There is a new way to travel across part of the Hudson River.

A boat, functioning 100% on solar power energy, has made its way down the river to help out neighbors in Dutchess and Orange counties.

"Solaris" is powered by rooftop solar panels and is the only solar powered boat in operation on the Hudson River.

The tour boat will help people in Dutchess and Orange get quickly across the water.
Right now, it's on lease from the Hudson River Maritime Museum for two weekends in the fall to see if communities will benefit from the added transportation.

"This is an experiment to help people get on the river and then see if there's a genuine interest in going to and from Beacon and Newburgh on the weekends on a boat," said Planning Commissioner David Church.

Solaris is running between Beacon and Newburgh Oct. 18 and 19.