Royal Caribbean International launched the Allure of the Seas on 5 December out of Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale (Florida, US). During its fitting out, solar module manufacturer, Energy Conversion Devices, was recruited to supply its United Solar thin-film solar photovoltaic (PV) laminates, which were then installed by BAM Solar of Miami to provide electricity for the ship’s shopping district.
“Uni-Solar laminates were the only solution that works for such a unique solar application like this,” said Andrew Rasken, President of BAM Solar. “We needed lightweight. We needed a solar product that doesn’t require surface penetrations, one durable enough that people can walk on, and that will stand up to the rigors of the harsh elements of being at sea. Uni-Solar’s product versatility, flexibility and numerous unique characteristics of the laminates were the perfect solution for this exclusive and fun application – one which BAM Solar is honored to have been selected to design, manage and install.”
This project is BAM Solar’s second installation of Uni-Solar laminates on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. “The first Oasis-class ship, Oasis of the Seas, has had such positive feedback for using solar that we knew we had to do it again with our Oasis’ sister ship, Allure of the Seas,” said Rasmus Norling, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Manager of R&D Environmental Technologies and Environmental Stewardship. “Royal Caribbean is devoted to environmental protection and is the industry leader in our commitment to energy sustainability. Solar is one part of that mission.”
“United Solar has exciting new product developments in both commercial and residential solar,” said Mark Morelli, President and CEO of United Solar’s parent company, Energy Conversion Devices. “The use of our laminates on cruise ships is just one more application that has proven to be a great fit for our flexible, light weight, durable product – Powered by Uni-Solar. We are very pleased to have partnered with BAM Solar on this very unique installation.”
With 22 ships currently in service, BAM Solar and Energy Conversion Devices will no doubt be hoping Royal Caribbean International will look to turn to solar power for future cruise ships serving Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
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