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<p>With energy consumption and environmental concerns taking the forefront in this nation, the United States Navy is playing its part by committing itself to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels both at sea and ashore. Solar power is one method by which the Navy can help reach its energy goals. The practicality of equipping its surface combatants with solar panels to aid in the generation of shipboard power in order to reduce the consumption of traditional fossil fuels is examined in this thesis. Such a measure would be beneficial both at sea and in port, for the sun does not discriminate where it shines. In order to accomplish this, research was done into the available surface area associated with various ship classes, current fuel and energy consumption figures both at sea and in port, estimates of how much fuel and money could be saved, what effect the panels will have on tactical factors, and different means of storing the energy generated from the panels.
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<br>Subjects: Solar power; navy surface combatants; energy storage; tactical feasibility.</div>
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Kirkpatrick, Justin P.</div>
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