Most of the RVs out there are arguably the worst things to happen to the planet in terms of both efficiency and carbon emissions.

But unlike those, the Verdier Solar-Powered Eco-RV is quite a simple and stunning green carrier as it mixes design, solar energy and some sort of lavish luxury. Five models dubbed Woody, Geeky, Ebony, Blueberry, and Purity, are being powered by a 4-cylinder hybrid engine and have a 170 W solar system installed on the roof.

Verdier’s solar RV allows you to change the direction of the panels on top of the carrier according to sun’s direction using a GPS system. Another interesting thing is the interior. Built to use the available space to the maximum, there are fold-out beds, rolled-up stairs, kitchen, recycling bins, a refrigerator/freezer combo and an on-board entertainment center with projector, surround sound and a roll down screen.

There is also an on-board computer to make sure that you stay connected while on the road as you can use it for tasks ranging from navigation, to Internet browsing to music and entertainment. With a price of $129,000 the solar-powered eco-RV is really a great “bargain” (not for you) for the planet. – via Jetson Green

If you're new here and you like our articles, how about subscribing free for our updates via RSS feed.

Pope Benedict has become the first ever Pontiff to be using solar power as an energy source for the Vatican. The Pope VI auditorium, which is used by the Pope to meet the pilgrims in bad weather conditions, will have 2,700 solar panels replacing the original roofs.

The $1.5 million panels were gifted to the Pope by a Bonn-based company called Solar World and according to its engineers, these photovoltaic panels will trap solar power to generate enough electricity to light, heat or cool the 6,600 seat auditorium.

Pope Benedict XVI, ever since he was elected in 2005, has been against the excessive use of power resources. He has the notion that this environment hazard is making the lives of poor people miserable.

The small “plant” will cut down on 200 tons of carbon dioxide which is equivalent to 70 tons of oil, and when the hall is not being used, the power will be stored in the Vatican’s power network. We’ll throw in a white ball for the Pope and his green initiatives. – via BBC.co.uk

Class, what is the biggest single-roof solar installation in North-America? “Toyota’s” everyone says out loud.

The Japanese from Toyota decided they need to be greener so they installed 242,000 sqf of solar panels above their North America Parts Center California (NAPCC) manufacturing plant. That’s a lot of roof that’s going to get the sun’s energy and make electricity out of it. Not sure if you’re familiar with the figures, but the 10,417 solar modules that SunPower installed, have a total capacity of 2.3 megawatts, will cover for 60% of the factory’s energy needs and is expected to avoid some 6.4 million pounds of CO2 emissions per year.

I’m curious though. Who’ll wash the roof from now on, because to ensure maximum power it has to stay clean. And that thing is bigger than 4 football fields …

In their press release, Toyota said:

“NAPCC electricity costs per kilowatt-hour have increased 266 percent since 1992. Facility energy conservation efforts have reduced electricity usage by 28.5 percent during the past five years, but annual electricity use still remains over 5,788,000 kilowatt-hours.

The system was designed and built by SunPower, using its high-efficiency panels that deliver 50 percent more power per unit than conventional panels. A lightweight state-of-the-art SunPower mounting system further maximizes power delivery.”

They sure have a great deal here, but my concern is .. who’ll break that “record” in North America and who? Place your bets!

via TreeHugger