Course on Principles of Marine Solar Energy
Why this course?
The Marine Solar Energy Principles Course
Introduces you to the future of renewable energy in the maritime sector. Learn to design, implement, and maintain photovoltaic systems on vessels, from yachts to large ships. Master the key concepts of naval electrification, energy storage, and solar panel integration, optimizing efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of maritime operations. This program prepares you for a booming job market driven by sustainability and technological innovation.
Differential Advantages
- Case Studies: Analysis of real-world projects and simulation of solar installations on different types of vessels.
- Specialized Software: Use of design and simulation tools to optimize system performance.
- Industry Connections: Access to experts and leading companies in the marine solar energy sector.
- Professional Certification: Obtain a recognized certificate that validates your knowledge and skills.
- Flexibility: Study at your own pace with our online platform, accessible 24/7.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 24-10-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Naval and marine engineers seeking to integrate renewable energy into ship design and operation.
- Naval architects and designers interested in optimizing energy efficiency through solar power.
- Vessel owners and operators wishing to reduce costs and minimize their environmental impact through solar solutions.
- Technicians and maintenance personnel requiring specialized training in the installation and management of marine solar systems.
- Students and professionals in related fields aspiring to lead the transition to more sustainable shipping.
Professional adaptability
Ideal for professionals with demanding schedules: flexible learning modalities, accessible online content, and experts available for personalized consultations.
Objectives and competencies
Evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of offshore solar projects:
“Analyze data on solar irradiation, tides, and marine environmental conditions to estimate energy production and installation and maintenance costs.”
Understand and apply the fundamental principles of solar energy conversion in marine environments:
“To evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of marine photovoltaic systems, considering the optimization of energy performance, resistance to salt corrosion and integration with existing naval infrastructure.”
Design energy storage systems tailored to the specific demands of maritime applications:
“Optimize the energy density and lifespan of the batteries considering the charge and discharge fluctuations inherent in propulsion and onboard auxiliary services.”
Integrating marine solar systems into existing port infrastructure and vessels:
“Adapting designs to space constraints and maritime regulations, guaranteeing structural and electrical safety.”
To efficiently manage and maintain offshore solar installations, optimizing their performance and lifespan:
“Perform scheduled preventive and corrective inspections, diagnosing faults and promptly applying specialized technical solutions.”
Comply with maritime safety regulations and standards when implementing solar technologies:
“Conduct thorough risk assessments and specific emergency plans for solar systems, integrating them with the ship’s existing safety procedures.”
Curriculum - Modules
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Solar Energy: Solar Spectrum, Irradiance, and Angle of Incidence
- Offshore Solar Energy: Opportunities and Challenges of the Marine Environment
- Floating Photovoltaic Technologies: Design, Materials, and Efficiency
- Offshore Platforms: Types, Stability, Anchoring, and Maintenance
- Environmental Impact: Assessment, Mitigation, and Sustainability
- Grid Connection: Subsea Cabling, Inverters, and Energy Management
- Costs and Economic Viability: Life Cycle Analysis, Investment, and Return
- Regulations and Standards: Permits, Standards, and Safety
- Case Studies: Existing and Future Offshore Solar Energy Projects
- Innovation and Development: Trends in Materials, Design, and Efficiency
‘
- Introduction to marine solar energy: potential and challenges
- Solar radiation at sea: spectrum, intensity, and variability
- Marine photovoltaic technologies: types, efficiency, and adaptation to the environment
- Floating platforms: design, stability, and anchoring
- Marine energy storage systems: batteries, hydrogen, and others
- Connection to the electrical grid: submarine cabling and technical challenges
- Environmental impact of marine solar plants: mitigation and sustainability
- Regulatory aspects and permits: national and international legislation
- Economic analysis and feasibility of marine solar projects
- Case studies and examples of marine solar plants worldwide
‘
- Introduction to Marine Energy Systems: Challenges and Opportunities
- Fundamentals of Offshore Wind Energy: Aerodynamics, Rotors, and Turbines
- Fundamentals of Solar Photovoltaics: Cells, Modules, and Systems
- Offshore Wind Farm Design: Location, Sizing, and Optimization
- Offshore Photovoltaic System Design: Adaptation to Structures and Conditions
- Key Components of Offshore Wind Systems: Generators, Towers, and Foundations
- Key Components of Offshore Photovoltaic Systems: Inverters, Cabling, and Support Structures
- Integration of Hybrid Systems: Wind, Photovoltaics, and Storage
- Connecting to the Marine Electricity Grid: Technical and Regulatory Challenges
- Case Studies: Projects successful offshore photovoltaic and wind power systems
‘
- Introduction to photovoltaic solar energy: basic principles and marine applications.
- Components of a marine PV system: solar panels, inverters, charge controllers, batteries.
- Types of solar panels for marine environments: efficiency, corrosion resistance, flexibility.
- Design and sizing of onboard PV systems: calculating energy demand, component selection.
- Installing solar panels on vessels: structural considerations, mounting, wiring.
- Integration with existing electrical systems: compatibility, safety, protections.
- Energy storage in batteries: battery types, charge and discharge management, lifespan.
- Charge controllers and energy management: performance optimization, battery protection.
- Safety in marine PV systems: protection against overvoltages, short circuits, and fires.
- Maintenance and troubleshooting: inspection, cleaning, and fault diagnosis.
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
Plan de estudio - MĂłdulos
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Solar Energy: Solar Spectrum, Irradiance, and Angle of Incidence
- Offshore Solar Energy: Opportunities and Challenges of the Marine Environment
- Floating Photovoltaic Technologies: Design, Materials, and Efficiency
- Offshore Platforms: Types, Stability, Anchoring, and Maintenance
- Environmental Impact: Assessment, Mitigation, and Sustainability
- Grid Connection: Subsea Cabling, Inverters, and Energy Management
- Costs and Economic Viability: Life Cycle Analysis, Investment, and Return
- Regulations and Standards: Permits, Standards, and Safety
- Case Studies: Existing and Future Offshore Solar Energy Projects
- Innovation and Development: Trends in Materials, Design, and Efficiency
‘
- Introduction to marine solar energy: potential and challenges
- Solar radiation at sea: spectrum, intensity, and variability
- Marine photovoltaic technologies: types, efficiency, and adaptation to the environment
- Floating platforms: design, stability, and anchoring
- Marine energy storage systems: batteries, hydrogen, and others
- Connection to the electrical grid: submarine cabling and technical challenges
- Environmental impact of marine solar plants: mitigation and sustainability
- Regulatory aspects and permits: national and international legislation
- Economic analysis and feasibility of marine solar projects
- Case studies and examples of marine solar plants worldwide
‘
- Introduction to Marine Energy Systems: Challenges and Opportunities
- Fundamentals of Offshore Wind Energy: Aerodynamics, Rotors, and Turbines
- Fundamentals of Solar Photovoltaics: Cells, Modules, and Systems
- Offshore Wind Farm Design: Location, Sizing, and Optimization
- Offshore Photovoltaic System Design: Adaptation to Structures and Conditions
- Key Components of Offshore Wind Systems: Generators, Towers, and Foundations
- Key Components of Offshore Photovoltaic Systems: Inverters, Cabling, and Support Structures
- Integration of Hybrid Systems: Wind, Photovoltaics, and Storage
- Connecting to the Marine Electricity Grid: Technical and Regulatory Challenges
- Case Studies: Projects successful offshore photovoltaic and wind power systems
‘
- Introduction to photovoltaic solar energy: basic principles and marine applications.
- Components of a marine PV system: solar panels, inverters, charge controllers, batteries.
- Types of solar panels for marine environments: efficiency, corrosion resistance, flexibility.
- Design and sizing of onboard PV systems: calculating energy demand, component selection.
- Installing solar panels on vessels: structural considerations, mounting, wiring.
- Integration with existing electrical systems: compatibility, safety, protections.
- Energy storage in batteries: battery types, charge and discharge management, lifespan.
- Charge controllers and energy management: performance optimization, battery protection.
- Safety in marine PV systems: protection against overvoltages, short circuits, and fires.
- Maintenance and troubleshooting: inspection, cleaning, and fault diagnosis.
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
- Introduction to Solar Energy: Solar radiation, electromagnetic spectrum, and basic concepts.
- Photovoltaic Technologies: Types of solar cells, photovoltaic modules, and their characteristics.
- Solar Thermal Systems: Solar collectors, applications in water heating, and marine industrial processes.
- Components of a Marine Photovoltaic System: Inverters, charge controllers, and batteries.
- Energy Storage: Batteries, supercapacitors, and other storage technologies for marine applications.
- Design of Photovoltaic Systems for Vessels: Load calculation, sizing, and component selection.
- Specific Considerations for Installing Solar Systems in the Marine Environment: Corrosion, vibrations, and environmental conditions extreme.
- Regulations and Safety: Standards applicable to marine solar systems, electrical safety, and emergency procedures.
- Maintenance and Monitoring: Inspection, cleaning, and troubleshooting of marine solar systems.
- Case Studies: Examples of successful solar energy applications on vessels, in ports, and other maritime facilities.
‘
- Introduction to marine photovoltaic systems: opportunities and challenges
- Standards and certifications for marine photovoltaic installations: IEC, ISO, etc.
- Main components: solar panels (types, efficiency), inverters (MPPT, off-grid), batteries (types, lifecycles)
- Mounting structures: design, materials, resistance to marine corrosion
- Wiring and protections: sizing, overvoltage and short-circuit protection
- Sizing calculations of marine photovoltaic systems: energy demand, solar radiation, losses
- Installation and commissioning: procedures, safety, functional testing
- Monitoring and control: monitoring systems, data logging, alarms
- Preventive and corrective maintenance: cleaning, inspection, component replacement
- Operational safety: electrical hazards, emergency procedures, first aid
‘
- Introduction to Solar Energy: Solar radiation, electromagnetic spectrum, irradiance.
- Offshore Solar Energy: Types of technologies, advantages and disadvantages, current status.
- Floating Solar Panels: Design, materials, anchoring and cooling systems.
- Photovoltaic Conversion in the Marine Environment: Efficiency, degradation, and optimization.
- Energy Storage: Batteries, hybrid systems, and energy management.
- Environmental Impact of Offshore Solar Installations: Life cycle analysis, risk mitigation.
- Regulatory Framework and Standards: Permits, safety standards, and certifications.
- Applications of Offshore Solar Energy: Desalination, aquaculture, island electrification.
- Economic Viability of Projects Offshore solar: Costs, return on investment, and financing.
Case studies: Successful projects and challenges in the implementation of offshore solar energy.
‘
- Introduction to Marine Solar Energy: Potential and Applications
- Fundamentals of Photovoltaic Solar Energy: Cells, Modules, and Arrays
- Components of a Marine Solar System: Inverters, Batteries, and Regulators
- Off-Grid System Design: Load Calculation and Battery Sizing
- Selection of Materials and Equipment for the Marine Environment: Corrosion and Humidity
- Mounting Structures: Design and Safety Considerations
- Installation and Wiring: Best Practices and Regulations
- Grounding and Surge Protection in Marine Environments
- Preventive and Corrective Maintenance of Marine Solar Systems
- Safety in the Operation of Marine Solar Systems: Electrical and Mechanical Hazards
‘
Career opportunities
- Marine Solar System Installation and Maintenance Technician: Installation, repair, and maintenance of solar panels and energy storage systems on vessels and offshore platforms.
- Energy Consultant for the Maritime Sector: Advising on the implementation of solar energy solutions to reduce costs and emissions on vessels and in ports.
- Marine Solar Energy System Designer: Design and development of solar systems adapted to the specific needs of different types of vessels and marine applications.
- Marketing and Sales of Solar Equipment for the Maritime Sector: Sale and distribution of solar panels, inverters, batteries, and other components for marine applications.
- Research and Development of New Marine Solar Technologies: Participation in research projects to improve the efficiency and durability of solar systems in marine environments.
- Vessel Solar Energy System Operator: Operation and monitoring of solar systems installed on vessels to ensure their optimal performance.
Marine Solar Systems Inspector: Inspection and certification of solar systems installed on vessels to ensure compliance with safety and quality regulations.
Marine Solar Energy Training and Education: Instructor or trainer in courses and workshops on the installation, maintenance, and operation of solar systems in the maritime sector.
“`
Admission requirements
Academic/professional profile:
Degree/Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a related field; or proven professional experience in bridge/operations.
Language proficiency:
Recommended functional maritime English (SMCP) for simulations and technical materials.
5. Induction
Updated resume, copy of degree or seaman's book, ID card/passport, letter of motivation.
Technical requirements (for online):
Equipment with camera/microphone, stable connection, ≥ 24” monitor recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admission process and dates
1. Online
application
(form + documents).
2. Academic review and interview
(profile/objectives/schedule compatibility).
3. Admission decision
(+ scholarship proposal if applicable).
4. Reservation of place
(deposit) and registration.
5. Induction
(access to campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and grants
- Solid Foundations: Learn the key principles of solar energy applied to the marine environment.
- Practical Applications: Discover how to implement solar energy solutions on vessels and in ports.
- Efficiency and Sustainability: Maximize energy performance and reduce environmental impact in the maritime sector.
- Case Studies: Analyze real-world examples of successful marine solar energy adoption.
- Regulations and Safety: Understand the regulations and best practices for safe and efficient installation.
Testimonials
During my training in Marine Solar Energy Principles, I developed a conceptual model for a hybrid floating platform that combines photovoltaic solar energy with wave energy. This design, which integrated knowledge acquired in hydrodynamics, mooring, and energy efficiency, was praised by the instructors for its innovation and technical feasibility, demonstrating my understanding of the key principles and my ability to apply them creatively.
This course provided me with a solid understanding of the interactions between energy and the marine environment. I learned to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different ocean energy sources, considering their environmental impact. I was able to apply the knowledge I gained to develop an innovative final project on optimizing wave energy while minimizing its ecological footprint, which allowed me to stand out and receive excellent feedback from the faculty.
During my training in Marine Solar Energy Principles, I developed an optimized model for anchoring a floating platform, reducing installation costs by 12% and improving stability in extreme wave conditions. This design was selected for a full-scale simulation, validating its effectiveness and potential for future projects.
During my training in Marine Solar Energy Principles, I gained in-depth knowledge of various technologies, including floating platforms and photovoltaic systems adapted to the marine environment. I applied this knowledge to the design of a pilot system for a coastal community, demonstrating the viability of marine solar energy for desalination and electricity supply, resulting in an innovative proposal with real-world implementation potential.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Introduction to Marine Solar Energy: Potential and Applications
- Fundamentals of Photovoltaic Solar Energy: Cells, Modules, and Arrays
- Components of a Marine Solar System: Inverters, Batteries, and Regulators
- Off-Grid System Design: Load Calculation and Battery Sizing
- Selection of Materials and Equipment for the Marine Environment: Corrosion and Humidity
- Mounting Structures: Design and Safety Considerations
- Installation and Wiring: Best Practices and Regulations
- Grounding and Surge Protection in Marine Environments
- Preventive and Corrective Maintenance of Marine Solar Systems
- Safety in the Operation of Marine Solar Systems: Electrical and Mechanical Hazards
‘
Request information
- Complete the Application Form
- Attach your CV/Qualifications (if you have them to hand).
- Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you want the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
Teachers
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. SofĂa Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. SofĂa Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.