TrendWatching.com: Australian Solar Sailor has developed a ‘solar wing’ for ferries and yachts, which harnesses both sun and wind energy. Like a large sail, the (very iconic) solar wing can be manipulated into different rotating positions, as well as folding flat in high winds. Vessels can reach speeds of 10 to 13 knots, the same maximum speed as conventional ferries. Even on a cloudy day, enough energy is generated to charge a vessel’s main batteries and keep the boat running.
Eco-Bounty [TrendWatching.com]
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That’s fantastic, but what about night? I suppose that the yachts or ship should be equipped with conventional diesel engines to be able to sail at night… Can the power from the solar sail and the engines be combined to increase the maximum speed?