Researchers propose solar panels that double as ship sails

As the popularity of renewable energy, especially solar power, soars due to the withdrawal from nuclear power, researchers are looking at more creative ways to use solar panels than placing them on roofs and any available flat space. Japan’s Eco Marine Power has revealed an “EnergySail” concept where rigid solar panels could also act as sails on cargo ships. This would harness both solar and wind power to lower fuel costs and emissions, as well as be an additional source of energy for the ship’s main engines, the Japan Daily Press reports.

As an example, the company proposes the panels could be used on large vessels such as carriers of bulk ore, cable-laying ships, or even ferries and patrol ships for the coast guard. The solar/sail panels would have an automatic controlling system that would orient them to catch the most available sunlight and wind. If the ship is docked at port, the solar function would still operate, meaning auxiliary diesel generators would no longer need to be used.

Eco Marine Power’s Greg Atkinson says they’ve started testing at their Osaka-based lab, and are currently focusing on control systems and command interfaces, with additional components to come over the next few months. The company estimates that the use of EnergySails could reduce the use of fuel by 10 to 20% per year, depending on what type of ship they are operating on. The project is similar to one completed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Kobe, where they developed a transport ship that runs on a hybrid system of standard solar panels and batteries. Generating zero emission while docked, the Emerald Ace uses stored electricity instead of diesel generators and the solar panels generate new power while the ship is sailing.