Solar Impulse believes in the power of symbols. By writing new pages of aviation history with solar energy, including even a round-the-world flight with no fuel or polluting emissions, Solar Impulse is demonstrating the enormous potential of new technologies for energy saving and the production of renewable energies, writes Solar Impulse.

Dependence On Fossil Energies Is No Longer Inevitable

European Solar Flights – Public day at Brussels Airport 2011 | © Solar Impulse | Laure Geerts

This Solar Impulse initiative is both scientific and innovative. It is also philosophical, by virtue of its concern to heighten awareness in society of the need to be sparing with our planet’s energy resources.

With industry-leading efficiency (22.7%) Solar Impulse’s solar cells are only 135 microns thin, like an average human hair. In comparison, the efficiency of solar panels used on homes is of 16%.

The best are those used on satellites (30%), but they are also too heavy for the solar aircraft. There are 11‘548 solar cells on HB-SIA. These cells were chosen for their weight, energy and efficiency ratio. Innovation by SunPower.

Solar Swiss Flights – Payerne to Geneva, 2010 | © Solar Impulse | Jean Revillard

The wings are made of one hundred forty-four ribs carefully placed at 20 inches (50 cm) intervals by Solar Impulse engineers.The upper surface of the wings is made of solar panels and the lower part with an ultra-light fabric.The wing spar is entirely made of carbon fiber honeycomb sandwich panels.

By Amber Archangel

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