This is the team behind the solar car which won the Global Green challenge race from Darwin to Adelaide. Seems to me that they would have been pretty crowded in that thing… More »
Converting things that are out in the sun to run off solar power makes a lot of sense, like lawn ornaments, these flowers or air conditioning units. Zambonis? Less so. [OGE Gallery via Mocoloco via BBG] More »
Another day, another golf cart size, three-wheeled solar-powered car with style ripped from the 1980′s. At least with this one, the Solar Taxi, there’s a record at stake, as Swiss “adventurer” Louis Palmer is taking the car on a trip across the planet without using a drop of gasoline. He’ll be the first to do it, and we’re hoping his example will inspire more alternative energy cars (hopefully a few have that elusive fourth wheel). The 56kph top speed is going to be a tough sell with us Yanks. Palmer, my man, haven’t you heard? Women and men alike get hot and bothered by power and speed.
Yes, yes…we have heard plenty of complaints about iPhone 3G battery life, and there are already several solutions like battery packs and rechargeable hip holsters hitting the market. However, the new case from Mobile Fun has one advantage over all of these other devices–it can be charged by the sun.
A non-USB product from Brando, and one that’s surprisingly cute? Good grief, I nearly fell off my keyboard. These Firefly jars are solar-powered, charging up during the day and adding a simulated bioluminescent insect-arse glow to wherever you pop them at night. The kitchen worktop, perhaps—perfect for lighting your way to that midnight snack. Standing 15.2 cms high, they glow in orange, but are they more eco-friendly than trapping a real firefly in a jar? Probably not… but at least its kinder to animals. Available now for US$45. [Brando]
Santa Monica has delivered a bright and shiny upgrade to its Pacific Ferris Wheel, dismantling the old one to make way for a new behemoth that boasts 160,000 LED lights. The 27-metre ride, manufactured by Chance Morgan Rides, delivers visual performances every night and cost the city US$1.5 million. Thanks to solar panels that soak up energy during the day to power the wheel, those extravagant light shows have a minuscule carbon footprint.
Another day, another concept phone. This Eclipse Intuit, by Eddie Goh, features a touch keypad with tactile feedback, 5 megapixel camera with built-in photo editing software, a giant touchscreen and a chemical-based thin solar skin that will charge the battery when exposed to light.
Looking to zoom through the oceans in a stylish, but also somewhat environmentally friendly, manner? Check out the Czeers MK1 prototype solar speedboat, a 10-metre long rig that manages to pack in 14 square meters of solar panels to power an 80KW electric motor. The MK1 plows through the water at a breakneck 30 knots, using no oil and producing no fumes or engine noise. Hit the jump for a video of the boat in action.
