Another of the up-and-coming battery technologies. The various electric vehicle and hybrid research initiatives seem like they may pay off.

Yet another press release type announcement, but I think the gist is probably right. With the steadily growing demand for energy storage (in vehicles and stationary applications) I think the increased mass production will drive costs down. I sure hope so (in time for my build).

Battery manufacturer Ener1 just announced that they're foreseeing an 50% drop in the price of lithium ion batteries as production increases. Where exactly this price drop will be coming from, we're not sure. ...

One of the major problems with solar power is that you only get energy when the sun is out. When the sun is down (or even just low on the horizon or it's cloudy), then you need another source of power.

Right now, batteries are often used to store that energy for later use, but weight and inefficiencies limit the technology. read more »

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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