Solar Impulse takes off on record-breaking flight across the US powered only by the SUN

• Plane runs on about the same power as a motor scooter 
• Stores power from 12,000 solar cells built into the wings in batteries so it can fly at night

A solar-powered plane that developers hope to eventually pilot around the world has taken off from San Francisco Bay on the first leg of an attempt to fly across the United States with no fuel but the sun's energy.