Feasibility study about solar cells on ships for decreased environmental- and climate impact from shipping

Today ships are mainly driven with fossil fuels and it is therefore important to find new alternatives due to the negative environmental effects.

We are now leading a project with development of solar cell driven trucks, where solar cells can reduce the CO2 emissions.

In shipping the possibilities to use solar cells is even larger, partly due to the light reflections on water that result in more light to the solar cells, but also the possibility to use solar cells on significantly larger areas. In this project actors from research, solar cell industry, technology development and shipping will collaborate.

We will investigate the potential for example in cargo ships, ferries etc. with different solar cells, and also do practical tests in marine environment. We will also prepare for a later pilot-study with a very large area of solar cells on a ship, for propulsion. The results can later be implemented for a new generation ships where solar energy can reduce environmental impact.