solar energy Archives

AppWizard

August 16, 2026

BMW’s weird Minecraft-like car harvests more energy than it uses

The Deep Orange 17, an experimental solar prototype developed by graduate students at Clemson University, is named 'Luminetta' and features a boxy design inspired by the boxfish. It weighs 1,212 lb (550 kg) and incorporates over 1,700 photovoltaic cells, allowing it to generate up to 5.7 kWh of energy per day. The vehicle's solar array can potentially provide an additional 31 miles (50 km) of range from sunlight. The design focuses on extreme weight reduction and employs a skeletal chassis made from 3D-printed metal joints and lightweight composite body panels. The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of an energy-positive vehicle, although its performance relies on ideal conditions and raises concerns about crash safety and comfort.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Solarpunk management game BioEden announced for PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC

Publisher Focus Entertainment and developer Broken Arms Games are releasing the solarpunk management game BioEden on PC via Steam on September 3, with future releases planned for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Switch 2. A demo is currently available for PC users. In BioEden, players act as a Keeper, tasked with revitalizing a world by crafting biomes for various animal species and restoring ecosystems. Players will discover debris sites to recycle materials, build structures, and establish solar energy and water systems while managing resources and pollution. The game features a Cosmic Collective of five Guilds, each with unique identities and philosophies that influence gameplay. BioEden emphasizes exploration and transformation without fail states or time constraints.

AppWizard

January 6, 2026

Scratching my No Man’s Sky and Satisfactory itches, this new space game from an acclaimed survival dev is finally on Steam

No Man's Sky is a vast space game that continues to expand, while StarRupture has recently launched in Steam Early Access as a more focused space survival experience. StarRupture features a single open-world planet for exploration, resource mining, base building, and combat against alien creatures. Players can choose from four classes: biologist, scientist, soldier, and engineer, and must manage hunger, thirst, toxicity, and health while crafting weapons. The game emphasizes automation, allowing players to build interconnected machines powered by solar energy, but they must also contend with extreme heat blasts. StarRupture is priced at .99 / £13.59 with a 20% discount. The developer, Creepy Jar, has plans for future updates, including map expansions, new weapons, resources, and a winter-themed biome in version 1.0.

AppWizard

December 7, 2025

Mud bricks are not just for Minecraft – they can solve real-world refugee housing

Unverified images show a Gazan family reconstructing their home with mud bricks, following discussions about using mud bricks as a sustainable solution for the refugee crisis. Mud bricks are made from clay, sand, water, and natural binders, requiring no firing or fuel, making them environmentally friendly. Approximately 30% of the global population lives in earthen structures, particularly in the Middle East, North Africa, India, and much of the Global South. In Gaza, the region faces challenges with energy and shelter, with over 12,000 rooftop solar systems established by 2022, providing vital resources despite ongoing conflict. Recent satellite assessments indicate that many solar installations have been damaged, highlighting the need for low-carbon, distributed systems in reconstruction efforts. NGOs are encouraged to focus on earthen construction techniques and training programs for local communities. Integrating solar energy with earthen building practices could lead to innovative micro-campuses that combine efficient structures with renewable energy and farming initiatives.