PlanetSolar: The World’s Largest Solar Powered Boat Docks in Hong Kong

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/worlds-largest-solar-powered-boat-unveiled/" target="_blank">PlanetSolar</a>'s TÛRANOR - the world’s largest solar-powered boat - has been making waves in every corner of the globe, and the ship just made the latest stop on its world tour as it docked in the port of Hong Kong. The Swiss-designed , German-built <a href="http://inhabitat.com/clean-and-quiet-tsekoa-research-vessel-is-north-americas-first-plug-in-hybrid-fuel-cell-ship/" target="_blank">ship</a> is powered by over 5,380 square feet of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/checkerboard-pattern-cerredo-housing-complex-captures-energy-from-the-sun/" target="_blank">solar paneling</a>, and it hopes to inspire the fuel-guzzling shipping industry by promoting renewable energy.

Measuring around 101 feet long and 49 feet wide, the catamaran can comfortably transport 50 passengers to their desired ports of call.

Since departing from Monaco on September 27, 2010, the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/worlds-largest-solar-powered-boat-crosses-atlantic/" target="_blank">ship has been circling the globe</a>, from Miami to the Panama Canal, to the Philippines and now Hong Kong.

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/petit-bain-green-roofed-floating-building-sets-sail-on-the-seine-in-paris/" target="_blank">solar-powered ship</a> cost around $26 million. This may seem hefty, but its reliance on solar power saves the vessel large amounts of energy.

The solar panels on PlanetSolar power two electric motors, which can reach 15 miles per hour. Combined with <a href="http://inhabitat.com/wind-cube-a-design-for-a-personal-wind-farm-right-in-your-home/" target="_blank">other renewable sources (wind)</a> it could move even faster.

The panels can also soak up enough stored energy to power the boat in cloudy weather for three whole days. The excess energy is stored in a giant lithium-ion battery.

PlanetSolar is keenly aware that the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/brilliant-floating-hotel-allows-guests-to-explore-the-adriatic-sea-in-luxury/" target="_blank">shipping</a> industry is responsible for 4.5% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations. The TÛRANOR's tour will hopefully enlighten people around the world about the potential of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/ikea-uk-makes-pledge-to-use-100-renewable-energy/" target="_blank">solar power</a>, proving that a renewable energy-run vessel is not only entirely possible, but extremely capable.