There are many solar and electric boats all over the world. But Solarwave 46 is the first deep-sea cruise ship that uses exclusively solar energy for the propulsion and operation of all household appliances (induction hob, cooker, microwave, grill, freezer and refrigerator, air conditioning, washing machine, watermaker). Even the motor tyre and electric motorcycle are charged by the sun.
To verify this unique concept of independent energy supply, Solaryacht was tested for 5 years, starting in January 2010. The boat has crossed all European rivers, sailed on the Black Sea, the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. During this period, 6 to 8 people have been accommodated in full board with water, heating and air conditioning. In all, the catamaran has covered 12,000 nautical miles, with no gas emissions, no fuel use, no noise and no vibrations.
In addition to the accommodation, Solarwave was able to power the engines every day and in all conditions, from a force 9 storm to a calm sea, with sun, rain, cloudy skies, snow and ice falls, using only solar energy.
In 5 years, there has been no need for maintenance or servicing and the on-board generator - mandatory for safety reasons - has been used for only 50 hours, and above all to prevent it from rusting. Over the same period, the electric motors have operated for 2500 hours without any particular maintenance.
The Solarwave 46 was able to prove the feasibility and suitability of the "Solarwave" system for daily use. The system was also awarded the "Energy Globe Award".
A new model, the Solarwave 62, will be launched soon
Following the success of the Solarwave 46, the yard has been working on a new solar catamaran, the Solarwave 62, which should be launched in the coming weeks. The launch has been postponed because additional features have been added, the electric motors have gained power and other details have been added. They will be unveiled when the boat is launched.
Technical data
| Total length | 18,80 m |
| Waterline length | 18,27 m |
| Total width | 9,50 m |
| Draught | 0,70 m |
| Travel | 18 tons |
| Water tank | 2 x 400 L |
| Grey water tank | 2 x 400 L |
| Black water tank | 2 x 400 L |
| Fuel tank | 2 x 400 L |
| Standard motorization | 2 e-engines |
Several possible configurations
Solarwave catamarans are available in 52, 62 and 72 feet and in two versions: Standard and Semi-Custom.
The first one has 4 large VIP cabins with owner's suite and separate shower. The owner's version creates a large owner's space - cabin and bathroom - in the starboard hull. 2 VIP cabins, a suite with separate shower and a crew cabin complete the layout.
In the semi-custom version, the materials (wood and fabrics) are installed on request. The layout can be adapted to the owners' needs: 5 to 6 cabins, a galley in one of the hulls or a 30m2 saloon.
Three possible propulsions
The 3 configurations "Solarwave-Cruiser", "Solarwave-Power" and "Solarwave-Sailor" are identical in terms of hull, deck and interior. It is the propulsion that differs from one model to another.
The Solarwave Cruiser is a pure solar yacht. Independent of the wind, it is easy to maintain, fast and silent with high energy efficiency. In the cruiser version, the boat is not equipped with diesel engines or sails, it moves forward only thanks to the solar energy, stored in the batteries, which allows a maximum speed of 10 knots.
The Solarwave Power is a "parallel hybrid" which has two powerful diesel engines, but also two electric motors. They can propel the boat alone or together. It allows a large range at low speed with the "e-drive" or higher speeds with the diesel engines.
The Solarwave Sailor offers an additional option with a set of sails compatible with the hybrid engines of the "Cruiser" series or the diesel engines of the "Power" series.
