An owner took the factory’s flexible solar panels. They cost over €30,000, they’re glued around the deck, and together they barely produce 400W, less than three ordinary rigid panels.
They can’t be removed without damaging the deck, so the plan was to add a proper array on a stainless frame over the stern.
The Quotes
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stainless frame, local yard in Viareggio | €22,000 |
| Same frame, built in La Rochelle | €5,800 |
| Transport La Rochelle → Viareggio | ≈ €1,500-2,000 |
The Italian quote was for the frame alone, before panels, wiring, fuses or breakers.
What We Did
I had the frame built in La Rochelle, where I know the fabricators, and sourced the right panels in Italy. A trusted installer fitted everything on site. The lithium battery bank was already in place, so the new array went straight to work.
Why Solar Matters
Solar runs from the moment the sun comes up until it sets. The real gain isn’t fuel. It’s silence: no generator running at anchor, morning and evening.
The Real Lesson
Get the spec right before you order. The cheapest fix is the option you never pay for.