PlanetSolar Catamaran, World Biggest Solar-powered Boat

PlanetSolar‘s TÛRANOR, the world’s biggest solar-powered boat is powered by over 5,380 square feet of solar paneling (with some 38,000 SunPower cells) and can reach a top speed of around 15 knots, equivalent to 25 kilometres (15 miles) per hour. And when it combined with other renewable sources like wind, the ship could move even faster. Moreover, the PlanetSolar watercraft also has giant lithium-ion battery that store excess energy to power the boat without direct sunlight for three whole days.

Cost about $26 million, this a 31 by 15-metre (100 by 50 feet) and 60-tonne white catamaran was built in Germany, and it hopes to inspire the fuel-guzzling shipping industry by promoting renewable energy. It can carry up to 50 passengers.

“We see there is a huge potential for solar boats,” said project founder Raphael Domjan said. “We have the technology to change and we are optimistic.”   

[via]

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