Most of us are plenty familiar with the idea of solar energy. Every year it powers more homes, heats more pools, and provides more warm baths. But how many of us know that solar power could really drive us? And not just on land, but over water, and through the air. Solar technology is advancing fast and there are some solar pioneers out there working on getting us going; solar style. Here are some ways that solar power can move us, and move us soon:

Solar powered cars have been around for many years and are not unknown to most of us. But due to practical limitations they have remained on the fringe of the solar energy movement, although that may be changing. For most of their history, solar cars have been relegated to the realms of university studies and racing. The main problem has always been solar cell efficiency. While a home has either a large site or roof in which to put panels, cars are very size restricted. There just isn’t enough room on a typical car to put enough panels to power it, at least not in a way that satisfies the needs of the modern commuter. Nonetheless, solar cell technologies are advancing and some car makers are pushing ahead anyway.

Solar boats are a new phenomenon. The first real solar powered speedboat was introduced by Dutch engineers earlier this year. This 33′ long racer has 150 square feet of solar panels on its surface and can reach speeds of up to 30 knots. Not only is it fast, but it is also produces far less pollution and noise than a conventional gas-powered boat. The Czeers Mk-1, as it is called, comes in at a hefty one million dollars. But don’t worry. If you can’t afford that, try the solar powered bicycle boat.

Solar planes are even more radical. There have been some crazy designs for these revolutionary flyers…but most stop right there. This due to the solar plane’s biggest physical enemy; lift. Solar planes are typically designed with huge wings (to fit panels) and narrow bodies (reduces drag), but still have extreme difficulty gaining enough speed and thrust to get off the ground. One ambitious project, the Solar Impulse, designed to circumnavigate the globe, advanced so far as production and test flights; but to no avail…yet. On a more realistic, and militaristic, note, the Department of Defense has long been designing, and using, solar powered, unmanned spy planes. These lightweight planes are much easier to get off the ground.

From the air base to the college campus, solar power is really moving. The sun is everywhere, which is what makes solar power full of such diverse possibilities. It’s been used in space for years on the Hubble telescope and the International Space Station. These space-age technologies are starting to lap over into more worldly applications. Namely: cars, boats, and planes.

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Steven Stiles is a technology writer for CalFinder Residential Solar Power. CalFinder’s free service connects homeowners interested in converting to sustainable energy systems with reliable solar contractors nationwide.

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