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Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd., the world's largest producer of crystalline silicon solar panels, has launched the Suntech-Guosheng Solar Sailor on the Huangpu River in Shanghai.

The innovative 31.5 meter solar-powered passenger vessel features proprietary 'solarsail' technology developed by Australia-based Solar Sailor, a leading innovator in maritime solar technology. The eco-friendly vessel will cruise the Huangpu River for the Shanghai World Expo, inspiring visitors to embrace the event's theme of "Better City, Better Life."

Solarsail's hybrid marine power (HMP) technology combines electric drives with the power and range of hydrocarbon/alternative fuels. Solar power and other renewable energies available on the surface of the sea, lakes and rivers charges batteries that power the sea vessels.

In addition to solarsail technology, the Suntech-Guosheng passenger vessel incorporates National Semiconductor's analog-based SolarMagic technology to maximize the power output of the HMP system. Advantages of the hybrid solar-powered sea vessels include fuel savings, zero emission capability, power redundancy, lower green-house gases, noxious gas and particulate emissions, and potential access to environmentally sensitive routes.

"This is an exciting development and I wish to congratulate Suntech for championing this groundbreaking technology," commented Bob Hawke, Chairman of Solar Sailor. "We are just beginning to scratch the surface of what's possible with solar. It seems clear that Suntech will continue to push the envelope, creating advanced solar technology to power a better future."

Suntech has a long history of partnering with leading Australian research institutions in the development of advanced solar technology. Just last week, the Victoria-Suntech Advanced Solar Facility was launched in Melbourne, Australia, for the development and commercialization of nanoplasmonic solar technology. In addition, Suntech maintains a long-term relationship with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney to co-develop new solar technologies.

"Our long-term research collaborations with Australian organizations are central to driving solar innovation," said Dr. Zhengrong Shi, who is also a graduate of UNSW and a fellow at the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE). "As our planet bears the strains of fossil fuel energy generation, we are empowering people around the world to look up and harness nature's cleanest and most abundant energy resource. The Shanghai Expo and this remarkable Solar Sailor technology offer shining examples of the power of technology to create a better life."

[Pictured: Dr Zhengrong Shi of Suntech and Dr Robert Dane of Solar Sailor]