Solar-electric boat to be built in New York

solar-powered-loon-boatThe Tamarack Lake Electric Boat Company, a zero-emissions start-up firm, is relocating the production of its solar-powered boat, called the Loon, from Ontario to Rome, New York, Earthtechling.Com reports.

The firm decided on New York as opposed to states like Georgia and Maine because of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Product Manufacturing Program, which allows clean energy companies to apply for cost-sharing contracts, which would reduce investment costs.

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The Loon is 22-feet long, seats up to eight passengers, and is powered by a 48 Volt lead-acid battery with a charge time of six hours, providing the boat with about 50 miles of travel and a top speed of 8 knots (9.5 m.p.h). Its five solar panels can pump out up to 1 kW.

Prospective buyers can deposit $500 for the boat. Total cost is expected to be an additional $32,000 at the time of purchase. Tamarack Lake says it will begin shipping the Loon to customers late next year.

Tamarack Lake also manufactures the Osprey, a solar-charged pontoon with two electric motors.

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