To reduce the usage of fossil fuels, there are many boat builders who are now concentrating on creating solar-powered sea vessels. These solar-powered boats are a cleaner and greener alternative to polluting fuels. Most of these boats are equipped with solar panels and batteries that convert sun’s energy into power. Even if these boats are not suitable for long ocean trips, these can be wonderfully used for small trips in lakes and rivers. Check out a few cost-effective and innovative solar-powered boats that are helping to reduce the carbon footprint of humankind.
1.Osprey: Crafted by the Tamarack Lake Electric Boat Company, this 32-foot long solar boat can carry around 25 individuals. Its solar panels absorb the sunlight and its batteries store this energy to transfer to two electric engines. Osprey is a perfect solution for people’s lake visits. This green boat is also completely safe for the environment.
2.sun21: This 45.9-foot long catamaran has a canopy-style roof that carries 48 photovoltaic cells to collect sunlight. This energy is then transferred to a device placed in a cabin. The deck’s underside has storage batteries to store this energy. The sun21 boat can accommodate large groups on excursions. Around six people can also find the place to sleep in this boat. One of its hulls has a kitchen and the other has a bathroom.
3.Solar Sailor: This passenger ferry runs on the waters of Sydney Harbor, Australia. Solar Sailor is not only powered by the energy of sun, but can also be run on wind, diesel or battery. By the use of the Solar Wing technology, this boat captures the sun’s energy for wind power, as well as for electricity. Under this technology, the wing movement is controlled by a computer. These wings are able to capture an optimum amount of sunlight. This is a very clean and green boat that runs without fumes and vibrations.
4.Planet Solar: Constructed by the Knierim Yacht Club in Germany, this is probably the first and biggest solar boat that has been running on waters around the world. This remarkable boat has completed a journey of 28 countries within 585 days. All this has been achieved simply using sun’s energy.
5.Private Energy Solar boat team: This solar boat has interestingly been participating in the Frisian Solar Challenge in Netherlands. It is the fastest sun-powered boat that has been leading the competition.
