Trina to supply cells for solar-powered plane

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - For travelers weary of watching air fares tick upward due to soaring fuel prices, here's an encouraging piece of news -- a plane that can fly around the world on solar power.

On Monday, solar cell maker Trina Solar Ltd said it would supply nearly 300 photovoltaic cells to France's LISA Airplanes for its Hy-Bird solar and fuel cell powered airplane.

The cells, which will be on the plane's wings and horizontal tail, will supply enough energy to power a fuel cell for takeoff and on-board power supply, the company said.

Once in the air, the plane will be propelled by an electric engine.

LISA Airplanes expects to complete assembly of the plane by the end of 2009, China-based Trina said.

(Reporting by Nichola Groom; Editing by Andre Grenon)