EcoPlanet installs solar powered generator on boat

Generating renewable energy from solar radiation, via PV systems is becoming more and more popular. Solar light illumination is absolutely in great abundancy in Bahia, Brazil, and has become a viable and attractive alternative to generating electricity power. EcoPlanet Energy, with its integrated solutions in renewable energy, has developed several projects that disseminate this type of technology. One of its projects was to provide this alternative, clean and sustainable energy for the marine or sailing community in the region..

In addition to the customs port, local regional boats on this picturesque coast of Bahia are mainly used by enthusiastic sailors for the pleasure of sailing or used for sightseeing tours for the many tourist that visit region. Through this recent trend, more and more boat owners are looking at this simple technology to save energy and pollute less the environment.

According to EcoPlanet Energy’s technical professional team, Ailton Cena, explains how solar cell systems are installed on boats. ” ‘ISOLATED’  or better know as ‘OFF-GRID’ photovoltaic systems have solar modules whose power ranges between 80 to 245 Watts-peak, mostly related to the boat size and needs.
The energy generated by the solar panel modules is accumulated in deep cycle batteries, usually of 150 Amp-hours and the system also has a charge controller that is a device that controls the entry and output of energy to/from the batteries. The electricity stored in the battery is used to power the devices on the vessel. Any eletric device or equipment that requires more power to operate, will need to connect and obtain additional energy via the diesel engine generator.“

O consumo de energia pelos barcos é acompanhado constantemente porque sem energia, os marinheiros não podem operar seus equipamentos e instrumentos de navegação, tais como rádio e/ou GPS, muito menos os sistemas de iluminação que são imprescindíveis nas regras de navegação

Energy consumption on boats is a constantly monitored aspect in a good yachtsman or sailor of any seabound vessel, because without power, the sailors cannot operate their navigation equipment and instruments, such as radio and / or GPS, let alone lighting systems that are essential for the compliance of navigational rules and regulations of the waters.

This fact was very important for Mr. Djalma Junior; the proud owner and sailor of  “Sonhador” (Dreamer), a beautiful 20 foot sailboat anchored in the ARATU region of Bahia.
He notes, “The situation was getting very uncomfortable, and critical, with the obligated need to start the diesel powered engines every time (Each weekend), I needed to recharge the boat’s batteries that power the sailboat instruments.”
That is to say, if he missed a weekend visit to his boat at the Marina, the batteries would go flat and in consequence render his equipment useless in the hour of need, as well as reduce the battery life, meaning higher maintenance costs.

“In addition not to mention the discomfort for my passengers having to smell the diesel fumes, as well the engine noise, TODAY, I get a huge savings with minimal costs for diesel fuel consumption, and at the same time I contribute to the preservation of the environment with less pollution”, quotes the sailor.
A boat powered by the sun, without the need to recharge your batteries with engines powered by fossil fuel combustion, will reduce pollution in the river beds. It will also help reduce the stress of animal & water life in the region.

 “ Bringing together elements of  cutting-edge technology, innovation and sustainability is the future in our present, “says the Marine manager,”This becoming a regular normal boat item fixture for many of our Marine-club members for their boats – And all thanks to nature (the sun) with which we all adore and identify well with here.“

For more information on this project click on the case study link.
If you have any further questions or suggestions regarding other projects developed by EcoPlanet Energy,simply contact us: +55 (71)2626.3005 ou sac@ecoplanetenergy.com.