Renogy wins Sailors’ Choice Award as UK marine push grows

Renogy’s Bifacial Solar Panels won the top Domestic Systems honour in the inaugural Sailors’ Choice Awards 2026, a sailor-voted recognition that underscores rising demand for onboard energy systems. The win lands as Renogy expands its UK marine business through an exclusive distribution deal with SM Group (Europe) Ltd.

Why it matters: - The award gives Renogy direct validation from sailors and boat owners, the users who rely on marine energy gear in real conditions. - The recognition comes as demand grows for onboard power systems that can reduce dependence on shore power and engine charging. - Renogy and SM Group (Europe) Ltd. are using the moment to expand access to marine energy products, technical support and training in the UK.

What happened: - Renogy won the inaugural Sailors’ Choice Awards 2026 in the Domestic Systems category. - The winning product was Renogy’s Bifacial Solar Panels. - Practical Boat Owner and Yachting Monthly organised the awards. - Sailors and boat owners selected nominees through public nominations and then a public vote. - The award announcement was made in Birmingham, United Kingdom, on September 30, 2026.

The details: - Renogy’s Bifacial Solar Panels are designed to capture solar energy from both sides of the panel where installation conditions allow. - The design aims to help boat owners use limited onboard solar installation space more effectively. - Marine installations face constraints from limited space, changing charging conditions and long periods away from shore power. - The award reflects interest in renewable energy solutions that can support battery replenishment and extend time on the water. - Tom Li, VP of European Business at Renogy, said the sailor-voted result is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the boating community. - Renogy’s UK marine push runs through SM Group (Europe) Ltd., its exclusive distributor for the UK marine market. - The partnership combines Renogy’s solar panels, lithium batteries, DC-DC chargers, inverters and intelligent power management products with SMG’s marine dealer network, technical expertise and local support. - Through SMG’s UK network, dealers, installers and system integrators can access local stock availability, technical support and product training. - The partnership also supports system planning, product specification, installation support and aftersales service. - Renogy’s marine portfolio is expanding beyond standalone solar products toward integrated onboard energy systems. - The company’s marine offering now spans generation, charging, storage, power conversion and intelligent monitoring.

Between the lines: - The award points to a broader shift in marine energy toward practical, integrated systems rather than single-product purchases. - Renogy’s pairing of product development with a local distributor suggests the company is trying to win not just end users but also the dealers and installers who shape marine buying decisions. - SM Group’s role gives Renogy a route into the UK market that includes logistics, training and aftersales support, which matter in a technical category like marine electrification.

What’s next: - Renogy and SM Group said they will keep expanding access to marine energy products, integrated system solutions, technical support and training across the UK. - The companies plan to make greater onboard energy independence more practical for dealers, installers and boat owners. - Renogy’s marine lineup is expected to keep evolving around complete onboard energy systems rather than individual components alone.

The bottom line: - Renogy’s award win is both a product endorsement and a sign that the company is building a bigger UK marine business around local support and integrated power systems.

More information: Renogy UK