The trip was 25,000 miles and started more than a year ago. It included 17 different flights, including a trip across the U.S. in May.
The plane, which was about as heavy as a Jeep and has wings the equivalent of an Airbus 380 that run off 17,000 solar cells. It traveled at speeds from 50-100 kilometers per hour, topping out just short of a car’s freeway speeds.
Aztec Solar congratulates the pilots, Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, on their historic journey and thanks them for increasing awareness about the power of solar.
According to the Solar Impulse website, “Beyond this historic milestone, the two Swiss pioneers will continue to urge the global implementation of energy efficient solutions through the creation of the International Committee for Clean Technologies and leverage the expertise and technology gained over the years in Solar Impulse by launching new innovative projects, such as the development of solar powered drones. Join the movement with #futureisclean”
Speaking of solar flights, Facebook is currently testing a solar-powered plane to provide internet access in secluded areas.
If solar can provide enough energy to fly a plane around the world and support a three-month plane that can supply internet access, imagine what it could do for your home. If you are interested in a new solar system, make sure you contact us for a free site visit and solar need analysis, or simply give us a call with any questions you may have at 916.853.2700.