Solar Impulse smashes records on trans-Pacific leg

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Solar Impulse 2, the aircraft on a pioneering solar-powered navigation of the globe, has thrown off a recent run of poor luck to break several world records on its leg between Japan and Hawaii.

Bad weather had forced the plane to make an unscheduled stopover in Japan en route from China and then struck again last week as it prepared to take off for its longest single stage over the Pacific Ocean.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

But after a successful take-off earlier this week, Solar Impulse has now been in flight for over three days and nights, in the process breaking the world record for the longest and furthest solar-powered flight, which previously stood at 80 hours and 5663km.

Pilot André Borschberg has also broken the record for the longest solo flight, and will achieve the longest non-stop solo flight without refuelling in terms of duration. This record was previously held by American adventurer Steve Fossett, who took 76 hours to complete his non-stop circumnavigation of the globe in the 2006 Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer expedition.

In total Solar Impulse is expected to fly for around 120 hours to complete its journey to Hawaii.

Bertrand Piccard, initiator, chairman and pilot of Solar Impulse, said: “Can you imagine that a solar powered airplane without fuel can now fly longer than a jet plane! This is a clear message that clean technologies can achieve impossible goals!”

Describing the conditions in the cockpit, Borschberg said: “The first 24 hours were very technical, but the second day was really getting me into the mission. It took me a while to create a relationship of trust with the airplane, which allows me to rest and eventually sleep by periods of 20 minutes with the autopilot. The experience of flight is so intense that I can only focus on the present moment and discover how to deal with my own energy and mindset.”

Read Next

September 16, 2025
Sunotec has launched Sunotec Nordic to spearhead solar and hybrid renewable project development across the Nordic region.
September 16, 2025
The SPPC has launched a request for qualifications for 5.3GW of new renewable power capacity, of which solar will account for 3.1GW.
September 16, 2025
Chinese polysilicon producer GCL-Tech has entered into a strategic financing agreement with Infini Capital, a globally renowned investment institution backed by a Middle Eastern sovereign wealth fund.
Premium
September 16, 2025
At RE+, industry leaders pointed to the resilience of the US solar sector, despite challenges brought by the 'One Big, Beautiful Bill' Act.
September 16, 2025
IB Solar is investing INR30 billion (US$340 million) in a 4GW TOPCon solar cell and module manufacturing plant in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh.
September 16, 2025
Two of the major European solar trade associations, the European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) and SolarPower Europe (SPE), have called for EU policymakers to take measures supporting European solar manufacturing.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA