Last month, a reporter and photographer from The Maine Monitor joined us on Casco Bay to see something a little unusual. What looked like a humble pontoon barge turned out to be one of Maine’s first solar-powered oyster farm operations. They came to understand how small aquaculture businesses are reducing their reliance on gas and diesel — and what that shift could mean for Maine’s working waterfront.
Meet Marge the Barge
Our solar barge is a 24×8-foot platform. It runs on six solar panels, marine-grade lithium batteries, and a Torqeedo electric outboard motor. The system powers everything from our oyster tumbler to a seawater pump. We process shellfish without fumes, noise, or the maintenance headaches of a traditional gas generator.
It is a significant change for a small farm. But it is one we believe in. It aligns with our mission to offer sustainable oyster farm tours that celebrate stewardship and connection to place.
Why It Matters
Our solar barge saves over 80 gallons of gasoline each season. It eliminates the need for noisy generators on the water. It also gives our guests — whether they are on a private tour or part of a school group — a quieter and cleaner experience on Casco Bay.
Getting here took support from Shred Electric, The Boat Yard, the Island Institute, and USDA grants. We are grateful for every partner who helped make it possible.
What Comes Next
We are not 100% electric yet. Charging a full electric workboat requires shore power infrastructure that does not yet exist at our farm location. But as that infrastructure develops in Portland and Yarmouth, we will be ready.
In the meantime, we keep testing, improving, and sharing what we learn.
Want to see Maine’s solar-powered oyster barge up close? Join us for a private oyster farm tour near Portland, Maine and taste what sustainable farming looks like.