How the Collaboration Came About
When / Where
The partnership between Praxis and Riviera Australia began three years ago, born from a shared ambition to integrate solar power into luxury motor yachts and change the capabilities of solar without compromising design.
What was their objective / brief
Riviera wanted to innovate beyond the bulky, visually intrusive solar panels traditionally bolted onto boats. They sought a sleek solar solution refined enough to belong on a luxury yacht. Riviera needed solar engineered onto the hardtop from the design stage, rather than added as an afterthought, to reduce generator dependence, by utilising the power of the sun to elevate the onboard owner experience.
‘Our goal was simple – reduce generator hours and elevate the owner experience without compromising design. By integrating solar into the mould stage, it becomes part of the yacht’s DNA – not an accessory’
Dan Henderson, Design & Engineering Director, Riviera Australia
The Collaboration
Praxis delivered an ultra-thin, lightweight solar skin using its proprietary nano-composite technology, bonded directly onto the yacht’s hardtop and moulded to follow complex curves across multiple planes. The optically transparent composite with embedded solar cells and black backing remains virtually invisible from deck level. Critically, integration happens during production: each model across the Riviera range has a bespoke solar layout, designed collaboratively between the two teams of engineers through iterative design sessions, engineering reviews and real-world installations to maximise usable surface area as part of the yacht’s architecture.
‘When two innovation-driven industry leaders come together, the goal isn’t to follow the standard – it’s to redefine it. Praxis and Riviera have combined expertise to expand the art of the possible, seamlessly integrating silent luxury into the marine environment and setting a new benchmark for solar innovation’
Katie Donaldson, Founder & Executive Director, Praxis
Result
The system has been rolled out across the Riviera range and is now available as a standard option on the Riviera specification form, with retrofit solutions also offered for existing yachts as part of Riviera’s after-market service.
The science and stats
- Solar panels are less than 2mm thick and up to 85% lighter than conventional rigid systems
- Riviera has tracked a 75% reduction in diesel generator use
- A recent New Zealand installation delivers approximately 1.8 kW of capacity, generating close to 10 kWh per day
- One Riviera owner in Mauritius remains off grid for three days without running a generator
- Another owner runs air conditioning for over a day at anchor without generator use
‘Praxis solar panels have been integrated into the hardtop of my new Riviera 6800 Sport Yacht so well that you barely know it is there, and it works flawlessly. You can walk on the non-slip surface coating with ease and without fear of damaging the cells below. In combination with a substantial lithium battery setup, the Praxis solar system allows me to run a silent yacht (generator free) while at anchor and throughout the night whilst using all my normal systems such as air conditioning and fridge etc. I can enjoy the peace and quiet of my surroundings without the constant hum of a generator’
Jason, owner of a Riviera 6800 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition