Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Renewable Energies on Board (solar, wind)
The Diploma in Onboard Renewable Energies (solar, wind)This program equips you to lead the energy transition in the maritime sector, mastering the implementation and management of clean energy systems on ships. Learn to reduce
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Renewable Energies on Board (solar, wind)?
The Diploma in Onboard Renewable Energies (solar, wind)
This program equips you to lead the energy transition in the maritime sector, mastering the implementation and management of clean energy systems on ships. Learn to reduce your carbon footprint, optimize energy consumption, and comply with the most demanding environmental regulations. This program offers comprehensive training in photovoltaic solar energy and offshore wind energy, from equipment selection to integration into the ship's electrical grid and maintenance.
Differential Advantages
- Design and Installation: Sizing of solar and wind systems for specific naval applications.
- Integration and Control: Efficient management of generated energy and optimization of onboard consumption.
- Regulations and Safety: Compliance with international standards and best practices in marine renewable energy installations.
- Simulation and Analysis: Tools to predict energy performance and evaluate the economic viability of projects.
- Case Studies: Analysis of real projects and simulations to apply the acquired knowledge.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
26-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Technology Mastery: Learn to design, install, and maintain solar and wind power systems on vessels.
- Energy Efficiency: Optimize consumption and reduce your carbon footprint with innovative renewable solutions.
- Autonomy and Sustainability: Drive energy independence and environmentally responsible navigation.
- Professional Certification: Earn a recognized diploma that will open doors for you in the maritime and energy sectors.
- Real-World Case Studies: Apply your knowledge in simulated projects and learn from expert experience.
- Prepare to lead the transition to cleaner, more efficient navigation.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Renewable resources in the marine environment and regulatory framework
- Solar radiation in marine environment: Oceanic albedo, dynamic shading, degradation by saline environment and cell temperature
- Surface offshore wind resources: wind profiles over the ocean boundary, wind rose and superstructure-induced turbulence
- IMO Environmental Regulatory Framework: Decarbonisation Strategy (Zero Net Emissions), EEXI Regulations, IIC and SEEMP Plans
- Regulations of classification companies (DNV, ABS, Lloyd's Register) for the integration of renewable sources in marine networks
- Life cycle analysis (LCA) and carbon footprint assessment in renewable generation on board
- Evaluation of the return on investment (ROI) and fuel savings (Fuel Savings) by modelling the operational profile of the ship
- Security, risk management and failure mode analysis (FMEA) in renewable installations under marine environment
- Evaluation of the solar and wind resource on board
02
Marine photovoltaic solar technology and flexible/marinized panels
- High-efficiency photovoltaic cells for marine use: monocrystalline silicon, Topcon, HJT and perovskite/silicon cells
- Marinated and flexible solar panels: ETFE/PET polymers, impact resistance, non-slip and flex tolerance
- Modules integrated in the ship-integrated photovoltaics - SIPV): Decks, caps and solar sails
- Thermal behaviour of marine solar panels: heat dissipation by sea breeze and passive/cooling with seawater
- Panel durability: PID resistance (potential-induced degradation), salt corrosion, humidity and extreme UV radiation
- Maintenance and cleaning: prevention of biological fouling (biofouling), saltpeter and automated cleaning/washing systems
- Labouratory tests and certification of panels under IEC 61215 and IEC 61701 (salt spray tests)
- Panel Installation and Orientation
03
On-board offshore wind generation: wind turbines and rigid sails
- Wind generation for ships: horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT) and vertical axis (VAWT) for marine and auxiliary applications
- Advanced composite materials for offshore wind shovels: carbon fibre, epoxy resins and protection against water droplet erosion
- Wind-assisted propulsion (Wasp): Aerodynamic principles, lift vs. Effective drag and push
- Flettner rotors and Magnus technology: Magnus effect applied, rotation speed control and reduction of fuel consumption
- Rigid sails (Wingsails) and suction (Ventasiles): Aerodynamic design, automated decay, pitch control and wind orientation
- Height trawling or kites (Seawings / Kites): High altitude wind pickup, self-driving and traction calculation
- Hydrodynamic interaction: angle of heel, effect of drift (leeway), modifications in the rudder and stability intact/failure
- Marine wind turbine maintenance
04
Electronic power architecture, MPPT tracking and converters
- High-efficiency DC/DC converter topologies for photovoltaic and wind systems with marine electronics
- Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithms (MPPT) Low Rig Induced Dynamic Shading and Superstructure
- Integration of watertight microinverters (IP67/IP68) vs. string arrangements (string) with power optimisers
- On-board power converters: Rectification, Variable Frequency Voltage Conditioning and Dynamic Safety Brake
- Harmonic mitigation, electromagnetic noise (EMI) and interference in radionavigation and communications equipment (SOLAS/GMDSS)
- Overvoltage protection, electric arcs (ARC-Fault) and short-circuit insulation in direct current (DC) installations
- Cooling and thermal dissipation of power electronics within enclosed spaces and engine rooms
- Combined inverters and chargers
05
On-board energy storage (ESS) and hybrid power networks
- Battery Technologies for Marine Applications: Lithium-Ferrophosphate (LFP), Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) and Sodium-ion Chemistry
- On-board battery bank sizing (ESS): Estimation of autonomy, depth of discharge (DOD) and useful life by cycles
- Battery Management Systems (BMS): Charging Status Monitoring (SOC), Health Status (SOH) and Active Cell Balancing
- Safety in marine battery banks: early gas detection, flood fire extinguishing systems and thermal packing containment (Thermal Runaway)
- Bus architectures in direct current (DC Bus) vs. Alternating Current (AC): Hybrid Microgrids and Efficient Distribution
- Supercapacitors and flywheels for the absorption of peaks of fluctuating power (Peak Shaving) and wind/solar flashing
- Integration of diesel-electric generators with renewables: optimum start/stop logic and partial load operation without carbonization
- Lithium and BMS batteries
06
Energy Management Systems (EMS), Automation and Control Networks
- Architecture of the Energy Management System (EMS - Energy Management System) for the prioritisation of loads and renewable sources
- Predictive control strategies based on real-time weather forecast (wind and radiation) and navigation path
- Weather Routing Route Optimisation: Algorithms to maximise solar/wind energy harvesting and minimise consumption
- Interconnection with marine communication protocols: NMEA 2000, Modbus TCP/RTU, CANopen and Ethernet Industrial
- Integration of the EMS with the Power Management System (PMS) and main control console of the Engine Room
- Satellite telemetry, cloud monitoring and remote diagnosis of the performance of renewable systems on board
- Cybersecurity in marine operational automation networks (OT) associated with renewable generation and interconnection
- Remote Energy Monitoring
07
Maintenance, industrial safety and fault diagnosis
- Preventive and predictive maintenance of photovoltaic systems - thermographic inspection with drones, measurement of curve $I-V$ and insulation resistance
- Maintenance of marine wind turbines and WASP systems: lubrication of marine bearings, dynamic balancing of blades and crack control
- Corrosion protection: selection of stainless steels (316L/duplex), aluminium anodized, sacrificial anodes and maritime paint schemes
- Safety at work at heights and confined spaces for the repair of rigid sails, panels or wind turbines on board
- DC High Voltage Hazards: Blocking and Labeling (Lotus) Protocols, Galvanic Isolation and Certified Insulated Tools
- Contingency Plan and Emergency Response: Emergency Disconnect (ESD), Forced Sailing and Battery Insulation
- Management of spare parts, consumables and calibration of resource measurement instruments (anemometres, pyranometres)
- Lightning and surge protection
08
Hydrogen Integration/E-Fuels and Capstone Project Engineering
- Production of green hydrogen on board through renewable generation: Electrolysis of purified seawater
- Energy vector storage: hydrogen compression, metal hydrides and synthetic carriers (methanol/ammonia)
- Coupling of fuel cells (PEMFC) with the ship's renewable micro-grid for zero emission navigation in protected areas
- Comparative technical-economic analysis: CAPEX, OPEX and amortization period between renewable hybrid systems vs. fossil fuels
- Inspection process, port acceptance tests (HAT) and sea tests (SAT) for approval of the classification company
- Adaptation of existing ships (retrofit) vs. New Designs (Newbuilds): Weight Distribution Challenges, Space and Centre of Gravity ($kg$)
- Presentation of the Capstone Project
- Capstone Project: Conceptual and basic engineering for the integration of a renewable energy system (solar, wind or hybrid) on a ship (ferry, merchant, tug or yacht), including panel/candle sizing, electrical architecture, battery bank, balance of Plant, stability analysis and return on investment
Workload
Study Time and Workload
800 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Naval and Marine Engineers seeking to specialize in the integration of renewable energy into naval systems.Naval Engineering and Electrical Officers interested in operating and maintaining solar and wind energy systems on board.Vessel Owners and Operators wishing to reduce operating costs and their carbon footprint through renewable energy.Ship Designers and Builders seeking to implement inn
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Optimizing energy consumption on boats
- 02Design and implement efficient renewable energy systems
- 03Evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of projects
- 04Managing the integration of renewable energies with existing systems
- 05Diagnosing and solving problems in marine renewable energy installations
- 06Comply with safety and environmental regulations in marine renewable energy installations
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Installation and Maintenance Technician for Marine Solar/Wind Systems: Installation, repair, and maintenance of renewable energy equipment on vessels.
02Renewable Energy Consultant for Vessels: Advising shipowners and shipyards on the integration of renewable energy systems.
03Onboard Renewable Energy System Designer: Design and optimization of solar and wind systems for ships and yachts.
04Vessel Renewable Energy System Inspector: Verification of regulatory compliance and safety standards for onboard renewable energy installations.
05Sales and Technical Support for Marine Renewable Energy Equipment: Sales and technical support of solar panels, wind turbines, and related components for marine applications.
06Renewable Energy Research and Development Marine: Participation in research and development projects for new renewable energy technologies for the maritime sector.
07Renewable Energy Project Manager on Board: Planning, execution, and supervision of renewable energy system installation projects on vessels.
08Renewable Energy Trainer for the Nautical Sector: Delivery of courses and workshops on the installation, maintenance, and operation of renewable energy systems on ships.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Renewable energies, specifically solar and wind.
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.
Yes, this diploma covers the installation and maintenance of solar and wind power systems on boats.
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 Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's/Undergraduate Degree in Engineering (Energy, Mechanical, Electrical), Physics, or related technical qualification; or Advanced Vocational Training in areas related to energy and electricity; or demonstrable professional experience in the installation and maintenance of energy systems.Prior Knowledge:Basic knowledge of electricity, electronics, and/or mechanics. Previous experience with renewable energy systems will be valued.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree or professional certificate, ID/Passport, cover letter explaining your
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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