Solar-powered plane completes journey across Pacific Ocean

Solar blimps seem more realistic considering the speed. More surface area might improve it. Probably not a lot of helium available but you wouldn't need many vehicles. Lots of time to even take up some hobbies like playing the guitar and enjoying the moment... Led Zeppelins!

highlight the importance of renewable energy

But with all the problems and limitations, it seems more like it highlights the impracticality of renewable energy.

@Mike: What problems?

Mike: What problems?

How about;

forced to stay in the islands after the plane’s battery system sustained heat damage on its trip from Japan

Or;

had to divert to Japan because of unfavorable weather and a damaged wing

And that is right in this article, there were also a host of other problems not even mentioned in this article.