Meet The All-New Sunpower Yachts Solar Electric Catamarans

United Yacht Sales is thrilled to announce that we have partnered with Sunpower Yachts, the world’s largest solar-electric yacht shipyard, to represent the brand in North America. Sunpower recently purchased the Alva Yachts GmbH Shipyard based in Antalya, Turkey, known for its dedication to creating the most reliable, highest quality, and most innovative solar electric yachts in the industry.

“Sunpower is a global leader in building eco-friendly yachts and our evaluation is that this is going to be a fast growing segment of the market,” said Jeff Palmer, President of United Yacht Sales. “We’re excited that United Yacht Sales has the opportunity to bring them to the U.S. and Canada. The solar electric propulsion systems have a variety of benefits on top of being environmentally-friendly including less noise, vibrations, and of course, a fuel bill. You also have almost zero maintenance on rotational propulsionary equipment like no oil changes, heat exchangers, fuel filters, etc.”

(Below: Grant Hudson, Executive Director of Sunpower, demonstrates driving a solar-electric yacht in the rain.)

WHERE CAN YOU SEE A SUNPOWER YACHT?

Currently, there is one Sunpower Yacht available on the market, a 2022 44 VIP, located in Australia. However, the all-new Sunpower Solar-E 60 (seen below) will make its world debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival this September. If you’re seriously considering owning a luxury solar-powered electric catamaran, making the trip to Cannes to see the boat in person and speak with shipyard representatives would be a great option for really in-depth information.

“Our goal is to hopefully have a Sunpower 60 at one of the major South Florida boat shows in 2026,” continued Jeff. “It’s likely that it will be the Palm Beach Boat Show.”

HOW MANY SUNPOWER YACHTS HAVE BEEN SOLD?

“If you purchase a new Sunpower today, you aren’t getting the first hull,” said Willy McCormick, Brand Manager for Sunpower. “This is a shipyard that has years of experience in refining solar-electric propulsion and there are a lot of boats already on the water.”

The flagship Sunpower E-90 (seen below) has two hulls sold, with the first one launching late Summer and will be delivered to the owner in Cyprus. At 90-feet in length and an incredible 45-foot beam, the amount of volume on board is unsurpassed.

Additionally, there was have been six of the Sunpower E-60 owners versions sold and 3 under construction in Turkey and available for purchase. At their Thailand facility a Sunpower 40 and 44 are both under construction and scheduled for 2026 completion.

Having yachts under construction “on spec” is the hallmark of a committed and confident builder, earmarks of the Sunpower Yachts International program.

HOW DO SUNPOWER SOLAR-ELECTRIC YACHTS WORK?

Sunpower Yachts are powered with a solar electric propulsion system thatcan cruise up to 100kms a day without fuel. Sunpower Yachts have an unlimited range at low speeds between approximately 4-6knots meaning no fuel gifting you with clean air cruising permanently. The solar system charges the battery banks that powers the e-motors on the yacht.

The Sunpower yachts short term top speed is approximately 20k nots with specific selected propulsion systems. The system will also power all in-house appliances like the fridge, stove, cooktop, water makers, tv, lights and air-conditioning to fulfil all energy needs onboard.

WHAT KIND OF BATTERIES ARE USED IN A SOLAR -ELECTRIC YACHT?

“Lithium-ion batteries that are light weightprovide sufficient energy for the propulsion system to run. There are many different types of lithium-ion batteries available for purchase, however, they vary in price dramatically if you are looking for quality. The brand we use is defiantly among the most expensive ones in the market. The reason we purchase this type of lithium-ion battery is the fact that they are best regarding packaging, liability, safety, performance, weight after sales service and life-span.” – Sunpower Yachts Website

Battery development is ongoing and exciting. We fully expect to see vast improvements in storage and charging times as new research brings us superior batteries. With these improvements we can expect to see more storage and thus higher speeds and/or longer range. Stay tuned for an even brighter future for solar-electric yachts.

(Seen below: The Sunpower Solar-E 44)

HOW DO I RECEIVE SERVICE ON MY SUNPOWER?

We don’t expect our Owners to be stationary or within 20 miles of the factory. We also don’t expect all the problems that arise with fossil fuel driven yachts. You can take that engine mechanic off of speed dial. If you need assistance, give Willy a call and he will begin sorting out the problem immediately. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself on the phone with Grant Hudson walking you through the problem. We aim to keep our Clients happy as they help us create the Worldwide Sunpower Family.

WHO SHOULD YOU CONTACT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SUNPOWER?

Willy McCormick is the United Yacht Sales Brand Manager and can be reached at 561-301-8126 or at willymcormick@unitedyacht.com. Willy has been extensively trained in Sunpower Yachts, has options, pricing, and all of the information you require. We can even schedule a call with the shipyard to answer all of your questions.

SAVE OUR SUNPOWER LISTINGS ONLINE