat Challenge took place earlier this month to spark innovation in green propulsion systems and yacht design.
took place earlier this month to spark innovation in green propulsion systems and yacht design.
Specifications Silent 55 S2
Length overall: 17m
Beam overall: 8.46m
Draft: 1.20m
Light displacement: 19t
Water: 500 – 1.000 L
Waste-Water: 2 x 500 L
Fuel: 500 – 1.600 L
Solar Panels: 10 kWp
E-Motors: 2 x 30 kW / 2 x 250 kW
Generator: 22 kW / 100 kW
Battery Capacity: 120 kWh
Cruising Speed: 6 – 8 kt / 12 – 15 kt
Top Speed: approx. 12 kt / 20 kt
CE Certification: CE-A
Range: Trans-ocean
