# Solar-Powered Planes The Solar Impulse 2 Will Fly Around the World in Five Months Without Any Fuel By Amelia Roblin | Published 2015-01-22 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-plane References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2015/01/21/solar-plane-embark-fuel-free-flight-around-the-world/) & [solarimpulse](http://www.solarimpulse.com/en/our-adventure/solar-impulse-2/) [Eco-friendly air travel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decarbonizing-aviation) is possible, and the proof is in this solar-powered plane. Within a decade in development, the Solar Impulse project has delivered some truly groundbreaking results, underlining some pretty exciting implications for the future of flying. Over 17,000 solar cells cover the entire top of the Solar Impulse 2, harnessing enough energy from the sun to keep it flying overnight and in overcast conditions. Even with the hi-tech composition of this [sustainable aircraft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sceye-haps), its weight is comparable to a family car, making it an efficient ride all-round. To ensure that it keeps stable, this solar-powered plane has been equipped with a wingspan of 72 meters. All of this cutting-edge technology is being put to the test in a five-month global journey that will take the Si2 around Europe, Africa, North America, and Asia in one trip. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 64% | Activity: 78% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Eco-friendly Air Travel:** The Solar Impulse 2 showcases the potential for sustainable air travel by relying solely on solar power. - **Solar Energy Innovation:** The use of over 17,000 solar cells on the Solar Impulse 2 highlights the advancements in harnessing solar energy for transportation. - **Efficient Lightweight Design:** The lightweight composition of the Solar Impulse 2, comparable to a family car, demonstrates the potential for efficient and sustainable aircraft design. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Aviation:** The Solar Impulse 2 opens up opportunities for the aviation industry to incorporate solar-powered technology in aircraft and reduce their environmental impact. - **Renewable Energy:** The success of the Solar Impulse 2 highlights the potential for solar energy to be used as a primary source of power in various industries, including transportation. - **Green Technology:** The development of the Solar Impulse 2 showcases the potential for innovative and sustainable technologies in aviation and beyond. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Renewable Energy Aircrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-aircraft.md) - [Decarbonizing Demonstrator Aircraft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/demonstrator-aircraft.md) - [Solar-Powered Sleek Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-solaris.md) - [Solar-Powered Electric Boats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-electric-boat.md) - [Emissions-Free eVTOL Aircraft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emissionsfree-evtol-aircraft.md) - [Futuristic Solar-Powered Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightyear-0.md) - [Sustainable Air Travel Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airspace-cabin-vision-2035-concept.md) - [Solar-Powered Private Catamarans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zen50.md) - [Hybrid-Electric Seaplanes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tidal-flight.md)