Ray of hope for Perth solar ferries

The future is looking bright for solar-powered ferries on Perth's Swan River, with a crowdfunding campaign charging towards its $60,000 target.

The Little Ferry Company plans to operate two 29-foot Edwardian ferries along the river from October to coincide with the planned opening of Elizabeth Quay, but the state government is now aiming for late 2015.

A Kickstarter funding page launched by the company's New Zealand-born owner Kevyn Townley has already raised $10,000 in one week, with three weeks to go.