Solar Power World

Solar-powered vehicles set impressive records

Laura Carrabine, Senior Editor The Solar Impulse aircraft, which is powered only by solar energy, completed its first night flight. The ultralight aircraft was airborne from 7:00 am on July 7, 2010 to 9:00 am July 8, 2010 before landing in Switzerland. It is the first manned vehicle capable of flying day and night without fuel.The Solar Impulse aircraft, which is powered only by solar energy completed its first night flight. The ultra-light craft was airborne for 26 hours before... Read More

First Solar-Powered Airplane Takes Flight

The Solar Impulse lifted off from a military airport at a speed no faster than 28 mph (45 kph) after briefly accelerating down the runway. It slowly gained altitude above the green-and-beige fields and eventually faded into the horizon as villagers watched from the nearest hills. During Wednesday’s 90-minute flight, the plane completed a series of turns by gently tilting its black-and-white wings, which are as wide as those of a 747 jumbo jet. It climbed nearly a mile... Read More