Solar supplier awarded for eco-innovation

Solar 4 RVs recognised for its role in developing solar power for boats.

Local solar panel specialist Solar 4 RVs, incorporating Solar 4 Boats, has been recognised as an ABA100 winner for eco-innovation in the 2018 Australian Business Awards.

The award recognises the company’s achievements in the development of a co-ordinated service model for off-grid mobile solar power, providing support before, during and after the purchase of solar panels.

Solar 4 RVs has supplied solar panels for a range small and large yachts, catamarans, multi-hulls, cruisers, tourist ferries, fishing vessels and even kayaks. Some of its installations include Tony Longhurst’s luxury catamaran Kato, Lisa Blair’s yacht Climate Action Now and Oceanomads rowboat for the Talisker Atlantic crossing.

“We are honoured to receive this prestigious award and to be recognised for our sector leadership in the provision of lightweight, thin solar panels for off-grid mobile applications such as caravans, boats, yachts and outdoor equipment,” said Trish Chapallaz, co-founder/owner of Solar 4 Rvs.

Co-founder/owner and engineer Phil Chapallaz said the solar service model provided by Solar 4 RVs was born through customer needs and developed to provide a full suite of services to customers based on extensive research.

“Marine applications introduce a diverse set of considerations, for example movement creating various sun angles, shading from masts, booms and sails, weight limitations, curved or narrow decks and canvas biminis as installation surfaces,” he said.

“Then there’s environmental variations such as UV, sand and salt, plus batteries that may be idle for months at a time. Professional guidance through this maze of considerations is the key to obtaining a suitable customised system.”

Since launching the family business in March 2014, Solar 4 RVs has grown to supply and support hundreds of businesses and government departments across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific from its base south-east of Melbourne. The company stocks a large range of flexible solar panels including the Solbianflex brand made in Italy which is used for racing yachts.

“Constant improvements are made to our product range including thin lightweight flexible solar panels with an ETFE top layer which provides UV protection, is corrosion resistant, highly stain resistant, highly elastic, easy-to-clean, high light transmittance, and boasts long service life,” said Trish Chapallaz. “We also provide a textured surface for extra robustness.”

The company produces detailed guides based on testing and field trials to assist customers and installers during handling, installation and operation.

Solar 4 RVs will now be entered into the international chapter of the program at The World Business Awards which will see participants are benchmarked against the top performers globally.