The three-day Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge started in the capital of the United Arab Emirates and wound through city streets and desert landscapes. Fifteen international university teams were competing in the Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge that started Thursday at Yas Marina Circuit. The ADSC was sponsored by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and hosted by Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company, The Michigan University team won first place, while second place went to the United Arab Emirate’s, Petroleum Institute.

credit: Punch Powertrain Solar Team

The boat used 537 sq.m of photovoltaic solar panels, which deliver power to an electric motor. PlanetSolar is the first vehicle to have successfully achieved the feat of traveling around the world using solar energy alone, all powered by the sun. The ship sailed for 585 days without fuel to show the potential of solar energy.

Facts:

Length: 35 m / Width: 23 m
Height: 6.10 m / Weight: 95 t
Solar Panels: 38’000 with 22,6% yield
Maximum engine power: 120 kW
Average Engine: 20 kW (26.8 HP)
Crew: min 4 people

credit: El coleccionista de instantes