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FAQs

Can a boat really only be powered by solar?

Yes, absolutely! Our boats are fully powered by the sun's energy, which is converted into electricity to power the motors. This means no fuel bills, no need to swap gas canisters, and no additional power costs. The boat's battery bank stores the energy produced by the solar panels. Once you own the boat, your energy costs are essentially zero. A standard hook-up plug is available for any extra power needs.

Does the boat need maintenance?

Every boat requires some maintenance, but electric-powered boats are easier to maintain
than those with diesel or petrol engines. Diesel engines have many moving parts, which require frequent maintenance. On the other hand, electric motors have very few moving parts and are virtually maintenance-free. The battery bank is equipped with a self-watering system to keep it topped up, and solar panels require little to no maintenance, though we recommend cleaning them once a month.

How long can she cruise for?

When the sun is shining, these boats can cruise all day without needing to charge. The solar panels will either power the boat's motors or recharge the battery while cruising. However, the real question is how long a solar-powered boat can cruise overnight. With a full battery, these boats can cruise for up to 10 hours without daylight. This will vary depending on speed, as full-speed operation may shorten cruising time. Each boat's cruising time varies based on its size.

How far can she cruise in winter?

Winter cruising can be challenging due to the limited daylight, which doesn't provide enough energy to cruise daily in deep winter. However, the solar-powered boats are still more than capable of meeting your domestic needs for living onboard. In winter, many boaters prefer to stay in one place or find a temporary mooring. The boats come with an electric hook-up, so you can charge overnight if necessary. We also provide an LPG generator as a backup for those who want to cruise in inclement weather.

It's a boat – surely it gets cold in winter?

Not at all! Our boats are designed with excellent insulation, featuring at least 70mm of spray foam and triple-glazed windows and doors to minimise heat loss. The heat recovery ventilation system uses warm air exiting the boat to pre-heat fresh incoming cold air, ensuring no draughts in winter. We offer eco-friendly heating options, including pellet boilers and eco-log burning stoves, to keep your boat warm and comfortable.

How far can she go on the canal systems?

The maximum width of our boats is typically 12'6", which is the standard for widebeam boats on most canal systems. Our boat, The SunFlower, is built specifically for Thames cruising, and while 13' wideboats aren't suited for all canals, most of our boats are designed to fit within the size limits for broader canal cruising.

Will it become illegal for boats to have diesel engines?

While we cannot predict the future, we do know that the UK government plans to ban the sale of new diesel and petrol cars by 2040. Many European countries are already phasing out diesel boats on inland waterways. For instance, Amsterdam aims to be diesel-free by 2025, making solar-powered boats a future-proof investment.

What about a mooring?

Moorings are available, but they can be harder to secure in busy locations. Leisure moorings are easier to find than residential moorings, especially in cities. At residential moorings, you can register to vote or receive mail. However, private moorings and marinas may require approval before allowing you to moor your boat. Our modern, self-sufficient boats have an advantage when seeking mooring, as not all private moorings offer full facilities (e.g., electrical supply, pump-out). Be proactive in researching and visiting mooring locations.

Do I have to have a permanent mooring?

Some people opt to be "continuous cruisers," traveling around the waterways without a permanent mooring. While this lifestyle doesn't suit everyone, it offers ultimate freedom, especially when you have a boat that can be off-grid. This reduces your dependence on facilities and gives you the flexibility to move around as you wish.

Do you need a licence to drive this type of boat?

Currently, no specific licence is required to drive a boat on British Inland Waterways. However, we recommend taking some lessons to learn how to safely operate any boat. While you don't need a licence to operate the boat, you do need an annual licence for whichever inland waterway you plan to navigate. The Environment Agency offers a 25% discount on licences for electric boats. For more details, check the Licensing your Boat section.

How long does it take to build one of your boats?

Building a solar electric propulsion system (SEPS) typically takes 6 weeks. The average lead time to start a new build is about 4 weeks (subject to availability). If you're looking for a sailaway version, expect a 3-month build time, while a fully fitted boat can take around 6 months to complete.

Embark on Your Solar Boating Journey

Thames Solar Electric is the UK’s only supplier of 100% solar-powered canal boats, eliminating the need for diesel entirely. With our expertise and dedication to renewable energy, we’ll help you bring your vision of an eco-friendly boat to life. Contact us today to take the first step toward sustainable cruising.

Get In Touch

Contact Us

info@thamessolarelectric.co.uk
Thames Solar Electric Ltd.
App's Court Farm – Gate 2
Hurst Road
Walton on Thames
Surrey
KT12 2EG

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