Ryan, an ex-Navy diver with over 20 years' experience in the construction industry, made it his mission to develop an onboard solar generating and storage system which was both effective and affordable for a widebeam canal boat. The result is our unique Solar Electric Propulsion System - the quietly beating heart of our business.

In 2017, we completed work on The SunFlower - the UK’s first 100% solar powered electric widebeam. The SunFlower is 65' x 13' (20m x 4m) with 20 solar panels (producing 6 kWh) covering two thirds of the roof. This impressive solar array feeds a substantial 96kW battery bank giving us enough free energy to live off-grid all year round. Her quiet electric motors mean she cruises almost silently through the water and the lack of diesel also means she emits no nasty fumes or pollution.

The SunFlower’s striking contemporary looks are in part due to her extra large, triple glazed windows which maximise interior light and ensure minimal heat loss. These are complimented inside by superior wall and floor insulation and a smart heat recovery ventilation system for retaining heat in winter yet staying cool in summer.

The SunFlower is brimming with other progressive eco-design features onboard, including rainwater harvesting and a waterless composting toilet. There is also no gas onboard. The induction hob is uses the solar energy as does the hot water system. iIn winter we heat her using an eco log burner. Life onboard is fully sustainable, with zero emissions, and there are no fuel bills to pay.

The SunFlower has been an astonishing success, turning heads and opening minds wherever she goes. She is proof that a fully self-sufficient electric riverboat is not only possible, but is already a phenomenal success quietly cruising the Thames since 2017.

And now a new fleet of our solar electric boats are taking to the UK waterways - the Droitwich Canal, the Regents Canal, the Grand Union, the River Lee and the Great Ouse all host the latest designs from Thames Solar Electric - ensuring our inland waterways are clean, green and serene for the future.

THAMES SOLAR ELECTRIC BOATS

The UK's first supplier of solar electric boats and propulsion systems

No fossil fuels - No energy bills - No noise

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"A quiet revolution in inland boating" Waterways World

Solar powered
Off-grid

A rooftop array of highly efficient solar panels provides all the energy which powers both the motors and all onboard domestic appliances. A large battery bank stores unused energy for whenever you need it.

And yes, it works in winter!

Peaceful & Pollution free

No diesel engine means no diesel fumes and no noise. Electric motors power you almost silently through the water. With a full battery, you can cruise for up to 10 hours without additional daylight. In summer, you can keep going until you're ready to moor.

Sustainable
Eco-solutions

A wide range of additional eco-solutions are available to compliment our solar powered widebeams, narrowboats and barges. Triple glazing, superior insulation, heat recovery systems, even rainwater harvesting all help you get even better use from your energy.

Uncompromised
Luxury

Being eco doesn’t mean compromising on style. Our fully fitted boats are designed to maximise space and incorporate a bespoke bathroom and luxury kitchen with a full range of energy-efficient domestic appliances, such as electric induction hob and dishwasher.

We are able to offer viewings of current boats at our build yard by appointment only.

You can take a virtual tour of The SunFlower on our VIDEO page and on YouTube.

Fully-fitted boats

Our fully fitted boats are bespoke builds from start to finish. Widebeams, narrowboats and barges. Turnkey projects with nothing for you to do but start the motors and go.

Sailaway/Sailaway Lined

Our basic Sailaways include the steel shell of the boat, primed and blackened hull, our Solar Electric Propulsion System (SEPS), triple glazed windows and doors, triple insulation and a plywood subfloor ready for you to sailaway and begin your own internal fit out. Our Sailaway-lined options also include first fix electrics and plumbing, and wall panels ready for you to finish to your requirements.

Solar Electric Propulsion Systems

Our Solar Electric Propulsion System (SEPS) packages can be supplied directly so that you or your boatbuilder can build your own solar powered electric widebeam, narrowboat or barge. We also offer installation and consultancy services.

How Thames Solar Electric began