Fri, 01 Jul 22 07:45:30 +0000

A butterfly-shaped trailer is traveling around the world — completely sun-powered

(CNN) — Last month, a solar-powered trailer embarked on a four-year journey across six continents and 90 countries. --- To stop global warming.

SolarButterflyis named after a set of "wings" covered with 80 square meters of solar panels. It powers the Tesla Model X. The trailer embarked on an adventure in a dramatic alpine landscape at the United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland.

The first phase of the project, mostly cloud funding and with support from corporate sponsors, will take 22,000 km (13,670 miles) in 6 months. ) Travel to 32 countries in Europe.

Louis Palmer, the brain behind Solar Butterfly, emphasizes the solutions to existing climate crises and encourages others to take action. I say that.

"The message is that it is possible to save the planet," Palmer says.

The power of the sun

Palmer introduced the concept of solar butterfly while at home in Luzern, Switzerland. I came up with a pandemic. The 50-year-old former teacher was not the first to enter Eco Travel. In 2007, he wasand became the first person to drive the world on a solar carin 17 months. Mile "Solar Taxi" adventure.

Built in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Luzern, the 21m square (226 square feet) Solar Butterfly is made from recycled lightweight foam-like material. Marine plastic.

Trailer creator Louis Palmer says this journey will change others for a more environmentally friendly future. He says he hopes to be a catalyst for waking up.

Courtesy SolarButterfly

The trailer solar panels are also made of recycled marine plastic to reduce weight, Palmer said. He added that it was sponsored by a green energy expert. LONGiThe company has one of thehighest efficiency rateson the market, about 24 of the absorbed sunlight compared to the normal20-22%. Claims to convert% to electricity.

In case of bad weather or clouds, Palmer says the trailer has a solar panel that can be placed on the ground when the vehicle is parked. There is an additional array.

Designed to sleep four people, the trailer has a flexible space that doubles as a small kitchen, toilet, shower room, bedroom, conference room and studio. Other eco features include rainwater harvesting and purification, solar hydrothermal systems, fabrics and bedding made from biodegradable fibers.

The fully deployed trailer "wings" feature 80 square meters of solar panels to charge the car and trailer.

Courtesy SolarButterfly

Palmer wants to be completely off-grid by "minimizing the impact on the environment." The power used will be offset by the Swiss non-profit organizationmyclimate. This also helped offset the emissions generated by construction.

"It feels great to know that we aren't causing any problems (in the environment)," Palmer says. "We can enjoy the beauty of this world without destroying it."

Thousands of Climate Change Solutions

Next year, after SolarButterfly completes its European tour, it will go to Asia and Australia, the Americas in 2024, Africa in 2025, and then Europe, just in time for the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Returned to and ended in Paris on December 12, 2025.

Along the way, a team of volunteer shifters meet with climate pioneers to highlight 1,000 climate change solutions. Palmer said: "We are looking for energy projects, mobility projects, architecture, food., Agriculture, nature, replanting-anything related to climate change."

SolarButterfly is a variety. Palmer says the project is still recruiting volunteers to take part in the tour in a role and the project will continue cloud funding along the way. Innovators and supporters to meet.

Solar Butterfly is in addition to support from corporate sponsors, including electronics maker Maxon, who hosted the project's event in Saxeln. The part is cloud funded. Switzerland, May 25, 2022.

Courtesy SolarButterfly

So far, trailers have traveled to Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands to exciting individuals such as the 15-year-oldManuel Ehnes. I met. Companies have begun commercial production, including, which created a space-saving solar cell on the rod, and Lightyear, the creator of the firstsolar power vehicle.

As a symbol of change, Palmer hopes that Solar Butterfly can encourage more people to make positive and sustainable changes.

"Everyone in the world is aware of climate change and everyone wants to do something, but they feel they can't," says Palmer. .. "We can solve this problem, and that's what we want to overcome."