Dane estimated the sail could save about 5 percent in fuel consumption from the solar power and another 20 to 40 percent from wind power when the vessel is traveling at 18 knots . ` Solar sails are large solar-paneled wings which can harness sun or wind power . Sydney-based company Solar Sailor is developing the technology . The solar sail would be attached to a satellite in orbit around Earth, and it could then use that energy to propel itself into space at speeds of up to 17,000 mph ( 35,500 km/h
Solar sails are large solar-paneled wings which can harness sun or wind power . Sydney-based company Solar Sailor is developing the technology . The solar sail would be attached to a satellite in orbit around Earth, and it could then use that energy to propel itself into space at speeds of up to 17,000 mph ( 35,500 km/h