Marine Insight: Solar Navigation Lights

Solar navigation lights play a critical role in maritime safety, ensuring vessels remain visible and compliant with international regulations during periods of reduced visibility or at night. As part of the mandatory marine outfittings on commercial, fishing, and recreational vessels, these lights are essential for preventing collisions and maintaining safe navigation. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) stipulate strict requirements regarding the visibility, positioning, color, and angular range of navigation lights. Solar-powered navigation lights have emerged as a reliable, energy-efficient solution, particularly for vessels operating in remote areas or with limited access to consistent power sources.

Unlike traditional electric navigation lights, solar navigation lights utilize photovoltaic panels to charge integrated batteries during daylight hours, enabling continuous operation through the night. This self-sustaining power system eliminates the need for complex wiring and reduces dependency on a vessel’s main power supply, making them ideal for small craft, buoys, and unmanned vessels. Their durability, low maintenance, and resistance to harsh marine environments—such as saltwater exposure, high humidity, and extreme temperatures—further enhance their operational reliability.

Hangzhou Star Marine Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in the design and export of high-performance solar navigation lights that meet or exceed international certification standards, including CE, RoHS, and IEC 60945. Our products undergo rigorous testing for water resistance (IP67 rated), shock resistance, and long-term luminous performance. With advanced optical lens technology and high-efficiency monocrystalline solar panels, our lights provide superior beam intensity and extended service life, reducing total cost of ownership for vessel operators.

Sourcing solar navigation lights from Star Marine China offers significant cost advantages without compromising quality. Our vertically integrated manufacturing process, strategic location in Hangzhou, and optimized supply chain allow us to deliver premium marine outfittings at competitive export prices. By leveraging economies of scale and in-house R&D, we maintain strict quality control while minimizing production overheads. This enables global distributors, shipbuilders, and maritime agencies to procure compliant, durable navigation systems at favorable terms.

The following table outlines key performance specifications of our standard solar navigation light model:

By combining regulatory compliance, robust engineering, and cost-effective manufacturing, Hangzhou Star Marine Technology supports global maritime safety initiatives while delivering measurable value to international clients.

Technical Specs & Approval

Technical Specifications: Solar Navigation Lights

Hangzhou Star Marine Technology Co. Ltd. designs and manufactures solar navigation lights to stringent international maritime safety standards, ensuring reliable operation in all sea conditions. These lights comply with COLREGs 1972 (Annex I), IEC 60945 for marine electronic equipment, and relevant SOLAS requirements for auxiliary lighting systems. Constructed for durability and minimal maintenance, our units integrate high-efficiency photovoltaic technology with robust marine-grade materials. Critical design parameters prioritize corrosion resistance, optical performance, and uninterrupted functionality during extended periods of low sunlight. All models undergo rigorous environmental testing, including salt spray exposure per ASTM B117, thermal cycling, and shock/vibration analysis to ISO 12216 standards.

The table below details core technical parameters for our standard solar navigation light series:

Material selection is fundamental to longevity in harsh marine environments. Aluminum housings utilize 6061-T6 alloy with hard anodization, providing optimal strength-to-weight ratio and superior corrosion resistance against saltwater exposure. Stainless steel variants employ 316L grade for enhanced pitting resistance in aggressive electrolytes, critical for vessels operating in tropical or polluted waters. Both materials undergo meticulous surface finishing to eliminate crevices where moisture ingress could initiate galvanic corrosion.

Watertight performance is non-negotiable for navigation safety equipment. Each unit achieves IP67 certification through precision-machined sealing surfaces, dual O-ring systems (EPDM 70 Shore A hardness), and pressure-tested assembly protocols. The optical chamber is independently sealed from the electronics compartment, ensuring LED performance remains unaffected by potential battery compartment moisture. Dimensional tolerances adhere strictly to ISO 2768-mK standards, guaranteeing interchangeability with existing vessel mounting systems and compliance with COLREGs visibility sector requirements.

Solar efficiency and energy management are engineered for global deployment. The monocrystalline panel features anti-reflective coating and operates effectively under low-light conditions (dawn/dusk). Integrated charge controllers prevent battery overcharge and deep discharge, extending service life. All units include a status indicator for real-time battery health monitoring, critical for pre-voyage checks. Hangzhou Star Marine Technology provides full technical documentation, including IEC test reports and material certifications, to facilitate seamless customs clearance and regulatory approval in target export markets.

Shipbuilding Solutions

Comprehensive Solar Navigation Light Solutions for Shipbuilding and Repair

Hangzhou Star Marine Technology Co., Ltd. delivers integrated solar navigation light systems tailored for both new shipbuilding projects and vessel repair operations. As a specialized provider in marine outfittings, we offer a complete technical and logistical solution that ensures compliance, reliability, and operational efficiency across diverse vessel types and operational profiles. Our solar-powered navigation lights are engineered to meet international maritime regulations, including COLREGs, IMO Res. A.810(19), and IEC 60945 standards, ensuring seamless integration into modern maritime safety frameworks.

Designed for durability in harsh marine environments, our solar navigation lights utilize high-efficiency monocrystalline photovoltaic panels, long-cycle lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries, and marine-grade 316L stainless steel or UV-resistant engineering polymers for housings. These materials ensure resistance to salt spray, extreme temperatures, and continuous vibration—critical for both offshore and inland waterway operations. The systems operate autonomously, eliminating the need for vessel power integration, which reduces installation complexity and electrical load on the main distribution board.

For shipyards and repair facilities, Star Marine provides fast-response engineering support and modular product configurations that align with project timelines. Our team collaborates directly with naval architects and project managers during the design phase to ensure optimal placement, visibility arcs, and system redundancy. For retrofit applications, our plug-and-play units minimize downtime, with installation typically completed within a few hours using standard deck fittings or pole mounts.

We maintain strategic inventory in Hangzhou and Shanghai ports, enabling shipment within 48 hours of order confirmation. Our export documentation package includes type approval certificates, test reports, and compliance declarations, facilitating customs clearance in over 60 countries. Additionally, all units are pre-configured based on vessel type—tankers, cargo ships, fishing vessels, or passenger craft—to meet specific sector requirements.

The following table outlines key technical specifications of our standard solar navigation light series:

Star Marine Technology supports shipbuilders and repair yards with fast technical consultation, OEM labeling, and on-site commissioning when required. With a focus on reducing lifecycle costs and enhancing safety, our solar navigation lights represent a dependable, maintenance-free solution for modern maritime operations.

Packaging & Logistics

Packaging & Logistics for Solar Navigation Lights Export

Hangzhou Star Marine Technology implements rigorously engineered packaging solutions specifically designed to ensure the seaworthy integrity of our solar navigation lights throughout global maritime supply chains. Recognizing the harsh environmental conditions encountered during ocean transport—including salt spray, vibration, humidity, and stacking loads—our packaging protocols exceed standard commercial requirements to prevent damage and guarantee product performance upon delivery. This commitment to robust packaging is fundamental to maintaining the reliability our marine clients expect from critical safety equipment.

Primary containment utilizes custom-engineered wooden export cases constructed from kiln-dried lumber certified under International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15). This mandatory certification ensures all wood packaging material has undergone approved heat treatment to eliminate pests, preventing agricultural contamination and ensuring seamless customs clearance in all major global markets. Each case features internal compartmentalization using high-density polyethylene foam inserts, precisely molded to cradle individual solar navigation light units. This design absorbs shock, prevents movement during transit, and shields sensitive optical components and solar panels from impact. Cases are secured with marine-grade corrosion-resistant fasteners and sealed with tamper-evident adhesive tape meeting IMO guidelines. The exterior is clearly marked with essential handling information, including orientation arrows, gross weight, and the ISPM 15 compliance stamp.

For efficient unitization and secure handling within containerized freight, these wooden cases are systematically palletized onto heavy-duty steel export pallets. Constructed from galvanized steel with reinforced stringers and deck boards, these pallets provide exceptional load-bearing capacity and resistance to deformation under heavy stacking. Their design facilitates secure strapping directly to the pallet structure, eliminating slippage risks during intermodal transport. Crucially, the steel construction ensures complete immunity to moisture absorption and biological degradation, unlike wooden alternatives, guaranteeing structural integrity even in prolonged humid or wet conditions encountered at sea or in port storage. Palletized unit loads are wrapped with high-tensile polyethylene stretch film, applied under controlled tension to form a cohesive, weather-resistant unit suitable for direct container stowage.

All exports originate exclusively through China’s premier deep-water container terminals: Ningbo-Zhoushan Port (world’s busiest cargo port) and Shanghai Yangshan Deep-Water Port. These facilities offer unparalleled connectivity to global shipping lanes, state-of-the-art cargo handling equipment, and stringent security protocols. Our logistics partners maintain dedicated marine freight forwarding expertise, managing all documentation including phytosanitary certificates, packing lists, and commercial invoices with precision. Pre-shipment verification confirms packaging compliance and load stability. This integrated approach, combining ISPM 15 certified wooden cases, robust steel palletization, and strategic port utilization, minimizes transit risks and ensures consistent, on-time delivery of operational solar navigation lights worldwide.

The following table details standard packaging specifications for our solar navigation light export shipments:

This standardized packaging system, rigorously applied and verified, forms the foundation of our export logistics excellence, safeguarding product quality and ensuring supply chain continuity for our international maritime partners. Proactive coordination with carriers and adherence to port-specific documentation requirements further optimize shipment execution from Ningbo or Shanghai.

Contact Star Marine

Contact Star Marine – Your Trusted Partner in Solar Navigation Lighting Solutions

Hangzhou Star Marine Technology Co., Ltd. is a leading provider of high-performance marine outfittings, specializing in the design, development, and export of solar navigation lights for commercial vessels, fishing fleets, offshore platforms, and recreational craft. With a strong commitment to innovation, durability, and regulatory compliance, our solar-powered navigation lighting systems meet international maritime standards, including COLREGs, IMO, and IEC 60945. As global demand for energy-efficient and sustainable marine solutions grows, we stand at the forefront of delivering reliable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional marine lighting.

Our solar navigation lights are engineered for harsh marine environments, featuring advanced photovoltaic charging, long-life LED technology, and robust polycarbonate or aluminum housings that resist corrosion, UV degradation, and saltwater exposure. Each unit is designed for easy installation, minimal service requirements, and optimal visibility across required sectors and ranges. Whether for new vessel construction or retrofit applications, our products support safe navigation while reducing operational costs and environmental impact.

We understand that every marine project has unique requirements. That’s why we offer customized configurations in terms of light intensity, color, mounting options, battery capacity, and solar panel integration. Our engineering team works closely with shipyards, naval architects, and fleet operators to ensure seamless integration and full compliance with classification society rules and flag state regulations.

To learn more about our solar navigation light series or to request technical specifications, compliance documentation, or pricing for your next project, we invite you to contact our Product Manager directly. Kacher YE brings extensive technical expertise in marine electrical systems and export logistics, ensuring clear communication, accurate product matching, and timely delivery to global markets.

Please refer to the key product parameters below for an overview of our standard solar navigation light offerings:

For personalized support, project inquiries, or sample requests, please reach out to Kacher YE via email at [email protected]. We respond to all inquiries within 24 business hours and provide full technical documentation, including datasheets, installation manuals, and certification copies upon request. Hangzhou Star Marine Technology is ready to support your transition to sustainable, reliable, and compliant marine navigation lighting. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and discover how our solar solutions can enhance safety and efficiency across your fleet.