Pollution-free globe-trotting goes fabulously gigantic as the PlanetSolar – the world’s largest solar-powered catamaran – announced its arrival yesterday. Nearly 13 months went into the fabrication of the 102 feet long and 50 feet wide vessel. The multi-hull vessel shows itself with about 5,300 square feet of black photovoltaic solar panels that contains some 38,000 of SunPower's next generation cells.
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Draped in white, the 24-1/2 feet high, futuristic Swiss catamaran has made its maker, Raphael Domjan, 38, proud as he can’t help expressing him thus:
This is a unique feeling to see in front of me today a boat which I so often dreamed about… The aim is really to show that we have the technology today, not tomorrow… It's not in a laboratory or DIY. It is a technology that is reliable, able to perform and economically interesting.
planetsolar worlds largest solar powered catamaran
The 18 million euro ($27.4 million) catamaran ably reaches a top speed of 15 knots or 27 kilometers per hour, and has a seating capacity of 50 passengers. It was built at Knierim Yacht Club in Kiel in northern Germany.
World Tour to follow official unveiling:
planetsolar worlds largest solar powered catamaran
Slated for an official launch in late March, it will undergo thorough testing between June and September. Once satisfied with its overall functioning, the sea-queen will undertake her first world tour in 2011.
If you have always thought of luxurious green cruising over the lakes, rivers and seas around the world, here are the 10 best luxury yachts that are not impolite to Mother Nature. Hit the slideshow below to see some of the most luxurious eco-friendly yachts.
Via: Gizmodo/ABC News/CNet/Treehugger
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