A real world comparison between Mono, Poly, PERC and Dual PV Modules.
* This is a field test and the results are specific for this installation on this location please research which is the best solution for your own situation as the results can be different based on environmental influences.
Total solar yield as of 27/03/2023 when the results were reset:
Mono: 9158 kWh
Split-cell: 9511 kWh
Poly: 9113 kWh
Perc: 9471 kWh
Perc-east: 1970 kWh
Perc-west: 1730 kWh
Large yachts provide luxury and comfort beyond most homes. Or even hotels. You’ll find yourself walking around the fully outfitted kitchen, enjoying a top-notch entertainment suite or taking care of business in a sophisticated office. Victron matches the level of luxury with state of the art energy equipment that gives you full autonomy for months.
Let’s assume you’ll spend part of the year in your second, floating, home. The vast supplies on board offer you the freedom to stay away from the shore for weeks, anchored at your favourite bay. Thanks to a fully equipped office on board it’s business as usual with a view not even your Manhattan office can match.
What's the Optimal Energy Plan that makes it all possible?
A luxury yacht is filled to the brim with electrical equipment. Critical equipment for sailing usually runs on DC, the bigger appliances will take AC. In general, air conditioning is the biggest consumer of power. Washing machines, dryers and desalination plants are also big power users. Bigger yachts use all imaginable electronics, driving up the consumption even further.
'normal' and 'heavier' and virtually unlimited daily consumption profiles. Read more
Storing energy in batteries helps to cut down on generator use. Running off batteries instead of a noisy (main) generator during the night let’s you fall asleep listening to the birds in the lagoon. Ideally, the house battery has enough capacity to support the critical users of the boat for at least 24 hours.
The massive amount of power has to be generated. The grid on a large luxury yacht typically combines various sources to meet demand. The backbone will use three phases to cater for the largest loads.
In the marina, the yacht will be plugged into three phase shore power. The boat’s engines can provide at least part of the power while sailing. Often they’ll need the assistance of (multiple) generator(s) or batteries to keep everything running. Solar panels can’t supply all the energy needed, but they can help save on fuel costs for the generators.
Large yachts are often equipped with two generators. The main generator covers all the power you’ll need to throw a big party. A smaller second generator (in hybrid combination with the batteries) could be used with less people on board, a super silent version could power the air conditioning at night when it’s hot out there, or the floor’s heating when it’s cold.
Selecting the right Victron solution for your yacht is an expert’s job. Your Victron Professional will gladly help you with getting the best of the best onboard.
How do the system design considerations translate into a robust system?
Everything you would expect in a large home can also be found on a luxury home. All these devices need AC to run. Think of:
Discharging a battery too far will damage it. Adding a Victron BatteryProtect disconnects the battery when the voltage drops below a pre-set level. No damage done.
There is more to a Victron BatteryProtect. Built-in shutdown delays ensure vital electronics aren’t disconnected in error, i.e. when starting an engine causes a short drop in voltage. It will also automatically reconnect everything when the battery is sufficiently recharged.
The Cyrix BatteryCombiner is the only safe way to connect the house battery to the starter battery (to start your boat’s engines). With a BatteryCombiner you can charge the house battery from the alternator without running the risk of draining the starter battery (which always should be ready to go). When other sources of power are available (eg. shore/solar/generator power), the Cyrix BatteryCombiner will allow bi-directional charging from the house battery to the starter battery.
When the Voltages of the starter and house batteries are the same, use a Cyrix: its current rating should be equal or bigger than the current rating of the alternator. If the house battery is Lithium and the alternators Amperage is smaller than the house battery, or when the Voltages of the starter and house battery are different: use a DC-DC converter or Buck-Boost.
Battery management systems take excellent care of Lithium batteries, protecting the individual cells of LiFePO4 batteries against over voltage, under voltage and over temperature and will shut down or reduce charging (VE.Bus products only) or disconnect the loads when this occurs.
Victron Energy offers several BMS options, in general the VE.Bus BMS and smallBMS signal separate devices to disconnect the charging (Inverter/Chargers, Cyrix-Li, DC-DC chargers) or disconnect the loads (BatteryProtect, Inverter/Charger), the modular Lynx distribution system features the Lynx BMS and other modules for more control over the DC busbar. For vehicles and boats all-in-one functionalities are available in the Smart BMS versions for Victron Lithium batteries, but also include current limiting to protect the alternator from overheating and BatteryProtect-like functionality to shut down the loads when pre-set critical battery conditions are met.
Victron Energy also offers full flexibility when it comes to selecting a third-party off-grid battery bank (and their BMS) of choice. A large number of well supported Lithium battery manufacturers can be easily integrated through the use of a mandatory GX-device. This flexibility enables our customers to perfectly match their off-grid needs for their unique power situation. When working with unsupported brands, a Victron Energy Battery Monitor is required to pass on accurate state of charge readings to the wider system.
See all our Battery Management Systems
A battery monitor is like a "fuel gauge" for your battery. It records how much power is consumed and charged. The battery monitor calculates the state of charge, remaining capacity and time till empty. The battery voltage does not give an accurate indication of how full the battery is (especially not under load). A battery monitor does.
Victron Energy battery monitors keep track of historical data, like the number of charging cycles, deepest discharge, highest voltage, lowest voltage and so on. It will alert you to critical conditions such as low voltage or low charge and can even shut down the entire power supply to avoid expensive battery damage, or start a generator.
Victron offers battery monitors with or without display, Smart versions allow you to track the detailed data and adjust settings in our free VictronConnect app.
Most Lithium systems require a Battery Management System, which can feed battery information to the wider system. In this route a Battery Monitor might become redundant. See Battery Management System for more information. See all our Battery Monitors
Large yachts are equipped with marine engines similar to those in commercial vessels. The engines are designed to run continuously, for weeks on end. They come with high-output alternators to charge the engine batteries, drive fuel pumps, etc. They are also intended to power DC equipment like the desalination plant, winches, navigation, refrigeration, etc.
Keeping grips on all the systems on board can be a hassle. The solution: tie everything together in a single boat network using NMEA communication standards. Your boat network can include navigation equipment, tank senders, battery monitoring and much more. The status information can trigger alarms and shutdowns, adding to the safety on board. The Cerbo GX now supports the NMEA2000 out protocol, allowing you to monitor your boat’s network of systems from wherever you are.
The Victron Cerbo GX is the communication-centre of your boat’s installation, allowing you to always have perfect control from wherever you are and maximises its performance. Simply connect through our Victron Remote Management (VRM) portal, or access directly, using the optional GX Touch 50 screen, a Multi Functional Display or our VictronConnect app thanks to its added Bluetooth capability.
The Victron Cerbo GX is an easy to use visual system. Instantly monitor the battery state of charge, power consumption, power harvest from PV, generator, and mains, or check tank levels and temperature measurements. Easily control the shore power input current limit, (auto)start/stop generator(s) or even set quiet periods to avoid starting the generator in the middle of the night. Change any setting to optimise the system, follow up on alerts, perform diagnostic checks and resolve challenges remotely. The Cerbo GX turns any power challenge into an effortless experience.
A luxury yacht has a lot of DC equipment on board. Most of these devices are needed to safely operate the ship. The battery should be big enough to support them even when the ship’s engines and generators aren’t running.
Large yachts are often equipped with two or more generators. The main generator (i.e. 50 kW) covers all the power you’ll need to throw a big party. A quiet, smaller generator (i.e. 8 kW) could be used with less people on board or power the air conditioning at night when it’s hot out there, or the floor’s heating when it’s cold.
Adding batteries and Victron’s PowerAssist creates a smart hybrid power concept. It comes with several advantages:
Bigger yachts with large Lithium (house) battery banks can also have dedicated DC-DC generators to directly charge the batteries.
A GX GSM module will give you 3G internet connectivity to the on board systems. When the boat is in range of a 3G network, it will send data to the VRM website and you can monitor the boat from your smartphone. The GSM module adds tracking the boat, recording your trips and putting up a geo-fence around the boat. You will get an alert via mail when the boat travels outside the geo-fence area.
A GX 4G module will add mobile internet connectivity to your Victron Energy system. When your system is in range of a 4G network, it will send data to the VRM website and you can monitor the system from your smartphone. The module adds GPS tracking, recording your trips and putting up a geo-fence around the installation. You will get an alert via mail when the system travels outside the geo-fence area.
Victron Energy offers multiple 4G modules and the Global Link 520 modem, which operates without any monthly fees or subscriptions, for the first five years and several 4G modules. See our 4G Modems See our Global Link 520
The house battery stores power for the boat’s electrical system. Large yachts come with large power demands and the house battery should have a very large capacity.
For a house battery you can choose from two types: lead-acid and lithium. There are various reasons to favour one over the other. Here are a few common ones:
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The house battery stores power for the boat’s electrical system. Large yachts come with large power demands and the house battery should have a very large capacity.
For a house battery you can choose from two types: lead-acid and lithium. There are various reasons to favour one over the other. Here are a few common ones:
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An isolation transformer prevents electrolytic corrosion. The transformer is mounted directly behind the shore power connector on board. It blocks DC currents that might leak through the shore power earth terminal. These currents can cause corrosion to all metal parts under water, like the hull, propeller, shaft, etc. The isolation transformer should have the same power rating as the incoming shore power.
It’s a misunderstanding that galvanic corrosion occurs only in metal and aluminium hulls. In fact it can occur on any boat as soon as a metallic part (the shaft and propeller) is in contact with water. Galvanic corrosion will quickly dissolve your sacrificial anodes, and attack the shaft, propeller and other metal parts in contact with water as soon as the boat is connected to the shore-side supply. It might therefore be tempting not to connect the ground conductor: this is however extremely dangerous because Ground Fault Current Interrupters will not work nor will a fuse blow in case of a short circuit to a metal part on the boat.
The safe option is to use an isolation transformer for metal boats or boats with bigger systems, sized in line with how much Watts the boat will consume from shore power.
A large yacht will take a three phase shore power supply. The large generator on board will also deliver three phases; it will run most of the day. A smaller second generator (in hybrid combination with the batteries) could be used with less people on board. a super silent version could power the air conditioning at night when it’s hot out there, or the floor’s heating when it’s cold. Without airconditioning, the inverter/charger can supply power from batteries during the night and act as a backup for the generator(s).
Thanks to Victron’s PowerAssist, the generator doesn’t have to be sized for the maximum load. You can use a smaller generator which is cheaper to install, uses less fuel and produces less noise. Also, peak demand can be met by combining the generator with Victron Quattro inverter/chargers.
A three phase inverter/charger system always consists of three interconnected inverter/chargers. Throughout the boat you’ll find three phase and single phase loads. The three phases are split into several single and three phase groups. Each group powers a number of devices. There is a switchboard in the boat, like you’ll find in your home.
The Lynx Ion BMS is a dedicated battery management system (BMS) that protects lithium batteries against deep discharges, overcharging and high temperatures. When critical values are exceeded, the BMS acts immediately: loads are disconnected physically in case of a deep discharge and charging is stopped when there is a risk of overcharging. High temperatures trigger an immediate end to both charging and discharging.
The Lynx Ion BMS is tailored for the 24 or 48 Volt HE lithium batteries. It comes in two ratings of 400 and 1,000 Amps to fit even the biggest systems. Loads and charging power are disconnected automatically in case of deep discharges, overcharges and high temperatures. Battery monitoring is built into the The Lynx Ion BMS; no separate battery monitor is needed.
The Victron integration between our GX range and several leading Multi Functional Display manufacturer brands enables you to easily connect an MDF to the heart of your power system such as the Cerbo GX, or the GX enabled Multiplus-II GX. Once connected you can easily monitor and control your boat’s power system, right on your Glass Bridge.
Everything is bigger on large luxury yachts. DC or single phase AC often isn’t enough to run the powerful thrusters, winches, pumps and pressure-washers. They need three phase AC to quench their thirst for power.
Professional kitchens and catering equipment come with appliances that take three phase AC. The boat might also have a three phase electrical boiler to provide hot water to several bathrooms and taps at the same time.
Examples of three phase equipment:
The Orion-Tr Smart DC/DC charger is used in dual battery systems, where the (smart) alternator and the start battery are used to charge the service battery (of equal or different voltages). The Orion Tr-Smart charger can be used in 12V or 24V systems and is suitable for both lead acid and lithium batteries and can be parallel connected to increase the output current.
Charging lithium batteries from the alternator
Alternators cannot be connected directly to most lithium batteries. A lithium battery will draw more current than the alternator can supply, which may result in alternator damage. A Orion-Tr Smart DC/DC charger solves this problem: it acts as a current limiter between the alternator and the battery: the battery can be safely charged without blowing up the alternator.
Please check your manufacturer for the maximum charging current of your alternator and size the configuration of DC-DC converters accordingly (the current rating of the DC/DC charger has to be less than the alternator’s current rating, or programmed to deliver less Amps).
The starter battery is needed to start your boat’s engines. These batteries are different from house batteries and engineered to deal with a large discharge current. The starter batteries should be ready to go. Always use a BatteryCombiner to connect the starter batteries to the rest of the electrical system; it prevents an accidental drain of power.
More and more yachts area equipped with solar panels. Although they will never be able to cater for all the power needed, they can reduce the running time of the generator and fuel costs. Victron offers a wide range of highly efficient solar panels that are just perfect for marine use.
Usually shore power is available in the marina; it is used to run large AC equipment on board and recharge the batteries. Larger boats need a three phase supply. Sometimes shore power can’t provide enough power to cater for the total AC load of the boat. It might also just be single phase.
Often shore power is limited in how much power you can draw, i.e. just 10 Amps. Berths with higher ratings might not always be available. Victron inverter/chargers allow you set a maximum shore power current. Now you can charge your batteries and turn on any equipment without blowing a fuse. Thanks to Victron’s PowerAssist, the generator and batteries can automatically bridge the gap between supply and demand.
Sometimes shore power is less than perfect. You might run into voltage drops if you’re at the far end of the harbour. There could also be power surges, which could harm sensitive equipment on board. Victron’s inverter/chargers smooth out these problems and turn bad power into perfect power.
A solar charger harvests the power from the solar panels to charge the house batteries. Solar chargers have the same charging cycles as a regular, fully automatic, battery charger.
In a marine environment, the performance of solar panels changes constantly. Victron’s solar controllers use ultra fast maximum power point tracking to squeeze every drop of power out of the panels.
The GX Touch 50 display allows you to have an instant overview of your system and adjust settings in the blink of an eye. Simply connected to the Cerbo GX with one cable, its super slim 5 inch waterproof design and its top-mountable setup bring a lot of flexibility when creating a crisp and clean dashboard.
All Victron products on your boat can be monitored and controlled from the palm of your hand. Just connect the VictronConnect App via Bluetooth and you’ll have direct access to values like battery voltage and current. You can also turn devices on or off, as well as change their settings.
See what the VictronConnect app can do
Monitor and manage your Victron Energy systems from anywhere and catch potential issues early by setting alerts and alarms. With VRM you are always in perfect control from wherever you are.
VRM works with a GX-device such as the Cerbo GX with internet connection, the GlobalLink 520 or GSM LTE 4-g for smaller systems.
Monitor the battery state of charge, power consumption, power harvest from solar, generator and mains in real-time. Optimise the energy harvest and usage with history graphs and detailed analytical reports. Catch potential issues early by setting alerts and follow up on alarms to prevent definitive system failure.
Easily control the shore power input current limit, switch on the inverter, (auto)start/stop generators or even set quiet periods to avoid starting the generator in the middle of the night. With VRM you can change any setting, follow up on alarms, perform diagnostic checks and resolve challenges from wherever you are.
See all our GX-devices
The Lynx Smart BMS is a dedicated Battery Management System for Victron Lithium Smart Batteries (for non Victron Lithium batteries, see below). There are multiple BMS-es available for our Smart Lithium series of batteries, and the Lynx Smart is the most feature rich and complete option. Its main features are:
The dedicated battery management system (BMS) protects Victron Lithium Smart batteries against deep discharges, overcharging and high temperatures. When critical values are exceeded, the BMS acts immediately: loads are disconnected physically in case of a deep discharge and charging is stopped when there is a risk of overcharging. High temperatures trigger an immediate end to both charging and discharging.
Battery monitoring is built into the Lynx Smart BMS; no separate battery monitor is needed. With Bluetooth the battery bank can be monitored with VictronConnect, when connected to a GX-device, also with VRM, our remote monitoring solution.
This product is part of the modular Lynx busbar system that also provides the Lynx Distributor which is a modular DC busbar containing 4 DC fuses and monitors their status in VictronConnect and VRM and other DC connections to handle distribution, fusing, battery monitoring and/or Lithium battery management.
The Lynx busbar system can also be used for DC distribution and monitoring of non-Victron Lithium batteries. In that case, replace the Lynx Smart BMS with the Lynx Shunt VE.Can for monitoring of any other battery. See all Lynx modules
The Lynx Distributor is a modular DC busbar, with locations for four DC fuses. It will monitor the status of each fuse, and indicate its condition with a LED on the front. When connected to a Lynx Smart BMS or Lynx Shunt, the status of the fuses will be visible in VictronConnect and VRM (when the Lynx Smart BMS is connected to a GX-device).
Multiple Lynx Distributors can be used to connect all the DC-loads and charge sources on one side of the BMS, on the other side, a Lynx Power In (without fuses) or another Lynx Distributor (with fuses) can be used to connect the battery bank to the modular busbar.
Lynx Distribution system
This product is part of the modular Lynx busbar system that also provides the Lynx Smart BMS, a dedicated Battery Management System for Victron Lithium Smart Batteries (for non Victron Lithium batteries, use the Lynx Shunt).
See all Lynx modules
Our well established global network of local Victron Professionals is dedicated to help find an optimal solution for your challenge.
At Victron we find it essential that customers are serviced and supported quickly and competently. This is why our global network of Victron Professionals pack the highest level of technical know-how and are committed to deliver repairs as fast as possible.
So you can start or continue your journey, wherever you’re headed.