Use of flexible & robust photovoltaic (PV) panel technology will allow innovative solar power solutions to be developed for shipping and maritime applications.

Fukuoka, Japan – 17^th May 2021 – As part of its ongoing rollout of zero emission power and propulsion solutions for shipping, Eco Marine Power Co., Ltd. (EMP) announced today that it has begun to cooperate with F-WAVE Company Limited (F-WAVE) to jointly develop innovative Ship Integrated Photovoltaic (SIPV) solutions. These solar power solutions will utilise F-WAVE’s shatter-proof and flexible PV technology combined with EMP’s extensive experience in developing ship-based solar power systems.

F-WAVE’s flexible solar cells use the unique SCAF (Series-Connection through Apertures formed on Film) structure allowing a wireless connection with the electrodes. This tandem construction also allows the flexible solar cells to absorb a wide solar spectrum. Additionally, the cells demonstrate high performance in hot weather due in part to the annealing effect and their efficiency increases compared to the decrease that typically occurs with crystalline cells.

EMP’s Aquarius Marine Solar Power solution is ideally suited to incorporate F-WAVE’s flexible PV panel technology and a customised version will also be fitted to EMP’s patented EnergySail for evaluation at the Onomichi Marine Technology Test Centre (MTTC) in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.

Commenting on the cooperation with F-WAVE, Greg Atkinson, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Eco Marine Power stated, “We look forward to incorporating the patented F-WAVE solar cell technology into the solutions we have developed for shipping & maritime applications and also exploring new ways of integrating photovoltaics into the design and structure of ships.”

In addition to developing integrated solar solutions for shipping and maritime applications EMP will promote F-WAVE’s products globally so that they can be incorporated into new ship building projects.