For more than 45 years, Riviera has refined the art of the luxury motor yacht, guided by considered design and engineering. Today, that evolution extends to how energy is experienced on‑board – introducing a more integrated, quieter approach through solar.
Transforming the hardtop of a Riviera 6800 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition to a discreet marine solar farm generating 3kW of power.
Riviera and Praxis design engineers have collaborated to create a solar solution that’s fully integrated from the earliest stages, rather than added later. Developed from the initial CAD stage through to moulding the hardtop, the system becomes part of the yacht’s structure – subtle, efficient and in keeping with the clean lines owners expect.
Riviera and Praxis design engineers have collaborated to create a solar solution that’s fully integrated from the earliest stages of construction.
“Our goal was simple – reduce generator hours and elevate the owner experience without compromising design” says Dan Henderson, Design and Engineering Director, Riviera.
This integrated approach moves beyond traditional marine solar. Using advanced nano‑composite materials, the panels are just 2 mm thick and up to 85% lighter than conventional systems. Bonded directly to the hardtop as a ‘solar skin’, they follow complex curves and remain invisible from the deck level. Each installation is tailored to each specific model, delivering up to 90% more coverage and 120% more power output than typical add-on systems.
For owners, the benefits are felt in everyday cruising. The solar system supports the house battery bank, helping power refrigeration, navigation, lighting and on‑board systems throughout the day. When paired with lithium iron phosphate batteries, recharge times improve, reducing reliance on generators.
On this 6800 Sport Yacht the owner chose to delete the forward sunroof to gain more solar panel coverage.
Utilising all the available hardtop space of a 6800 Sport Yacht, including the deleting of the two sunroofs, the Praxis system will generate 3kW in peak performance.
By deleting the forward sunroof and retaining the aft sunroof, the Praxis system will generate 2.6kW in peak performance. In this design, there are 15 panels comprising 850 cells with a total weight of 36.2 kg.
Real-world experiences reflect this shift. In Mauritius, a Riviera 72 Sports Motor Yacht equipped with an expanded lithium iron phosphate battery bank can remain off‑grid for three days without running a generator. In New Zealand, a Riviera 58 Sports Motor Yacht has a system producing close to 10 kWh per day, extending time comfortably at anchor. And on an extended passage in Australia from Queensland’s Gold Coast to Adelaide in South Australia, a Riviera 6800 Sport Yacht maintained on‑board systems whilst underway and generated power continually before reaching the marinas en route.
The result is a quieter on‑board environment, lower fuel consumption and greater independence – whether at anchor or underway.
“Riviera and Praxis have combined our expertise setting a new benchmark for solar innovation” says Katie Donaldson, Founder & Executive Director, Praxis.
Using advanced nano‑composite materials, the panels are just 2 mm thick and up to 85% lighter than conventional systems. They are also finished with a non-skid coating.
The discreet and low profile design of the solar surface is engineered to withstand marine conditions, UV exposure, and heat.
Durability is intrinsic in the design as the solar surface is engineered to withstand marine conditions, UV exposure and heat, while remaining safe to walk on with a non-skid finish. Segmented zones allow the system to perform efficiently even when partially shaded, maintaining consistent output throughout the day.
Available across the Riviera range, with retrofit options via Riviera Aftermarket, solar integration offers flexibility – for extended time away from marinas or simply a more peaceful experience on‑board.
In many ways, this is a natural progression for the modern luxury motor yacht, a thoughtful refinement – where technology supports the journey without drawing attention to itself. Sometimes, the true luxury of being aboard is found in what you no longer need.
Silent yachting – powered by the sun.
For more information, visit www.rivieraaustralia.com
