Isn't it fitting that the namesake school Edison College has students designing a solar-powered boat? According to the Naples News, students from the Environmental Studies Club plan to convert a pontoon boat to solar power. One student currently runs his computer from energy generated from a solar panel on his home's roof.
Currently, the students are looking for a pontoon boat in good shape to convert. The solar panels would charge batteries to run its motor and the boat would reach speeds of up to 10 knots--not exactly a speed boat. The weight of the panels added to the batteries do, however, limit a boat's efficiency. But, since it takes an average boater about $800 to fill up a boat's fuel tank, solar may be a consideration.
Edison students are considering entering the annual collegiate solar boating competition called Solar Splash. University of Florida, the only Florida school, to have an entry in this year's competition placed last, among 18
solar boats, but it was UF's rookie year.
Edison College, has campuses in Punta Gorda, Naples, Fort Myers and LaBelle. It is currently building two new classroom buildings designed to meet LEED design certification.
Neighboring Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers plans to build a $17 million solar array.
0 comments:
Post a Comment