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

  • Spaces4Learning Trends & Predictions for Educational Facilities in 2026: Part II

    As education leaders look toward 2026, the design of K–12 and higher education facilities is being reshaped by powerful, converging forces. Survey respondents point to the rapid growth of Career and Technical Education, deeper alignment with workforce and industry needs, and the accelerating influence of AI and emerging technologies.

  • California K–12 District Finishes Renovations on Multi-Sport Stadium

    The Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) in Alameda, Calif., recently announced the completion of a renovation project on the Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School stadium, according to a news release. The district partnered with Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and Bothman Construction on the facility, and funding came from Bond Measure B.

  • Construction Begins on New University Research Vessel

    Boat-building company All American Marine recently announced that it has begun construction on a new catamaran research vessel for the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) in Port Aransas, Texas, according to a news release.

  • Utah Valley University Opens New Engineering Building

    Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, recently held a grand-opening ceremony for the new Scott M. Smith Engineering Building, according to a news release. The facility is one of the largest engineering buildings in the state at almost 200,000 square feet, and it plays home to the university’s Smith College of Engineering and Technology (SCET).