Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

U Alabama Trying Out Solar-Powered Pods

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 12/15/21

Shortly, the campus of the University of Alabama will sport a set of small, greenhouse-like structures where students can have private, socially-distanced space for their studies or relaxation. The university is working with SolarFi, a start-up that produces the pods. The Privé, as it's called, is equipped with solar panels, electrical charging points, HEPA air filters, ventilation and cooling systems.

The units can accommodate anywhere from one to 15 people, according to the company. They're constructed from a "highly resistant, fully transparent and safe polycarbonate structure," made from recycled materials and provide UV ray protection.

"I'm looking forward to spending time in the Privé pod. I always sit near the window while studying," said freshman Austin Rilling, an engineering student, in a press release. "To see SolarFi's pods on campus is like Christmas coming early. I get to study, relax in a bean bag and charge up all my devices using solar power in the pods."

"With solar energy and the Internet, we will empower students to study in nature without losing power," added SolarFi Creative Director Antonio Dixon.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • St. Lucie County, Fla., Breaks Ground on New K–8 School

    St. Lucie Public Schools in St. Lucie County, Fla., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new K–8 school, according to a news release. The district partnered with Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc., for the design of the upcoming Ft. Pierce K–8 School, which comprises six buildings covering 215,000 square feet.

  • Nashville Elementary School Receives LEED Gold Certification

    Goodlettsville Elementary School, part of Metro Nashville Public Schools in Nashville, Tenn., recently achieved LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), according to a news release. The 81,750-square-foot school opened in 2023 and was designed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC).

  • Haws Corporation Marks 120th Anniversary

    Haws Corporation, which provides hydration and emergency safety solutions worldwide, recently announced that the company is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, according to a news release.

  • Construction Begins on 100+ Acre K–12 Campus Designed for Lakota Culture

    The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) and the Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School District in Eagle Butte, S.D., recently broke ground on a new K–12 campus that will cover more than 100 acres and serve students and families across 1,600 square miles, according to a news release.