Solar

Frederic Jouvenot Solar Deity Collection Watches

One of my favorite independent watch maker pieces of the year is the Helios by Frederic Jouvenot - which I fully profile with video here. I recently learned that the Helios will be part of a set of watches Frederic Jouvenot called the "Solar Deity Collection." The pieces are based around a "sun center" with the middle of the watch having a minute indicator and the sun rays being the hour indicators. In addition to the DLC black coated titanium model (the Helios), there is a polished steel (or titanium) model (known as the Amaterasu) as well as a women's model (in steel or white gold) with diamonds and a flower motif on the dial (known as the Suryia). The collection is really spectacular with each of the pieces having a distinct personality and appeal.

The names of the Suryia and the Amaterasu are of Japanese origin. Frederic Jouvenot gave the watches Japanese names in honor of the Japanese people and their bravery during the tough times they have endured now and may have to ahead.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: collection, deity, Frederic Jouvenot, helios, solar, watch, watches

World's First Zero Carbon Superyacht, Powered by Mercedes-Benz

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Luxury Cars & Autos, Green

A British car design expert named Richard Sauter known for several important innovations has adapted the latest in green automotive technology to create the world's first zero carbon superyacht. The design for the lightweight 160-ft. yacht employs both Mercedes-Benz's BlueTec clean diesel engines and the KERS (kinetic energy regeneration) system used by Porsche in its new 918 Spyder hybrid supercar, along with solar power. Dubbed Transcendence, the sleek, high-performance yacht will be capable of 25 knots under full power using what Sauter claims is the cleanest marine propulsion system in the world. Solar cells situated on PV deck spoilers in addition to the KERS and plug-in sources of energy charge a lithium ion storage system that runs all the yacht's services including AC, day and night. The system allows Transcendence to achieve her maximum speed under peak loads and to navigate in and out of harbors with zero emissions under battery power alone. Inside are luxe accommodations for 10 guests as well as 12 crew, fitted with the latest high-end sustainable materials.

[via JamesList]

Tags: car design, design, hybrid, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz BlueTec, Porsche, Richard Sauter, solar, superyacht, UK, yacht

CODE-X High-Tech Hybrid Powerboat

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Green

The CODE-X high-tech hybrid powerboat is one of the more avant-garde motoryacht designs we've come across. If it goes into production with anything like these killer looks and the performance promised, the Swiss company stands to make a mint. The CODE-X is billed as "Formula 1 performance meets solar power." It features a flexible solar hybrid propulsion system enabling both quiet, environmentally friendly cruising in ports and coastal areas as well as high speed racing on open waters courtesy of a pair of Ilmor Marine 710 hp V10 Formula 1 engines.

A touchscreen on the dash lets you switch in whole or part to a bank of photovoltaic modules supplying electric motors and/or lithium batteries. With the gas engines going the CODE-X can do 90 knots while on full solar power it can only hit 9, but is practically silent. The boat also features a GPS-controlled Virtual Anchor system to keep it stationary regardless of the wind speed or water current, as well as a Kevlar/carbon shell with phototropic-shaded screens and windows.

[via JamesList]

Tags: CODE-X, hyrbid, motorboat, motoryacht, powerboat, solar, touchscreen, yacht

DSe Hybrid Yacht, Green Cruising Follows The Sun

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Green

I'm all for hybrid yachts but the DSe Hybrid may be a challenge for all but the greenest among us. The 40-foot yacht uses diesel, solar and electric power (hence the "dse"). The yacht's most dramatic feature has to be the large solar array that covers the roof. The yacht also has narrow, wave-piercing hulls that keep her stable but also conserve energy. Wind turbines also generate additional power. The yacht can hit six knots on solar power (13 knots with diesel included). The bow has room for four loungers and a picnic table.

Inside the yacht features a large main area with a 26" HDTV and a Bose home theater system as well as a modern galley that features energy efficient appliances. The master stateroom has a queen-sized sleigh bed and a panoramic view. The guest suite has a queen bed that can also be converted into two twin beds. The dinghy uses an electric motor which can be charged using the solar array.

The DSe Hybrid 12m starts at $600,000 and is being shown at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

[via Born Rich]

Gallery: DSE Yacht

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Tags: dse, hybrid, solar, yacht

Czeers, the Solar-Powered Speedboat

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Green

This time of year speedboats are a popular hobby, and unfortunately a more and more common accessory with that hobby is a big 'ol side of guilt due to all the gas and energy negatively impacting the environment. But wealthy water-lovers in the Netherlands now have a new option that's not only much more environmentally friendly but also outrageously cool: a solar-powered speed boat.

The Czeers Solarboat is 33 ft long and can get up to 35mph, thanks to the 150 solar cells covering its entire surface and giving it a very futuristic look. All yours for just $1.1 million. Ouch.

Gallery: Czeers Solar-Powered Speedboat

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Tags: boat, boating, czeers solarboat, czeers solarboats, CzeersSolarboat, CzeersSolarboats, solar, solar power, solar powered, solar-power, solar-powered, solarboats, SolarPower, SolarPowered, speed boat, SpeedBoat

SOLo Lounge Table Makes Solar Chic

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Gadgets

I came across this ultra-chic, tech-driven table the other day and was amazed to find that it is embedded with solar panels! Although it would probably only make sense to own a table like this in a very sunny environment -- say skylights, all-glassed in room or office, or greenhouse -- but in the right place it would be a fantastic addition to your decor. The SOLO table takes all the solar energy it absorbs and stores it so you can charge your gadgets without having to plug into the wall. And if you are lacking a super -sunny space in your home or office, you can always place it outdoors since this amazing table is weatherproof! Business, green energy and style are accomplished on one hot surface. (MSRP $14,000)

[via Hippyshopper]

Gallery: SOLO Table

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Tags: Intelligent-Forms-Design, solar, solar-gadget-charger, solar-table, SOLo-lounge-table

Warwick Solar Fountain

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor

The appeal of the Warwick Solar Fountain lies in the fact that it is completely self-contained, in addition to looking quite elegant. The fountain has a solar panel discretely positioned at the top which provides power to an internal water pump. No plumbing or cords are necessary and the fountain reuses the same water as it operates, make it very eco-friendly. It can be positioned on any relatively flat surface, including grass, patios and even on balconies. It is made from a durable resin with a faux bronze finish, so it needs minimal care to maintain its good looks. At only 12-lbs., it is easy to move around should you need to reposition it for better light or to accommodate new patio furniture. Price: $249.