One Concept Marine has installed a floating solar canopy on the reception dock at the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) marina. Completed on 7 April 2026, the project uses photovoltaic panels supplied by Voltec Solar and is described as a world-first solar canopy installed on an existing floating dock.

The custom-built canopy measures 12 metres in length and reaches nearly five metres in height. It includes around 26sqm of photovoltaic panels, with an installed capacity of 6kWp. Annual production is expected to be about 9,200kWh.

Based on an estimated consumption of 765kWh per boat each year, the output is equal to the energy use of around 12 medium-sized vessels or about 100 full charging cycles for electric boats.

Electricity generated by the canopy will supply equipment on the dock, including dedicated charging stations for electric boats. Once connected to the grid in the coming weeks, the system will also be able to feed back surplus electricity.

Project data shows that similar systems could increase energy output at marina scale. Around 30 units in a medium-sized port could produce close to 300MWh per year, which is comparable to the consumption of several hundred boats.

Thomas Aboulinc, founder of One Concept Marine, said: “This project demonstrates our ability to design and deploy innovative solutions rapidly, even in complex environments. Integrating solar production onto an existing floating structure represents a significant technical step forward, opening new perspectives for marinas.”

The installation is located close to the Yacht Club building designed by Norman Foster. The structure uses marine-grade, powder-coated aluminium and is built through a modular assembly of riveted cassette panels.

The project follows earlier work by One Concept Marine, including the Meltem® platform first introduced in 2024 in Saint-Tropez. The platform combines solar energy production with rainwater collection and biodiversity-supporting systems.

Anna Sénéquier, CEO & global designer, said: “Integrating this type of infrastructure requires a strong design approach. The challenge is to make technical complexity readable through simple forms, by working on lines, proportions and details. Our aim is to create structures that can engage with their environment and integrate into architectural continuity.”

Initial discussions between the parties began during exchanges connected to YCM’s Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous, whose sixth edition is scheduled for 20-21 September 2026. The installation may also be formally inaugurated during the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge 2026 from 8 to 11 July.

Bernard d’Alessandri, secretary general of the Yacht Club de Monaco, said: “As part of the Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting initiative, the Yacht Club de Monaco acts as a catalyst for concrete solutions supporting more sustainable yachting. This project reflects our ambition to transform our infrastructure into innovation platforms and to actively contribute to the evolution of marina standards.”

Images courtesy of One Concept Marine.