Onboard Trials Commence for Eco Marine Power’s Aquarius Marine Solar Power System
Japan-based technology company Eco Marine Power has recently kicked off onboard evaluation trials of its updated solar power system, known as Aquarius Marine Solar Power, in conjunction with the first of several photovoltaic (PV) module technologies. These trials, set to last between 12 to 18 months, are geared towards showcasing the practicality and performance of the updated solar power system in real maritime conditions.
The initial technology under evaluation hails from Merlin Solar Technologies, a company known for its durable and reliable solar panels engineered to withstand challenging and sub-optimal conditions for long-lasting power output. According to Eco Marine Power, Merlin solar panels combine the proven performance and reliability of mono-crystalline silicon technology with the flexibility of being lightweight and enabling peel-and-stick deployments.
For the trials, the solar panels were installed by Aries Marine onto custom frames previously mounted on the ship. Additional equipment, including different types of PV module technologies from various manufacturers, is slated for installation in the coming months.
Statements from Eco Marine Power and Merlin Solar Technologies
Greg Atkinson, President, and Founder of Eco Marine Power, expressed his enthusiasm for the latest deployment of their ship solar power solution, now enhanced with an upgraded performance management system. Atkinson also welcomed the involvement of Merlin Solar in the project, emphasizing the advancement of zero-emission power technologies for ships.
Bob Brainard, Chief Product Officer, and Founder of Merlin Solar Technologies, highlighted the company’s pride in participating in the evaluation, bringing over a decade of proven marine solar experience to the cargo shipping industry. Brainard emphasized Merlin Solar’s track record of delivering reliable performance in various marine applications and underscored the collaboration’s significance in supporting the maritime sector’s transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions.