Jun 9 2010
Crystalline silicon solar panels manufacturer Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. has introduced the Suntech-Guosheng solar sailor in Shanghai on the Huangpu River. This innovative solar-powered, 31.5-m, eco-friendly passenger vessel incorporates proprietary 'solarsail' technology created by Solar Sailor, an Australian company involved in maritime solar technology. This vessel will sail through the Huangpu River meant for the Shanghai World Expo, motivating visitors to support the theme of the event "Better City, Better Life".
The CEO, Chairman and Founder of Suntech Power Holdings Zhengrong Shi stated that over the coming three years, the company intends to add crystalline silicon module and cell production capacity in 1,000 MW at its Shanghai facility.
The hybrid marine power (HMP) technology of solarsail couples electric drives with the range and power of hydrocarbon/alternative fuels. Solar energy and other renewable sources of energy present on the top portion of the rivers, lakes and sea charges batteries which in turn power the vessel. Moreover, the Suntech-Guosheng passenger vessel features the analog-based SolarMagic technology of National Semiconductor to increase the HMP system’s power output. Advantages of the solar-powered vessels at sea include zero-emission capability, fuel savings, reduced greenhouse gases, power redundancy, reduced particulate emissions and lower noxious gas emissions.
Suntech Power Holdings has a strong track record of collaborating with Australian research institutions for developing advanced solar technologies. Recently, the Victoria-Suntech Advanced Solar Facility was unveiled in Melbourne for the commercialization and development of nanoplasmonic solar technology. The company has a long-standing relationship with Sydney’s University of New South Wales (UNSW) for jointly developing new solar technologies.
Source: http://www.suntech-power.com/