A Custom Solar Solution for the Jeanneau Odyssey 469 Sailboat
26 Jun 2025
On a sailboat, every watt counts. Far from the marina and disconnected from the grid, it’s no longer the wind that’s missing… but electricity. For many sailors, achieving true energy autonomy remains a challenge. Noisy wind turbines, high-maintenance generators, poorly suited solar panels — the options exist, but few are designed for the realities of life at sea.
This is exactly what led Patrick Poulin, a sailor based in Martinique, to seek a reliable, silent solution — one truly integrated into his sailing lifestyle. A system capable of following the curves of his boat… and his pace as he sails between islands.
That’s where CAPSolar came in.
Energy at Sea: A Constant Trade-Off
Before CAPSolar, Patrick had tried everything to keep his batteries alive. He started with Chinese flexible solar panels, then switched to European ones — but none lasted. Too fragile, not efficient enough, and poorly adapted to a marine environment. He also looked into other onboard options, like wind turbines and generators, but those came with noise, upkeep, and the need to be constantly onboard — everything he wanted to avoid.
The issue remained: every time the boat was stationary, the six onboard batteries kept draining, constantly supplying power to critical electronic systems (AIS, pump, cellular module…). “Without panels, the batteries die. And each battery costs €1,000.”
Patrick was looking for a solution that could keep his batteries alive — even when he was away — and ensure continuous power to onboard systems.
A Solution Designed for Sailing: Flexibility, Lightness, and Custom Fit
The challenge wasn’t just to generate more power, but to generate it differently. On a sailboat, every detail matters: weight, shape, curvature, aesthetics. CAPSolar designed a solution fully integrated with the boat — no screws, no drilling, no compromise.
The system is based on fourteen CAPSolar panels of 110W and 165 W each, for a total of 2.3 kW, mounted directly on the bow and the bimini using a double-sided hook-and-loop system. Each panel is lightweight (2 kg), ultra-thin (3 mm), and flexible, allowing it to conform perfectly to the boat’s soft surfaces.
But beyond the product, it was the co-creation process that left a strong impression on Patrick. Chahine, CTO of CAPSolar, customized every aspect of the system to the boat’s specific needs: custom panel layouts, tailored advice on the best supporting electronics — down to the precise choice of adhesive tape for mounting. “What convinced me was that we could adapt the panels to the shape of the boat. There’s nothing else like it on the market,” said the owner of the Jeanneau Odyssey 469.
Solar Autonomy That Transforms the Sailing Experience
Today, the sailboat produces enough energy to operate in full autonomy. Upon arriving in Martinique, Patrick installed an initial set of six 110 W CAPSolar panels, generating enough energy to power critical dockside systems: communication, beacons, and safety. With the addition of eight more 165 W panels, total generation now reaches 2.3 kW. The result: all energy needs are covered — even while sailing. “Thanks to these panels, we’re even thinking of getting a washing machine.”
And most importantly: no more stress. Through his Victron app, Patrick monitors his batteries remotely — they’re always full now. Just as important to him is the system’s seamless integration. Unlike conventional rigid panels, CAPSolar modules are flexible, thin and light, and designed to follow the curves of soft surfaces — no drilling or structural modifications required. “It’s the first time someone has offered me a solution that follows the shape of my boat.” Impressed, Patrick is already considering adding them to his home. “We’re ready to buy more for the house.”
Cleaner Sailing, Freer Navigation
This project perfectly reflects our vision of modern sailing: silent, autonomous, and without compromise. By designing a solution tailored to Patrick’s needs, we’ve shown that it’s possible to combine performance, energy efficiency, and respect for the aesthetics of a sailboat.
No more generators, no more noise, no more unexpected failures. With an installation designed specifically for the client, we’ve given him the freedom to sail without limits — and that’s exactly what we aim to offer every boat owner.
Want to learn more? Write to us. Let’s talk about your project and explore how solar can transform your way of sailing too.