Floating self-sufficiency – off-grid power transformation on a Dutch barge.
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Energy Solutions deliver a complete hybrid marine power system for off-grid living afloat.
Electric boating on the rise
Across the UK’s waterways, more boat owners are choosing electric and hybrid systems to make life afloat quieter, cleaner, and more sustainable. This shift toward off-grid power is redefining what’s possible for liveaboard vessels, combining comfort with independence.
One such project, completed by Energy Solutions, demonstrates how modern marine technology can turn even a century-old Dutch barge into a fully self-sufficient home on the water.
Off-Grid Power Challenges for Liveaboard Boats
When the barge’s owners moved from the London canals to a tranquil mooring on the River Medway, they wanted all the conveniences of modern life, without relying on shore power or noisy generators alone.
The mooring had no grid connection, and the vessel’s full-size kitchen, heating, and household appliances required a robust energy solution. The challenge was clear: design a system that would deliver reliable 240 V power for year-round, full-time living, with minimal fuel use and noise.
Designing a Scalable Hybrid Energy System
Energy Solutions, specialists in hybrid and off-grid marine power systems, assessed the site and vessel to define power consumption and load profiles. With decades of experience supporting marine clients, the team engineered a solution that combined renewable generation with smart automation and backup resilience.
The result was a compact but powerful Victron Energy–based hybrid system, designed for reliability, scalability, and silent operation.
System Overview
Key components used in the system:
- Victron MultiPlus II inverter/charger (approx. 5 kW output)
- Lithium Smart battery bank (approx. 10 kWh storage)
- SmartSolar MPPT charge controllers
- Cerbo GX with touchscreen monitoring
- Roof-mounted solar array supplying renewable input
- Auto-start generator providing winter backup
Solar panels provide the primary daytime energy source, charging the batteries and powering onboard systems. When sunlight is limited, the auto-start generator activates automatically, maintaining consistent battery levels and uninterrupted power.
The modular Victron configuration allows future expansion — additional solar panels or battery capacity can be integrated without re-engineering the installation.
Installing the Victron-Based Solution
Installation required careful planning. With the vessel moored in a vehicle-free location and access only by footpath, every component had to be delivered by hand. Over ten days, the system was installed neatly within the engine room, with attention to cable routing, fusing, and ventilation to meet marine safety standards.
A trusted installation partner managed the on-site work, while Energy Solutions’ technical team provided system design, configuration, and commissioning support. The result was a professional, compact installation that blended seamlessly with the barge’s existing electrical infrastructure.
Results: A Quiet, Self-Sufficient Liveaboard System
Since commissioning, the system has delivered steady, silent power, allowing the owners to live fully off-grid without compromise.
During the summer months, solar energy alone met all demands, from lighting and refrigeration to entertainment and hot water. As autumn arrived, the automatic generator integration ensured a continuous supply, engaging only when battery capacity fell below preset thresholds.
Monitoring is handled via the Victron Cerbo GX, giving the owners complete visibility of power flows, solar yield, and battery status — all from a single intuitive display.
The Future of Electric Boating
Projects like this Dutch barge installation reflect a growing shift in boating culture. Across the UK’s marinas and inland waterways, owners are looking for solutions that reduce emissions and increase comfort.
Energy Solutions continues to lead in this space, delivering hybrid and off-grid power systems that provide clean, quiet, and dependable energy for marine and specialist vehicle applications alike.
Whether for a refit or a new build, the company’s expertise in Victron integration, system design, and project support helps clients achieve genuine energy independence on the water.
Discover how modern marine power systems are transforming life afloat.
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