Sign up for daily news updates from CleanTech on email. Or follow us on Google News!
Last Updated on: March 14, 2025 at 02:20 am
Crossing the Country with Solar Power: Recent Achievements and Future Outlook
About a year ago, I documented several initiatives aimed at traversing the United States solely using solar energy harnessed by vehicles. Since then, my attention has shifted due to the slow dissemination of details regarding these expeditions. This update will cover two notable journeys that demonstrate progress in solar-powered travel across America—despite their lengthy durations.
The Significance of Solar Travel
In today’s world, crossing continents may seem like a common feat; however, this was not always the case. A century or two ago, options for transcontinental travel were severely limited. Before the transcontinental railroad was finished at Promontory Summit in Utah, traveling by wagon or circumnavigating South America aboard a ship were often the only viable alternatives. Both options took weeks—or even months—and many individuals never completed their journey due to accidents or illness.
While record-setting may appear frivolous or overly ambitious to some observers, such endeavors fuel innovation and advancement in technology. The U.S. military’s initial continental crossings were arduous processes that spanned weeks but ultimately motivated figures like Dwight D. Eisenhower to advocate for development of the Interstate Highway System we utilize today. Similarly, promoting solar transport challenges may not earn immediate accolades but can lay groundwork for future improvements.
The Pioneering Solar Cannonball Run
A recent episode from Joe Kliewer’s YouTube channel “Power of Light” highlighted an extensive journey undertaken during late 2023 that successfully crossed the nation using only solar power—a legitimate achievement despite its nearly two-month duration! Kicking off on October 3 and concluding on November 29th, Kliewer made numerous stops at state parks and campgrounds while setting up multiple arrays of hundred-watt solar panels along his route.
Documentation confirming this voyage includes timelapse footage showcasing its authenticity; however it is unlikely anyone would compete for this record due to its drawn-out nature! The primary focus throughout was locating adequate charging locations—a task often overshadowing all other considerations including personal comfort levels during travel.
The Accelerated Yet Challenging Second Journey
Fast forward to mid—2024 when another team achieved their goal within just under fourteen days by employing alternative transportation methods compared to standard vehicles associated with highway speeds—this time featuring something akin to an intersection between an electric bike and car known as Sun Strider!
This vehicle registered as a motorcycle in Michigan travelled comfortably at rates up till thirty-five miles per hour fully outfitted with integrated solar panels essentializing performance without needing frequent stops compared against predecessor journeys; nevertheless double-checks led them replacing both motors mid-course due electronics’ vulnerabilities amidst extreme ambient temperatures devoid cooling systems!
The Road Ahead: Prospects for Solar Vehicles
Looming pessimism clouds perspectives regarding sunny-based vehicular crossings given current records still seem laborious—who would opt either endure longer than average commuting conditions over uncomfortable rides lacking necessary amenities?
If history provides any context though it’s crucial remembering earlier stages endured within electric vehicle (EV) evolution too consisted significant pacing issues initially poorly reflecting today’s standards whereas back lingerings occurred dating all way back into late sixty’s recording upwards beyond210 activity hours completing respective trips held jointly making clear advancements prevail undeniably pivotal realms outreach over years gone past!. Furthermore latest electricity-achieving milestones reveal freshly ranked efficiency transformations extending threshold boundaries whatsoever swiftly chimed estimates suggest equivalently doubling capabilities manifests comfortably highlights toward striking closer fifty-to-sixty percentages harvest sunlight directly efficiently sans conflicting usage through atmospheric barriers right around drives evolving relentless frontier landmarks aiming high prospective spheres commonplace cement objectives utilized foremost adapting implied outcomes globally impacting eco-sustainable cycles developing practical applicability benefitting succeeding generations eventually!”
Sign up for daily news updates from CleanTech on email. Or follow us on Google News!
Last Updated on: March 14, 2025 at 02:20 am
Crossing the Country with Solar Power: Recent Achievements and Future Outlook
About a year ago, I documented several initiatives aimed at traversing the United States solely using solar energy harnessed by vehicles. Since then, my attention has shifted due to the slow dissemination of details regarding these expeditions. This update will cover two notable journeys that demonstrate progress in solar-powered travel across America—despite their lengthy durations.
The Significance of Solar Travel
In today’s world, crossing continents may seem like a common feat; however, this was not always the case. A century or two ago, options for transcontinental travel were severely limited. Before the transcontinental railroad was finished at Promontory Summit in Utah, traveling by wagon or circumnavigating South America aboard a ship were often the only viable alternatives. Both options took weeks—or even months—and many individuals never completed their journey due to accidents or illness.
While record-setting may appear frivolous or overly ambitious to some observers, such endeavors fuel innovation and advancement in technology. The U.S. military’s initial continental crossings were arduous processes that spanned weeks but ultimately motivated figures like Dwight D. Eisenhower to advocate for development of the Interstate Highway System we utilize today. Similarly, promoting solar transport challenges may not earn immediate accolades but can lay groundwork for future improvements.
The Pioneering Solar Cannonball Run
A recent episode from Joe Kliewer’s YouTube channel “Power of Light” highlighted an extensive journey undertaken during late 2023 that successfully crossed the nation using only solar power—a legitimate achievement despite its nearly two-month duration! Kicking off on October 3 and concluding on November 29th, Kliewer made numerous stops at state parks and campgrounds while setting up multiple arrays of hundred-watt solar panels along his route.
Documentation confirming this voyage includes timelapse footage showcasing its authenticity; however it is unlikely anyone would compete for this record due to its drawn-out nature! The primary focus throughout was locating adequate charging locations—a task often overshadowing all other considerations including personal comfort levels during travel.
The Accelerated Yet Challenging Second Journey
Fast forward to mid—2024 when another team achieved their goal within just under fourteen days by employing alternative transportation methods compared to standard vehicles associated with highway speeds—this time featuring something akin to an intersection between an electric bike and car known as Sun Strider!
This vehicle registered as a motorcycle in Michigan travelled comfortably at rates up till thirty-five miles per hour fully outfitted with integrated solar panels essentializing performance without needing frequent stops compared against predecessor journeys; nevertheless double-checks led them replacing both motors mid-course due electronics’ vulnerabilities amidst extreme ambient temperatures devoid cooling systems!
The Road Ahead: Prospects for Solar Vehicles
Looming pessimism clouds perspectives regarding sunny-based vehicular crossings given current records still seem laborious—who would opt either endure longer than average commuting conditions over uncomfortable rides lacking necessary amenities?
If history provides any context though it’s crucial remembering earlier stages endured within electric vehicle (EV) evolution too consisted significant pacing issues initially poorly reflecting today’s standards whereas back lingerings occurred dating all way back into late sixty’s recording upwards beyond210 activity hours completing respective trips held jointly making clear advancements prevail undeniably pivotal realms outreach over years gone past!. Furthermore latest electricity-achieving milestones reveal freshly ranked efficiency transformations extending threshold boundaries whatsoever swiftly chimed estimates suggest equivalently doubling capabilities manifests comfortably highlights toward striking closer fifty-to-sixty percentages harvest sunlight directly efficiently sans conflicting usage through atmospheric barriers right around drives evolving relentless frontier landmarks aiming high prospective spheres commonplace cement objectives utilized foremost adapting implied outcomes globally impacting eco-sustainable cycles developing practical applicability benefitting succeeding generations eventually!”
Tags: AdventureAutomotiveCannonballCleanTechnicadataeco-friendly travelendurance racingroad triprunsshowssolarSolar cannonball runspeed recordssuccessfulSustainabilityTravelvehicle performance‘Slow
