Annual energy yield of a deck-mounted photovoltaic array and the auxiliary-engine fuel it displaces.
Formula
$$ E = A \cdot I \cdot \eta_\text{PV} \cdot \text{PR} \cdot d $$
Symbol legend
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| $E$ | Annual energy produced | kWh | result |
| $A$ | Usable PV array area | m² | GA plan / array layout |
| $I$ | Average daily global horizontal irradiance | kWh / m² / day | NASA SSE / voyage latitude |
| $\eta_\text{PV}$ | Module efficiency at STC | fraction | panel datasheet |
| $\text{PR}$ | System performance ratio - marine 0.70–0.80 | fraction | empirical |
| $d$ | Days of PV availability per year | d | operating profile |
Fuel displaced: $F = E \cdot \text{SFOC}_\text{AE} / 10^6$. CO₂ avoided: $F \cdot C_f$.
PV makes sense on decks with large unobstructed horizontal area (PCTCs, cruise upper decks, offshore accommodation). It doesn’t meaningfully dent main-engine fuel on cargo ships; its niche is aux + hotel load.
Sources
- Eco Marine Power - marine solar references.
- IEC 61215 - crystalline-silicon PV module qualification.
- IMO Resolution MEPC.282(70) - SEEMP renewable-energy measures.