While solar power is most commonly seen as a way to generate clean electricity, researchers are working to develop new applications for this technology - such as transportation.

Various companies have already made news with efforts to add solar energy to the world of transportation. For example, Toyota has added a small solar panel to its 2010 Prius to generate energy for its interior.

In another well-publicized use of solar energy, a Swiss team is working on an airplane featuring a large number of photovoltaic panels as part of a plan to fly around the world. There has also been some use of solar panels on the large vessels used to transport goods across the ocean.

Now, a team of researchers has developed the largest solar boat, known as the MS Turanor, which is owned by German entrepreneur Immo Stroher. According to an announcement from the Planet Solar team, the vessel has begun a journey around the world from Monaco.

"Planet earth deserves it, that we use its resources wisely and employ the immense power provided by nature sensibly," said Raphael Domjan of the Planet Solar project.