A new era for yacht tenders
Sunpower Yachts has revealed what it calls a world first: a tender that never needs fuel, shore power, or even a charging cable. The Solar-eJET 3.3m is an inflatable jet tender designed to plug directly into a mothership’s solar system. While fully electric tenders are becoming more common, the Solar-eJET is the first to draw its charge entirely from the same renewable source as the yacht itself.
For yacht owners, this means the end of hauling petrol cans aboard, running noisy gensets, or waiting at marina plugs. Instead, when the tender is stowed, it tops up automatically from the yacht’s solar array, ready to launch at full charge every time.
Technical design and specifications
At 3.3 metres, the Solar-eJET sits firmly in the tender category, suitable for ferrying guests ashore, beach landings, or water sports. Its 10 kWh lithium battery powers a 22 kW jet drive, producing the thrust equivalent of a 30-horsepower outboard. The waterjet propulsion not only delivers quiet, emission-free running but also allows safe operation in shallow bays where propellers might be a hazard.
The hull is a marine-grade aluminium deep-V design, paired with reinforced Hypalon tubes for buoyancy and protection. Seating is integrated into the welded aluminium deck, finished with grey-and-black foam teak. At just 105 kilograms without its battery, the tender remains relatively light for crane or davit lifting.
Rated in Design Category C, the boat is intended for inshore and coastal use. It seats up to five people, with a load capacity of 425 kilograms.
Features built for real use
Though aimed squarely at the luxury market, the Solar-eJET is fitted with practical features. These include LED navigation lights, a bow locker, an anchor box, grab rails, and multiple lifting points. Reinforced towing rings and water-toy tow cleats expand its versatility. Owners will find touches of convenience, such as anti-corrosive fittings and mechanical steering designed for reliability in marine environments.
Colour choices are limited to grey or white, keeping the focus on understated, functional style rather than customisation.
Why solar matters
The real innovation lies not in the hull or even the jet drive, but in the way the tender is powered. A built-in charging interface allows it to dock directly into the yacht’s solar system when stored. Unlike plug-in electric tenders, there are no extra chargers or cables required. The approach ensures that the tender is continuously topped up—an important step toward eliminating reliance on fossil fuels aboard.
A limited but telling launch
The Solar-eJET 3.3m will be offered initially to purchasers of new Sunpower yachts, beginning with deliveries from August 2025. A small number of tenders will also be available to owners of other compatible solar-electric yachts.
Construction takes place at the Antalya Shipyard in Turkey, a hub for both yacht building and specialist tenders.
What it means for the future
For now, the Solar-eJET remains a niche product tied to the Sunpower ecosystem. But it represents a significant marker in the direction luxury yachting is taking. By unifying a yacht’s solar system with its tender, Sunpower has created a closed loop of clean energy at sea.
Where diesel-powered inflatables were once a necessary compromise, the Solar-eJET points to a time when every aspect of life aboard—cruising, anchoring, and now going ashore—can run entirely on renewable power.
