Company to test electric motors

A NEW Electric Motor for fishing boats is expected to be tried out in Fiji by next month.

According to Green Power Company director Tony Pecora, the equipment would be in the country in three weeks' time.

"We're bringing the first solar awnings for boats to be trialled in Fiji as not many people are aware of it and if they like it we'll sell it. Electric motor is very simple compared with petrol motor, it's much cheaper — say about the quarter of the price," Mr Pecora said.

The company, which deals in portable solar equipment, is among a number of emerging businesses that are investing in the green growth promoted by government.

The electric motors, Mr Pecora said, was one of many solar-inspired products his company was promoting.

He said with the electric motors, fishing boats could have solar awnings installed with a little battery to power it.

"So you've got the fibreglass boat or aluminium boats and just a little solar awning two pedals and 500 watts with two batteries and it's feeding an electric motor," he said.

"They never have to fill up and it's cheaper than the four stroke motor and it's completely renewable.

"Fiji needs to start to regulate the renewable energy industry."