Solar Powered Yacht Docks in Brisbane

On May 29, 2011 Australia was host to an historic event as the largest and most successful solar powered Yacht, Turanor Planet Solar, is set to dock in Brisbane’s Port as part of its record breaking attempt to circumnavigate the world completely on solar power.

In total, Turanor Planet Solar will travel a distance of 27,000 nautical miles over a period of two days. The 16 million dollar yacht is powered by 38,000 solar panels generating enough energy to propel the vessel and to power its interior. The ship also sails at night;its powerful lithium-ion batteries store excess energy for use at night and when the sun is least favorable.

Everything on the boat, with the exception of their gas stove, is powered by the large array of solar panels spread across the bow. Although the crew may be in for a more uncomfortable trip should inclement weather cause more than 3 days without sunlight to occur, they are unlikely to be in any danger as the sturdy vessel can withstand tough conditions. The crew was forced to prove this during their final leg into Brisbane when they had to negotiate 40 knot winds, and the boat emerged unscathed.

Currently the ship already has opened the record books as the fastest solar boat to cross the Atlantic and longest distance traveled by a solar powered vehicle…

However, makers of the vessel is not only aiming for a spot in history, their goals are also to show that current technologies aimed at improving energy efficiency are reliable and effective, and secondly to advance scientific research in the field of renewable energy.

Not surprisingly spectators crowded for their chance to be part of the historical occasion, which was the vessels only stop in Australia. Many were curious to see how the panels powered the boat, and some were more fascinated by the unique design of the yacht, but either way everyone went away impressed. One thing is for sure, The Turanor Planet Solar certainly served its purpose of showing to Brisbane what solar power can do, and how rapidly expanding solar applications will change the face of the world forever.

Effects on Brisbane

The visit of the cleanest yacht in the world to Brisbane is another great boost to local awareness regarding photovoltaic technology. The high profile of the historic event may help to increase the number of solar panels in Brisbane even further, as such visible proof of solar powers efficiency is within Queenslanders’ sight.

On top of that, the yacht is also hoped to bring back the enthusiasm & confidence of Australians in renewable energy despite the recent changes in the solar bonuses and schemes in some part of the country.