As the cruise industry continues its push toward sustainability and energy efficiency, a team of engineers has introduced a new solar energy system that could help cruise lines reduce their carbon footprint.
However, it could raise concerns for guests who prefer a certain stateroom feature.
A recent simulation study tested the feasibility of installing photovoltaic (PV) panels on the balcony glass of staterooms aboard two Helios-class vessels, such as AIDAnova.
Each balcony would be equipped with two solar panels, featuring 48 cells and generating up to 250 watts of power at peak sunlight levels.
According to the study, the panels were designed not to obstruct passengers’ views – a key factor in ensuring guest satisfaction. However, the imagery provided with the study shows that they could still have an impact on your view down to the waters directly below.
The study simulated the performance of the PV system on two ships:
- A Caribbean-based vessel operating in March 2016, with abundant daily sunlight
- A Norwegian-based vessel sailing in August and September 2016, with more variable daylight conditions
Results showed that the panels could generate an average of 3.2 megawatts in the Caribbean and 3.8 megawatts in Norway – enough to power all the staterooms on a cruise ship.
“The transition to direct current (DC) onboard grids and the increased integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems with battery storage can improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption,”
Patrick Schwager, lead researcher at DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems, Urban and Residential Technologies in Germany.
The full analysis was released in January 2025 in Science Direct and will be published in the International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems in March 2025.
Cruise industry’s race to cut emissions
This solar energy study aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) ambitious goals to cut emissions by 30% by 2030 (compared to 2008 levels) and then by 80% by 2040, with the aim to reach net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050.
Cruise lines are actively developing new technologies to meet these sustainability targets.
For example, Norwegian-based Hurtigruten is working on Sea Zero, an initiative to develop the world’s first zero-emission cruise ship powered by a 60-megawatt-hour battery system.
Additionally, Hurtigruten is experimenting with retractable sails fitted with solar panels, which could provide an additional 10% energy savings, along with air lubrication technology and advanced hull coatings that could reduce energy use by another 5-10%.
Cruise lines have been under increasing scrutiny from environmental advocacy groups, such as Extinction Rebellion, leading them to explore alternative energy solutions, including:
- Shore power – Ships plug into port electrical grids, allowing them to shut down their engines while docked. By 2030, all European Union ports will be required to offer shore power under the EU’s Fit for 55 program.
- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) – LNG-powered ships produce 20-25% fewer emissions than traditional fuels. AIDAnova was the first LNG-powered cruise ship, debuting in 2018.
- Hydrogen and hybrid technologies – Some new ships are experimenting with hydrogen fuel cells and hybrid propulsion for cleaner cruising.
The future of solar-powered cruising
While solar panels alone won’t fully power a cruise ship, this new study suggests they could significantly supplement energy usage, particularly for staterooms.
With continued technological advancements and increasing pressure to reduce emissions, solar energy could play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable cruising.
But it will be hugely important that solar panels aren’t a detriment to the views offered by balcony cabins.
Or, would you be happy to have a partially-obstructed view in exchange for a more eco-friendly cruise ship?
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Many people lean over the balcony railings eating, drinking taking photos and smoking. This could interfere with the performance of the panels or ruin them if these items should strike them.