New Atlas

Marine Audio available

World's first solar-electric pump-out boat cleanly and quietly deals with recreational boating waste

Paul Ridden February 11, 2019

Recreational boaters looking to offload waste from sewage tanks can make a pit stop at pump-out stations on the marina, but there are also boats that can take away stored sewage. And the vessel recently delivered to Branford, Connecticut, is somewhat cleaner than most.

The solar-electric pump-out boat was developed by the East Shore District Health Department and Yale University's ...

Good Thinking

Moby takes its staff-free convenience stores off grid with Psi standalone retail pod

Paul Ridden January 31, 2019

Changes in our buying behavior have had quite a detrimental effect on High St shopping, with many brick and mortar stores now displaying a permanent closed sign in the window. Moby Mart is hoping to bring back the local store experience by combining modern technology with drop in shopping.

Moby Mart has launched a standalone retail pod called the Psi that can be run off-the-grid

Architecture

Vincent Callebaut-designed HQ brings nature into the workplace

Adam Williams January 7, 2019

Vincent Callebaut Architectures brings the outdoors into the workplace with its proposal for a new headquarters for French company Soprema. Named Semaphore, it will boast sustainable technology and have a massive amount of greenery, with around 10,000 plants, shrubs and trees.

The overall form of the Semaphore building is inspired by a terraced rice field

Holiday Destinations Audio available

Impressive solar-powered island resort opens in the Maldives

Bridget Borgobello December 27, 2018

New York-based architectural firm Yuji Yamazaki Architecture (YYA) is behind the design of the Kudadoo Maldives Private Island that opened recently in Lhaviani Atoll, Maldives. With a strong focus on sustainability, this island is distinguished by its impressive solar roof.

With a strong focus on sustainability, the Kudadoo Maldives Private Island resort is distinguished by its ...

Marine Audio available

Silent 55 yacht promises up to 100 miles of solar-powered cruising per day

Loz Blain December 20, 2018

It seems we jumped the gun when we called the SolarImpact the world's first ocean-going solar yacht based just off its CAD renders. There's another company out there with boats in the water, and the Silent 55 can cruise for up to 100 miles (160 km) per day for weeks at a time on solar power alone.

The Silent 55 offers solar-electric yachting

Automotive

Sono Motors bumps up overall cost of its Sion EV

Paul Ridden November 26, 2018

Sono Motors has confirmed powertrain and battery details for its Sion family EV, which features solar panels on the hood, roof and body that provide a little extra range. Along with a price rise.

Sono Motors has revealed that Continental will manufacture the powertrain for the Sion EV, and that ...

Aircraft Audio available

Odysseus solar-powered, ultra-long endurance, autonomous aircraft readied for maiden flight

Rich Haridy November 15, 2018

After a decade of development Aurora Flight Sciences has finally unveiled Odysseus, its full-scale, solar-powered, autonomous aircraft designed to stay in the air for months. Odysseus is scheduled for its first test flight in 2019.

The first test flight of Odysseus is set for early next year

Urban Transport

Four-wheeled Screecher electric pedalcycle rolls on solar power

Paul Ridden November 7, 2018

Screecher riders can zip up to 15 mph on motor power alone, or choose from five levels of pedal assist. The onboard battery can be plugged in for a top up, or users can park up in a sunny spot and let the solar panels do their thing.

The Screecher's solar panels can top up the Li-ion battery when parked up

Architecture

Green-roofed house keeps prying eyes at bay

Adam Williams October 16, 2018

The aptly-named House behind the Roof is defined by its sizable green roof, which provides it with privacy from passing traffic and neighbors. The home was also designed with a focus on energy-efficiency, and reduces its grid-based electricity use with solar panels.

House behind the Roof has some sustainable features, including a green roof and solar panels

Tiny Houses

El Toro tiny house is handcrafted from reclaimed materials

Adam Williams October 10, 2018

With its eye-catching reclaimed wood cladding and custom cabinetry, you get the impression that Humble Handcraft put a lot of effort into constructing El Toro tiny house. The towable dwelling serves as full-time home to a young couple and their dog, and runs off-the-grid with solar power.

El Toro is based on a triple-axle trailer and measures 28 ft (8.5 ft)-long