Solar Is Going Everywhere - even on Cruise Ships

United Solar has installed 80kW of its Uni-Solarbrand modules on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas cruise ship, reports Design-Build Solar. The modules cover 2,000 m² and will generate 111,108kWh of electricity annually for the ship’s shopping area.

Miami-based BAM Solar installed the built-in amorphous-silicon thin-film photovoltaic laminates at a cost of US$600,000, the company’s second installation on a Royal Caribbean vessel – BAM also fitted a system on Allure of the Seas’ sister ship Oasis of the Seas.

These systems strengthen Royal Caribbean’s position as an industry leader in the adoption of eco-friendly practices, according to its manager of R&D environmental technologies, Rasmus Norling. “The first Oasis-class ship, Oasis of the Seas, has had such positive feedback for using solar that we knew we had to do it again.Royal Caribbean is devoted to environmental protection and is the industry leader in our commitment to energy sustainability. Solar is one part of that mission,” said Norling.

“Uni Solar’s laminates were the only solution that works for such a unique solar application like this,” said Andrew Rasken, president of BAM Solar. “We needed lightweight. We needed a solar product that doesn’t require surface penetrations, one durable enough that people can walk on, and that will stand up to the rigors of the harsh elements of being at sea. Uni Solar’s product versatility, flexibility and numerous unique characteristics of the laminates were the perfect solution for this exclusive and fun application.”