solar

The 2008 Frisian Solar Challenge has just been completed. Last run in 2006, this year this race through the European canals via solar power was completed by 32 of the 49 boats.

PassageMaker Magazine's most recent issue has a couple of responses to reader letters by the head of Independence Green Yachts. Don't know for sure if they will produce, but it looks like they are on the right track to making a fuel cell/solar type yacht.  read more »

I haven't really been keeping up with the fuel cell arena as much as the solar power world, but this article kind of peaks my interest. Genepax Co Ltd claims to have a fuel cell produce 300W based on feeding it water and it having a chemical reaction... well, that could be quite a handy generator :-)

Sounds a little of the "too good to be true" world, and it would depend on the cost of the other consumables (membranes, etc.), but who knows...  read more »

Another new entry in the electric power world. Looks to be designed as a sailboat drop-in replacement for your gas engine. Some of the technology looks interesting.

I'm thrilled to see more and more of this type of equipment on the market.

Don't know about the "world's first" claim, but a very nice boat... all solar/electric, carbon fiber, LCD touchscreen controls... all the fancy stuff.

Only available for commercial applications right now, but these would be just perfect for the roof of my boat. No pains mounting them, just stick them on. There is a video here of an installation being performed. The company also does have some residential solutions... I have to believe this stuff will continue to grow.  read more »

If you remember Warren and Robin and their Pepi, we have more news. The Pepi is the Mark V39 originally built by Brad Indicott and now making another round of the Great Loop. Pepi is currently for sale and they have the Island Pilot DSe hull #1 on order.


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No, it's not there yet, but its another step toward a more highly efficient solar panel that is lower cost. No idea if this will pan out, but I'm sure glad to see more and more work in the solar power arena.

Another up-and-coming technology that we may want to keep an eye on. 60% potential efficiency from sun or other heat sources (it converts heat, not light, so it can work with various heat sources). Geared around having "cool" air for a temperature differential. Wonder how it would be with the (nearly always cooler than air temp) water that the boat is sitting in.

This is a follow-up article concerning a company that is supposedly going to be getting the cost of solar down a bunch. If it comes to pass, then the trickle down should help us in the boating world also (I hope, I hope).