Solar-Powered Boat to Patrol Great Barrier Reef

          The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 1,600 miles. Patrolling this area seems to be a difficult task for Queensland's Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing (DNPRSR) and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and so, the agencies are using solar power to help.
          Marine engineering consultants (MEC) have been requested from these agencies to help construct a 78.7 feet long-range Catamaran Patrol Vessel to work in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The catamaran is very eco-friendly as it is equipped with extensive solar panels, high R-value insulation, zoned air conditioning, as well as window blinds and shutters to reduce the impact of the Queensland sun.

Recreation: Building a Solar-Powered Plane

       For those arts and crafts fans, get ready to take a new level by building your very own solar-powered plane. Instructables user jeffmazter406 have provided a step-by-step guide, along with detailed instructions and photos, in creating one, which is a similar yet mini version of the Solar Impulse plane. It also links to two Powerpoint presentations by Texas A&M University to help walk you through the procedures.
     

         This project has been constructed by Newman Smith High School students with the help of faculty in Carrollton, Texas and has been sponsored by the Texas A&M University Society of Flight Test Engineers. The team, in addition, notes that "the project is not for the beginner as it gets complicated." However, if you may feel the need to want to experience and create a solar-powered plane, click here. 

BoostSolar: $99 Solar Power Battery Backup System

Eton BoostSolar is a solar charger with a 5,000 mAh battery

      The Etón BoostSolar is a solar-powered smartphone and tablet (and pretty much any other electronic devices) charging solution that helps deliver power anywhere that has ample amounts of sunshine. This product also includes a battery capable of delivering two charges to the typical smartphone. Consumers looking in the market for mobile power solutions and emergency preparation products may recognize the Etón name as the manufacturer of several Red Cross branded emergency and outdoor  products.
        The Etón BoostSolar is a solar charger and battery pack that consumers can charge up with the sun or by a USB port. The 5,000 mAh battery has the capacity to charge a smartphone twice and can push enough power to charge power-demanding tablets, which tend to be strict about any power requirements.

        This product is able to charge the included 5,000 mAh battery in approximately 16 hours of sunlight or in about 5 hours over the USB port. Each battery includes a LED indicator light to show the battery life left. It also ensures that the solar panels will survive any outdoor activities due to its IPX-4 rating for water, which defines itself to be able to survive splashes and a little rain. The corners feature openings so consumers are able to clip the solar charger to a backpack while walking, for on-the-go charging. 

Switch between batteries to keep the power flowing