Super Efficient Solar Powered Electric Boat?

Solar Powered Boat (Credit: Image courtesy of University of Southampton)

If we are to go by first impressions then this one’s got to be pretty impressive! A group of academics and students from the University of Southampton, UK have begun work on a solar-electric powered boat.

What’s special about this endeavor is that…

The boat is being built in order to compete at the Annual Solar Splash competition in Arkansas in June 2010, which is the World Championship of Intercollegiate Solar Boating.

Why?

New laboratory facilities, carbon fibre expertise, and advances in solar technology have enabled the team from the University of Southampton to set their sights high on this year’s competition. They are seeking collaboration with local businesses interested in ‘green’ boats or buildings, aerospace, engineering or general manufacturing and believe that this professionally engineered ‘green’ boat will be one of the most sophisticated solar-powered boats ever designed within the constraints of the Solar Splash competition!