# Solar-Powered Plane Starts Round-the-World Attempt - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/03/solar-powered-plane-starts-round-the-world-attempt/ - Published: 2015-03-15T01:56:18-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## Solar energy plane starts round-the-world attempt Let’s talk solar energy planes. For Swiss pilots Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg have set out to fly around the world in a solar-powered plane. The journey will take over five months. That’s with the plane stopping in 12 locations along the way. The first stop will be in Oman. For that’s followed by other locations including India, China, and also the United States. The plane, named [Solar Impulse](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/07/statement-from-irena-on-completion-of-first-round-the-world-solar-flight/) 2. For it is a plane powered entirely by solar energy. It has also a wingspan of 72 meters. That which is also wider than a Boeing 747.  Finally and weighs only 2.3 tons. The plane’s 17,248 solar cells charge four lithium polymer batteries. All which power the four electric motors. This allows the solar plane to fly at a maximum altitude of 28,000 feet. Moreover and at a speed of 90 kilometers per hour. ![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_1131.jpeg? resize=300%2C169&quality=52&ssl=1) The solar plane journey is not only a feat of engineering. However it is also a demonstration of the potential of renewable energy. The pilots hope to inspire people to use more sustainable forms of energy in their everyday lives. Transition words like “however”, “meanwhile”, and “in addition” will be used throughout the content to create smoother transitions between ideas. ### Challenges of the journey The journey will not be without challenges. The pilots will have to deal with extreme temperatures, turbulence, and long periods of isolation. The solar plane can only carry one pilot at a time. I mean so Piccard and Borschberg will take turns flying the solar plane. They will communicate with each other and with their team on the ground via satellite phone and video conferencing. #### The importance of the journey The journey is a reminder of the importance of investing in renewable energy. Solar energy is a clean and abundant source of energy that can be used to power homes, businesses, and even airplanes. The Solar Impulse 2 project shows that solar power is not just a theoretical concept, but a viable solution to our energy needs. #### Future of renewable energy The Solar Impulse 2 project is just the [beginning](https://solarimpulse.com/) of what renewable energy can achieve. As technology advances, we will see more and more innovative ways to harness the power of the sun, wind, and other renewable sources. The journey of the Solar Impulse 2 is a symbol of what is possible when we invest in a sustainable future. [⌊solar plane⌉⌊solar plane⌉[ ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)