Pioneering Spirit Like the Wright Brothers
Solar powered flight is not currently scalable for widespread, commercial purposes. And wont be anytime soon. But the writing is on the wall. Much like the Wright Brothers, with a pioneering spirit, increasingly powerful technology, and an unwavering commitment to fulfilling the vision - solar powered commercial flights will one day be a reality.
Planes Burn Massive Carbon
Today, the aviation industry burns the most carbon per passenger of any mode of mass-transport and, despite efforts to limit emissions, remains the fastest growing source of greenhouse gases. The sector is identified by the UK’s committee on climate change as the toughest major emissions source to decarbonise.
Borschberg said the success of the Solar Impulse project, which has already become the first solar-powered plane to fly through the night and the first to fly between two continents, must be seen as a primitive step toward a zero-carbon jumbo.
“Currently, an aircraft entirely covered in solar cells would not be able to generate enough power to enable it to fly. The Solar Impulse is only able to fly using solar power because it is specially constructed to be very light weight and with a huge wingspan."
A significant leap forward in solar cell technology is necessary for large-scale application, but in a nod to the enduring spirit of early 20th century aviation pioneers, we believe it will happen.