First sun powered boat on Okavango River



It is the first to be seen on the Okavango River – a solar powered sloop built in Maun.

As it progresses from Shakawe to Maun, the sun is heating nine photovoltaic 200W panels (1800W) to provide the engine with power, and to recharge the four batteries as needed.

A Flexmax power point system is also used to determine how best to use the power obtained while two additional 80W panels power an Engel fridge/freezer, an emergency radio, and two LED spotlights.

The Ray Marine electric motor, which is 4hp, pushes the boat which, combined with the current, gives the craft an elegant 12 k/ph cruising speed.

Those on board - who have been well-stocked up with food, and have been resupplied by Jacques Conradie, from River Safaris - say the engine is remarkably quiet, and the boat “handles like a dream.”

They have been averaging about 60-70 km per day from Shakawe to Maun, and are on schedule.

The solar sloop, celebrating the launch of the Alternative Power Systems Africa company, of Maun, and highlighting the use of solar power and its different applications, should be arriving in Maun today or tomorrow (Friday or Saturday) if all goes well.

Source: www.ngamitimes.com

Great!!!

Hi Hans,

Great news!

Ready to rock the safari way again on powered boat!