Well, it's not unusual to see wind-powered boats. But it is strange to see sails in an entirely new form...and also, to see them covered in photovoltaic cells.
The Solar Sailor is a ferry that transports people around Sydney harbor using about half has much fuel as it would need without its solar panel-covered wings. The wings are movable to allow the panels to track the sun when it's sunny. Or, if more energy can be gained from the wind, they can act as traditional sails. Finally, when weather is too rough for the sails to be out, they simply flatten against the ferry and the diesel motor takes over.
The Solar Sailor first started tooling around Sydney five years ago during the Olympics. But, so far, the idea hasn't spread. There is talk, however, of a similar design taking over tourist trips to the Statue of Liberty!
Via Inhabitat
Subscribe to this comment's feed
written by A Siege, October 10, 2007
-
- -1
-
-
written by Ben, October 11, 2007
-
- -1
-
-
written by Campbell, October 18, 2007
giant airships have the room needed for enough solar cells to power them, and airships can fly on bio-diesel; which airplanes cannot do.
it is the future of flight!
-
- +0
-
-
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
OCT 10
"posted August 20, 2009: http://www.celsias.com/article/polar-explorer..."
View all Comments