PlanetSolar unveils world's largest solar boat

[wpsedgwick]

Source: Green Technology Daily

On Wednesday, the covers were taken off PlanetSolar, a multi-hulled vessel, powered entirely by up to 500 square metres of photovoltaic solar panels. It is considered to be the world's largest solar boat.

The 31m long and 15m wide craft is expected to be able capture 103.4 kW of solar energy to drive its engine which apparently only needs 20kW, to achieve an average speed of eight knots (15kph or 9mph). Although it is hoped it can also attain a top speed of roughly twice that.

The 60 tonne catamaran has cost 18 million euro ($24.4 million USD) to create at the Knierim Yacht Club in Kiel in northern Germany and will be launched waterside next month with sea trials due between June and September. To achieve to full photovoltaic capture there are solar covered flaps that are extended at the stern and amidships.



Read more: http://www.greentechnologydaily.com/new-technologies/651-planetsolar-unveils-worlds-largest-solar-boat

[nyc 4 Biden]

1. photo

[MineralMan]

2. I can't see where you mount the trolling motor on that thing.

No place for pedestal seats, either. Piss-poor bass boat, if you ask me.

[wpsedgwick]

4. LOL!

Possibly the funniest comment of the day.

[MineralMan]

5. Thank you kindly.

[SteveG]

9. Where are the Gun mounts and torpedo tubes? (NT)

NT

[lunatica]

6. Does it have portholes?

[dugaresa]

3. kind of looks like the starship enterprise a bit

but not a fun boat.

[Ian David]

7. I wonder what it will look like after it's rammed by a Japanese whaler? n/t

[alfredo]

10. I was thinking of hurricane force winds getting under

the solar array deck.

[LibertyLover]

8. I had to smile a bit over this article

as someone with a degree in Egyptology, the term "solar boat" has a whole 'nother meaning. I was getting a visual of Ra fighting Apophis from a battle cruiser using a torpedo or the like.:)