Welcome to our latest venture into sustainable living aboard the SeaPods!
This week, we’re excited to share with you the culmination of five years of development: The New Solar Roof
Our solar journey began in 2019, when the concept of solar incorporation first took shape on the shores of Thailand, with the original prototype XVll.
With its roof serving as both a sunshade for a functional patio and a power source, it showcased the potential of dual-purpose architecture. Above this space, solar panels were strategically positioned to provide shade while harnessing solar energy. However, aesthetics were compromised as these panels protruded like a cage, falling short of the elegance we envisioned for the future.
Fast forward to the development of the Flagship unit, where the challenge of seamlessly integrating solar panels into the design quickly became apparent. Despite numerous attempts, the roof refused to accommodate the panels gracefully. Thus, a novel solution emerged – to place the solar panels on the outer spars extending from the pod’s ends.
However, our plans took an unexpected turn. Instead of debuting this configuration on the Flagship unit, the panels found its place on our first EcoPod Model, SeaPod Alpha Blue.
The next EcoPod update was SeaPod Alpha Deep, the Deep Water Model. This design promised even better integration of solar technology, setting the stage for easier installation and improved functionality. The new roof design features curved panels that seamlessly align with the Pod’s aesthetic. Although not all panels receive sunlight throughout the day, we’ve achieved a balance of functionality and aesthetics.
With 19 panels covering 38 square meters, the solar roof represents a significant advancement from previous iterations. Curved panels inherently exhibit lower efficiency than flat ones, presenting a 3% difference. With a theoretical maximum efficiency of 21-22% and we eagerly anticipate real-world results.
While our solar journey has seen its share of twists and turns, each iteration has brought us closer to our vision of blending innovation with sustainability and aesthetics.
Stay tuned as we create a future where SeaPods are completely self-powered and independent, even in the remotest of locations.
