The solar-powered Gridbeater Amphibian never runs out of fuel: it is propelled by a lightweight electric outboard motor powered by solar panels.
“Unlike other glazed solar panels, they have a covering that enables them to be walked on and hence suitable as a deck material,” said Richard Bell of Waterways Industrial, a start-up company based in Northern Ireland.
The $12,600 craft—now being previewed at boat shows around Europe—is whisper quiet. The power collected and stored in the batteries can be used for charging other products on board or on shore, such as laptops, cellphones or e-bikes.
“The solar panels are made to a unique design by a small Chinese company with whom we have a working relationship,” said Bell, who has an engineering background.
He expects the Gridbeater Amphibian to be used for leisure in inland waterways for leisure but could prove to be a lifesaver in disaster relief areas where road access might be impossible.
Earlier this year a prototype craft travelled for 40 miles around Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland, raising funds for the local air ambulance and rescue charities.
Bell said the Gridbeater Amphibian, developed with business partner Graham Rogers of Hong Kong, has a patent pending. Bell has 20 other patents to his name; he has been working in the solar industry since 2008.
Waterways Industrial also plans to offer other off-grid photovoltaic products based on the same bendable solar panels.
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