World's first solar-hybrid powered hot air balloon is flying around Britain

The world’s first solar powered hot air balloon is made of a unique silver and black material, a lightweight polyurethane coated nylon. The black side of the balloon attracts heat from the sun to make the air inside the balloon much hotter than the ambient temperature.
The silver side of the balloon then prevents that heat from escaping. It is also fitted with propane burners, just in case the sun disappears mid-flight, which is what makes it a solar-hybrid. Simon Proctor, from Bristol Energy, the baloon’s creator, said: “It’s this kind of very simple science that gets people, young and old, excited about green energy. We have incredibly powerful natural resources that can heat our homes, power our cars, and fly hot air balloons too! It's now crucial that we support renewable energy, so we can create a sustainable energy future for the next generation.”