The 27m Sunpower-Alva Solar-E 90 yacht is positioned as a first-of-its-kind project in the growing segment of low-emission superyachts.
Final preparations underway
Developed by Sunpower Yachts International, the Sunpower-Alva Solar-E 90 has now exited its construction shed and is preparing to enter the water for initial testing. The rollout signals the transition from build phase to operational validation, with sea trials expected to assess performance, efficiency, and onboard systems in real-world conditions.
The Award Winning SUNPOWER-ALVA 90 proves that sustainability and luxury are no longer mutually exclusive. We are witnessing the future of yachting unfold in real time.”
Spokesperson
Sunpower Yachts
At 27 meters (90 feet), the catamaran is described by the builder as the world’s first fully integrated solar electric power yacht of its size. The project builds on increasing demand for alternative propulsion solutions, particularly as environmental considerations begin to shape yacht design and ownership decisions.
Integrated solar array drives onboard energy strategy
The defining feature of the Sunpower-Alva Solar-E 90 is its integrated solar array, spread across a large portion of the yacht’s surface area. This system is designed to generate renewable energy to support both propulsion and hotel loads onboard.
Energy captured through the solar panels is stored in a next-generation battery system, which powers the yacht’s electric propulsion setup. The aim is to reduce or eliminate reliance on fossil fuels during operation, while maintaining the range and usability expected from a yacht in this size category.
According to the yard, this setup also delivers near-silent cruising. Electric propulsion removes much of the noise and vibration associated with conventional engines, creating a quieter onboard environment across guest and crew areas.
A wider shift in yacht design
The Sunpower-Alva Solar-E 90 arrives at a time when the marine industry is under growing pressure to reduce emissions and explore alternative energy sources. While hybrid systems have become more common in recent years, fully electric yachts powered primarily by renewable energy remain relatively rare, particularly at this scale.
Sunpower’s approach positions solar energy as a primary contributor rather than a secondary system. This distinction places the project within a small but developing category of superyachts aiming to rethink how onboard energy is generated and used.
The rollout also follows the company’s recent acquisition of Alva Yachts, a move intended to strengthen its position in the solar-electric segment and expand its production capabilities. The Sunpower-Alva Solar-E 90 serves as an early example of how that strategy is being applied in practice.
As Amantis 7 prepares to enter the water, the upcoming sea trials will provide the first detailed look at how these ideas translate into performance. Results from this phase are likely to shape both future development at Sunpower and the wider conversation around sustainable yachting.
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