SunPower Corporation (SPWR), First Solar, Inc. (FSLR): Three Amazing Images of the Future of Solar

Taking to the skies

One of the more amazing, and technically far-fetched ideas in solar is powering aircraft with sunlight. Solar Impulse has done just that and is currently making its way across the country in an effort to raise awareness about innovative energy technologies.

The Solar Impulse is a single person aircraft that spans 208 feet and weighs in at just 3,527 pounds. Right now the Solar Impulse HB-SIA is crossing the country, generating data for the second version dubbed HB-SIB, which is expected to be completed in the spring of 2014 and fly around the world in mid-2015.

Below is an image of HB-SIA on the ground at the Brussels Airport in 2011.

Image courtesy of Solar Impulse

The idea of powering a commercial aircraft with solar power alone is physically impossible, but if the industry can incorporate solar cells into the wings or body of a plane it would be possible to generate power that would reduce fuel consumption.

The future of solar

Now, these are dreams of the future of solar but a decade ago these would have only been pipe dreams. If the industry can make anywhere near as much progress in the next decade as it has in the last, then perhaps solar roads, boats, and planes will be a reality for the masses.

SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ:SPWR) has been a player in these early prototypes but I would keep an eye on First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR) as a provider of thin-film solar for these innovative applications. Solar paint has been another dream of solar pioneers, but whether it’s on a boat or a plane, I think thin-film solar is the closest thing we’ll get.

The next decade is certainly going to bring a lot of excitement to the solar industry and the images above hint at what might be possible.

The article 3 Amazing Images of the Future of Solar originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Travis Hoium.

Motley Fool contributor Travis Hoium manages an account that owns shares of SunPower and personally owns shares and has the following options: Long Jan 2015 $7 Calls on SunPower, Long Jan 2015 $5 Calls on SunPower, Long Jan 2015 $15 Calls on SunPower, and Long Jan 2015 $25 Calls on SunPower. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

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