By
Greentech Lead Team: The SolarWorld Gran Turismo (GT), a solar-powered car
sponsored by SolarWorld, the U.S. solar panel manufacturer, will soon kick off
the U.S. leg of its 21,000-mile global journey, propelled by sun rays.
The
SolarWorld Gran Turismo (GT), a two-seat sports car powered by roof-integrated
solar cells is designed by SolarWorld and Bochum University of Applied Sciences
in Germany.
The
GT’s circumnavigation of the planet, a first for a sustainable automobile, will
set a “Guinness Book of World Records” record for the longest distance covered
by a solar car.
The
SolarWorld GT began its trans-world journey in Australia and New Zealand in
October 2011 and covered more than 3,100 miles. Following the U.S. leg, the
vehicle and its crew will travel through Europe, Africa and Asia before
finishing in Australia in late 2012.
“The
SolarWorld GT is an ambassador for sustainable personal transportation,
reminding us that the power to shift our driving habits away from dirty fossil
fuels is within our grasp. Clean energy from the sun is there for the taking
without depleting the Earth’s riches,” said Kevin Kilkelly, president of
SolarWorld Americas.
During
its 49 days journey, it will make five planned stops along a 3,774-mile route
from California to South Carolina that will include visits to universities and
non-profit organizations.
Recently,
SolarWorld Industries America complained
that Chinese imports of solar cells and panels into the United States have
harmed American domestic solar manufacturers. The company also said that
China’s unfair trade practices are anticompetitive.
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