Electric Aircraft - Part 2. Solar

PC-Aero (see the previous post Electric Aircraft)  joined forces with SolarWorld  to build the first close-to-production solar electric aircraft SolarWorld e-One. Powered by the electric motor, which derives energy from  crystalline PV cells, mounted on the upper surface of the wings, which charge a lithium-ion battery.

SolarWorld e-One

Specifications:

MTOW	300 kg
empty weight (without batteries)	100 kg
battery weight	100 kg
payload	100 kg
wing span	13 m
wing surface	10 m
max. engine power	16 kW
max. range	up to 1,000 km
max. endurance	more than 8 hours
cruise	140 km/h
aspect ratio	16.9
best glide ratio	33
certification	Ultralight class Germany (LTF-UL)

The solar electric plane generates neither CO₂ nor other emissions, producing also no sound pollution.  This may be the beginning of a new era in aviation history – and along with electric cars and electric boats (see Solar Ship) is an important step towards an emission-free future of mobility.

While on the ground, the lithium-ion battery is charged of the solar hangar.