PlanetSolar Boat Unveiled, Prepped for Record-Setting Trip in April
PlanetSolar, the solar-powered boat that will circumnavigate the globe, was officially unveiled last week in the German port town of Kiel. After extensive testing in the meantime, PlanetSolar will set out this April to become the first boat in the world propelled only by solar power. An international team of scientists, engineers, boat builders and renowned adventurers helped design, build and support the project.
The solar-powered catamaran is 6 meters high by 31 meters long by 15 meters wide, weighing in at a hefty 60 tons. Yet the boat requires no diesel engine and no conventional backup system. It needs nothing but the 38,000 high-efficiency solar cells covering its surface. The solar cells were provided by San Jose-based SunPower Corporation, one of the world’s premier solar cell manufacturers and a leader in efficiency at converting sunlight to electricity.
SunPower solar cells will power four electric engines that quietly drive two propellers, reaching a maximum speed of 14 knots. PlanetSolar will spend four months on its voyage, traveling an expected average speed of 8 knots and moving west from Europe in order to maximize solar exposure. 
In fact, everything about PlanetSolar is intricately designed to ensure the most efficient use of its power source, from a Maximum Power Point Tracker (MMPT) built by Drivetek AG to the 700 GAIA lithium ion batteries on board to guarantee uninterrupted power.
Between now and April 2010, PlanetSolar will test its moxie in the Mediterranean. On the maiden voyage, the boat will stop at a number of cities worldwide, including New York, Marseilles, Monaco, Acapulco, San Francisco, Cairns and Darwin in Australia, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai (although all are subject to change). Miami has been added as an alternate stopoff.
PlanetSolar will house only two occupants during the adventure, but will hold up to 50 persons on demonstration runs during its promotional visits.
Via The Examiner
Photo Credit: Green Diary & Horozima
Posted on March 3rd in Solar News by Dan.