[Graeme]

Well, we've learnt about the solar plane. Now there's a solar ship!

Solar Ships coming out in 2009

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'I')t will take around a couple more years, but by then tourists to Alcatraz could be traveling on renewable energy instead of burning up any more fossil fuel than it should thanks to the Solar Ship. This mode of green transportation is made possible courtesy of Australia's Solar Sailor that has successfully developed large solar panels that double up as sails, converting any existing boat into a hybrid. The boat will still be equipped with a diesel engine, but that only kicks in whenever there isn't any wind or sunlight around. The Solar Ship initiative has been rather successful, as a tour boat in Sydney Harbor with an array of eight small solar sails is capable of making three runs per day while using just 1/10th of its fuel. The Solar Sail itself will retail for $1.5 million - but then again after splurging $8.5 million on the boat itself, that is but chump change.

[Eli]

I hear scientists are now working on a solar powered Sun too.

[eastbay]

That's about the funniest thing I've read here in quite awhile Eli.

Solar powered sun. Crazy.

[joewp]

I heard they're working on wind power for boats now, too.



From what I understand, these "wind panels" are much cheaper, more readily available and easier to build than solar panels. It's just my humble opinion, but I think they promise a much more sustainable mode of transport than solar powered boats.

[Prince]

Graeme,

You'd have a lot more credibility if you learned to pace yourself with your bullshit. Sadly, though, I think you actually believe your own BS. Although I have to agree with Drifter--your vehemence in believing the delusionally impossible makes for bittersweet entertainment.

[Graeme]

Well Guys, I'm posting news articles about technologies that actually exist, or are about to, and I will continue to do so because I don't accept that the consequences of peak oil are necessarily catastrophic. That's what you fail to grasp. Unless you read other positive news, then your apocalytic visions are just as entertaining of not a hoot.

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'L')ike hybrid cars, boats equipped with the company's solar sails get their best mileage results in short-haul trips. The results, so far, are pretty impressive, Dane notes. In Sydney, the boat with the solar sails can go 6 knots on either wind power or solar power. Wind and sun together allow the boat to go around 10 knots. (Cumulatively, the sails on the Sydney boat can generate 16 kilowatts.)

[americandream]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Graeme', 'W')ell Guys, I'm posting news articles about technologies that actually exist, or are about to, and I will continue to do so because I don't accept that the consequences of peak oil are necessarily catastrophic. That's what you fail to grasp. Unless you read other positive news, then your apocalytic visions are just as entertaining of not a hoot.

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'L')ike hybrid cars, boats equipped with the company's solar sails get their best mileage results in short-haul trips. The results, so far, are pretty impressive, Dane notes. In Sydney, the boat with the solar sails can go 6 knots on either wind power or solar power. Wind and sun together allow the boat to go around 10 knots. (Cumulatively, the sails on the Sydney boat can generate 16 kilowatts.)

[Graeme]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Drifter', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Graeme', 'W')ell Guys, I'm posting news articles about technologies that actually exist, or are about to, and I will continue to do so because I don't accept that the consequences of peak oil are necessarily catastrophic. That's what you fail to grasp. Unless you read other positive news, then your apocalytic visions are just as entertaining of not a hoot.

[Judgie]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('joewp', 'I') heard they're working on wind power for boats now, too.



From what I understand, these "wind panels" are much cheaper, more readily available and easier to build than solar panels. It's just my humble opinion, but I think they promise a much more sustainable mode of transport than solar powered boats.

[EnergyUnlimited]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Eli', 'I') hear scientists are now working on a solar powered Sun too.

[Graeme]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Drifter', 'Y')ou are right. Hope is good. I don't think you are a bad person. Not at all. I really can't blame you for not wanting to give up your current lifestyle. I don't want to either. None of us do. I just don't understand why you place so much hope in all these unrealistic and impractical technological wonders. I place my hope and faith in the people. That the people will have the strength and resolve to make it through what is coming. To try to work together for the common cause of the community. There are a lot of bad and selfish people in the world. But there also a lot of good people. There is still hope for the future, even though it will be the hardest times of our lives.

[theozarker]

I don't think Ghrame is silly (although his constant optimism is a little scary at times ). I read a lot of articles on lo tech type solutions that, although they may not be scalable in general, I might figure out a way to use as an individual.

Right now I'm building some box lid type passive solar convection heaters out of fiberboard and 1 x 2s to fit over the bottom halves of my south and west windows. It won't furnish all my heat for the winter, but it will help transition away from my gas heater as gas gets more expensive until I can figure out the next step. The idea came from an illustration of passive solar principles in an article for big passive solar ideas that I don't have the money to build.

So you never know what articles might inspire you to find something that will meet your individual needs - since the great big projects may not be feasible as energy supplies dwindle. Just my HO anyway.

Linda

[lorenzo]

Solar boats are fun for tourism.

But for big ocean-going container ships and tankers we use the SkySail.

Tests on small ships successful, big funds (EU money too) and first trials on huge ships from early 2008 onwards.





http://www.skysails.info/

Reduces fuel consumption by up to 50%.

[eastbay]

Right now I'm building some box lid type passive solar convection heaters out of fiberboard and 1 x 2s to fit over the bottom halves of my south and west windows. It won't furnish all my heat for the winter, but it will help transition away from my gas heater as gas gets more expensive until I can figure out the next step. The idea came from an illustration of passive solar principles in an article for big passive solar ideas that I don't have the money to build.


No. I'm not joking.

Q: Is this contraption more efficient than just opening the curtains when the sun is shining? It's November 9th and we have yet to ignite the home heater using this simple old-school method and it's been in the low 30's many mornings. Rarely has it moved past the high 50's outside since late OCT.

Inside it's always in the low 60's, certainly nice enough for anyone who owns a sweater and a pair of socks.

Just wondering.