Monthly Archives: March 2022

Solar panels are an excellent way to capture the free energy that comes from the sun. However, even solar panels have one major drawback: when the sun goes down, the power stops flowing. To prevent that happening, we can capture that energy, and store it in one of the best solar batteries.

These batteries can also harness energy generated by wind turbines, or any other form of sustainable electricity production. Depending on the size of the solar battery, you can then use them for anything from charging a cellphone, to heating an entire home.

Solar batteries come with a variety of specifications. Whole-house units from brands like Tesla, Generac, and LG cost thousands of dollars. Then there are smaller models that fit in anything from golf carts to motor yachts, plus compact units for hiking and camping. In this article, were focusing on the best solar batteries for vehicles, off-grid cabins, tiny houses, and marine use.

Best AGM: VMaxTanks 12V, 125Ah Best Budget: Weize 12V, 75AH Best Lithium: ExpertPower 12V, 100Ah Best Hybrid Gel: Renogy 12V, 100Ah Best Portable Pack: Blavor Qi Portable Charger 10,000mAh

We researched the products from more than a dozen manufacturers in order to find a selection of different solar batteries, and offer solutions for a variety of needs. The following were the key criteria:

Performance: All but one of the solar batteries we used produces 12 volts of power, so the Amp hour rating (Ah) is the major difference. Two batteries of the same Ah will deliver broadly similar performance, so we chose a variety of capacities in order to provide suitability for different tasks.

Chemistry: A number of different chemistries are used within solar batteries. While they all perform very much the same when new, some degrade more quickly than others. We have chosen one solar battery from each of the four main types in order to highlight how this impacts on performance and lifespan.

Brand and Price: Some brands are widely recognized as supplying quality products, and in the main we stuck with those who have a long-established reputation for durability a key facet of any battery. That said, price is always important so we have also tried to highlight value for money. The best solar panels will help you save more money and energy.

Why It Made The Cut: The VMaxTanks 12V solar battery offers reliable, safe performance, and is frequently recommended both for RV use and for off-grid living.

Specs: Amp hours: 125Ah Cycles: 1,000 (see below) Weight: 75 pounds

Pros: Long lifespan Safe to use at any angle Maintenance free

Cons: A little pricey Heavy

If youre looking for a solar battery you can depend on to start your vehicles, the VMaxTanks 12V solar battery is a good choice. Its designed with AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat), a type of lead-acid battery chemistry that has long proven an effective way to store power. However, unlike the original liquid-filled lead-acid type, AGM batteries have the electrolyte stored in sealed plastic containers. They wont spill if tipped over so they can be used on their side or stood on end. They also require no maintenance beyond recharging.

The VMaxTanks 12V solar batterys 125 amp hours of output also makes it a good option for the higher demands of RV use. However, better value will be achieved when several units are wired together to provide higher output for off-grid use. It also performs well in cold weather, where lithium ion batteries are less effective.

While more expensive than some, the VMaxTanks solar battery can be expected to last 8 to 10 years, or around 1,000 cycles. VMaxTanks quote a lifespan of up to 3,600 cycles, but by then it will only take a 10 percent charge. A noticeable drop in performance usually occurs when AGM batteries have dropped to around 40 percent capacity, at which point they are frequently replaced. Hence our lower cycle rating. Another way to save energy is by investing in the best solar panels.

Why It Made The Cut: Weize has a reputation for producing affordable batteries that offer competitive performance. This 75Ah model offers proven reliability, and the versatility to power a number of small electric vehicles.

Specs: Amp hours: 75Ah Cycles: 600 (estimated) Weight: 46 pounds

Pros: Reliable power for small vehicles No maintenance requirement Competitive price

Cons: Shorter life than premium models Packaging offers minimal protection

The Weize solar battery is another popular AGM model. So it has proven reliability, and is safe to use in any position without risk of spilling acidic electrolyte. It is maintenance free, and works well at low temperatures.

The Weizes compact design, and 75Ah capacity suits a wide variety of functions. It is relatively lightweight at 46 pounds, making it viable for campsite use, and in small boats with trolling motors. It is ideal as a backup for a sump pump in the event of a power failure. It will run a variety of electric vehicles such as golf carts, lawn equipment, and wheelchairs. It can also be used to power emergency lighting.

This batterys lifespan is quoted at around 6 years. While we were unable to find a figure for cycles, it is likely to be around 600 to 700. While these figures are lower than some, the Weize solar battery still represents good value when the low price is taken into account.

That said, we cant speak from direct experience, but we have seen several reports of batteries being damaged on arrival. Most felt this was due to packaging that doesnt provide sufficient protection.

Why It Made The Cut: ExpertPowers LiFePO4 uses active battery management to boost performance and extend operating life. It is among the most durable solar batteries on the market, delivering consistent power levels for many years.

Specs: Amp hours: 100Ah Cycles: Over 2,500 Weight: 22.6 pounds

Pros: Consistently high performance Outstanding durability Very light

Cons: Expensive Not as efficient as AGM in cold weather

Lithium ion batteries typically provide more power than lead acid and AGM, and over a longer period. LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) is the latest chemistry, and provides superior performance. A typical AGM solar battery provides about 50 percent of its capacity before power drops off. The ExpertPower LiFePO4 solar battery delivers up to 80 percent. They also degrade by only around 1 percent per year. The ExpertPower LiFePO4 is quoted as having a minimum life of 2,500 cycles, but it may be as high as 7,000 cycles over a 10-year period. They recharge faster than AGM too.

The ExpertPower LiFePO4 uses no rare earth metals so it is more environmentally friendly than many competitors. Theres also no danger from accidental overcharging, as the cells are incombustible. This makes the ExpertPower solar battery popular in hazardous environments.

In fact there are few applications that dont benefit from the ExpertPower solar battery including RVs, marine craft, and off-grid installations. The only minor drawback is a drop off in performance in extreme cold (below 0 degrees Fahrenheit). Additionally, although the cost of the ExpertPower 12V solar battery is competitive for its kind, the initial cost is two or three times that of AGM alternatives.

Why It Made The Cut: Renogys 12V solar battery comes from a company whose focus is on renewable energy. It uses proprietary plate technology to provide excellent service life with high safety levels.

Specs: Amp hours: 100Ah Cycles: 750 Weight: 63.9 pounds

Pros: Outstanding durability Non-hazardous Useful carry strap

Cons: Slow recharging More expensive than AGM

Renogys hybrid gel solar battery uses another form of lead-acid chemistry. While less common than AGM, it has actually been around for longer. It combines pyrogenic silica (which is inert) with sulphuric acid, as found in other lead-acid batteries.

The result is a thick gel that allows the battery to be used at any angle. It is also highly resistant to vibration, and very tolerant of temperature extremes. These features make hybrid gel solar batteries a popular choice for marine, off-grid, and industrial applications. Hybrid gel batteries are also frequently paired with emergency generators and medical equipment due to their longevity and reliability.

Renogys 12V hybrid gel solar battery has a life expectancy that can reach 12 years. Self discharge is also relatively low at around 3 percent per month, so it can be shelved for long periods if necessary. Recharge cycles are comparable with AGM, but the Renogy solar battery discharges more thoroughly for extended time between charges. That said, it isnt rated as highly as typical lithium alternatives.

Why It Made The Cut: The Qi portable charger has its own solar panel, providing energy storage potential wherever you go. It can then charge a variety of mobile devices via USB or wirelessly.

Specs: Amp hours: 10Ah Cycles: Unavailable (see below) Weight: 10 ounces

Pros: Rugged construction Multiple charging options Great value

Cons: Solar charging slow Comparatively bulky

Our final choice is somewhat different, but the Blavor Qi portable charger is an efficient way to provide energy for people who need to charge their mobile devices while on the move. With a maximum of 10,000 mAh (10Ah) available it is theoretically capable of charging three devices simultaneously, though this does reduce charging speed. It will also depend on connectivity. The Blavor Qi offers wireless charging for suitably specified cellphones, plus 2 USB ports.

The rugged design is rated IPX5 waterproof. Technically that means it can sustain a consistent low-pressure spray. In real terms it can take more or less any weather conditions short of being submerged. It is also dustproof, and shock-resistant, though the level of protection does make it a little bulky when compared to some rivals. An LED flashlight is built in, as is a compass. These underline the Blavor Qi portable chargers suitability for hiking and camping.

Blavor does not provide charge cycle information. Similar devices offer anywhere from 200 to 1,000 cycles but unfortunately there is no way to assess this without running the Qi portable charger for its entire lifespan. The relatively small size of the solar panel does mean battery recharging speed is quite slow. Hanging it from the outside of a pack to maximize exposure is recommended where practical.

Solar battery chemistry is a key issue, and we have discussed this in detail with each of our top four picks. The following are other features that will have a major impact on finding the best solar battery for a particular function.

The voltage demands of any piece of equipment are fixed. So for example many golf carts use a 6-volt battery, most cars use a 12-volt battery, and large trucks might use a 24-volt battery. You cant fit a 24-volt battery on a golf cart, or a 6-volt battery on that truck. It wont work.

However, each battery can vary in terms of Amp hours (Ah). Strictly speaking, this is the number of amps the battery can supply in an hour. However, in real terms the figure is more about how long the battery will provide power before it needs recharging. So for example a 100Ah solar battery can provide 10 amps for 10 hours. A 200Ah solar battery will provide the same 10 amps for 20 hours, or 20 amps for 10 hours.

Both batteries will run the same 12-volt equipment, but one will do it for longer than the other. The tradeoff is cost. More Amp hours means higher prices, which is why a recommended Ah is often advised by buggy, car or RV manufacturers. A more powerful solar battery could be fitted, but performance gains may not be sufficiently noticeable to warrant the increased costs.

For off-grid use, in a cabin or small homestead for example, it is possible to connect 12-volt solar batteries together, in series or in parallel, in order to increase voltage and/or amp hours. How to do that goes beyond the scope of this article, and we suggest expert advice is sought. You can also take your energy saving to a new level by adding solar power to your home.

Most solar batteries are called deep cycle because they provide (discharge) a higher percentage of their stored energy than standard lead acid models. This can vary from around 50 percent to more than 80 percent depending on chemistry.

Each time a solar battery goes through a discharge and recharging cycle, it loses a little of its capacity. For at least the first couple of hundred cycles, the difference will be negligible, but eventually it will impair performance to the point where the solar battery will not provide sufficient power to drive the required equipment. Whole-house models are rated in years, and frequently last more than a decade. While this is also true of smaller solar batteries, they may also be rated in cycles. Typically this will be upwards of 500 cycles, and it can be several thousand.

It is also worth checking self-discharge rates. The charge in any battery will trickle away if left unused. Figures are usually given as a percentage per month. Old-style lead acid batteries can have self discharge as high as 20 percent, whereas the best solar batteries can be as low as 1 percent.

Most 12-volt solar batteries are fitted in vehicles or stationary equipment, so weight isnt usually a problem. However, if youre using backup batteries for camping for example, its a figure worth checking. They can vary from around 20 pounds, to upwards of 70 pounds.

Choosing the correct size can also be important. Physical dimensions shouldnt be difficult to find, but there is also a figure called the BCI Group Size (Battery Council International) which is an international standard often quoted by vehicle and equipment manufacturers.

Q: What are the best batteries for solar power?Lithium ion, and in particular lithium iron phosphate, are generally considered the best batteries for solar power because they are more compact, and have better discharge cycles. However, they tend to come with higher price tags.

Q: What size solar panel to charge 12v battery?The size of a solar panel to charge a 12V battery can vary. Any panel with an output above 100 watts will do it, but could take 12 hours or more. A 200-watt solar panel might do it in 8 hours or less. For more accurate figures, you would need to look at the performance of a specific panel.

Q: How much does a solar battery cost?Solar battery cost can be anywhere from around $70.00 for a 12-volt model to over $10,000 for a whole-house installation. Mostly it depends on power output, though battery chemistry also has an impact.

Q: Which solar batteries last longest?The longest lasting solar batteries are lithium iron phosphate (also called LiFePO4), a type of lithium-ion battery.

Q: How many solar batteries are needed to power a house?It isnt really a question of how many solar batteries are needed to power a house, but rather the amount of power required. While smaller units can be daisy-chained for tiny homes and cabins, the usual approach to adding solar power to your home is to use just one or two high capacity units. And you can add more energy-efficiency to your life with the best rechargeable batteries.

Our top pick for best solar battery, the VMaxTanks 12V solar battery is a powerful all-around model that underlines the capabilities and versatility available. The Weize model is a more affordable option for those who need to power less demanding devices like mobility scooters or trolling motors. While both of these are likely to appeal for their competitive pricing, investing in a lithium solar battery like the ExpertPower LiFePO4 can actually work out as better value in the long term. Especially if the demand is for consistently high performance, and frequent charging cycles.

This post was created by a non-news editorial team at Recurrent Media, Futurisms owner. Futurism may receive a portion of sales on products linked within this post.

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The Best Solar Batteries of 2022 - Futurism

The Greater Houston Partnership hosted Houston House at SXSW, a two-day activation program led by innovation leaders and startup founders, from March 13-14. With over 630 attendees over the two days of programming, Houston House delivered a diverse set of panels discussing venture capital funding, equitable energy transition, commercial aerospace and more! If you didnt get a chance to attend our panels, heres a glimpse of the conversations surrounding the advancements happening in Houston.

Felix Chevalier., Co-Founder, Urban Capital NetworkDenise Hamilton, Work Futurist and CEO, WatchHerWorkJesse Martinez, Investment Partner/Venture Partner, Resolved/ VamosVentures

Houston Houses kickoff on March 13 offered a space for startups and technology to converge. The big question for startup founders is often where do I begin? The answer is funding. The panel discussed how founders can overcome challenges when it comes to securing funding.

For founders, you have to pack your bags and get out there, like SXSW. Walk around the street, go to free shows, or stand at the hotel lobby. The opportunity is out there to meet people to whatever your objective might be.Felix Chevalier, Co-Founder of Urban Capital Network

I am a solo founder and I remember I met with multiple technical co-founders, but I was told because youre a black woman youll never be able to raise the money.Denise Hamilton, Work Futurist and CEO of WatchHerWork

Despite setbacks, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed startup businesses back on track. After the pandemic, you eliminate the geographical boundaries. I can be in Miami, in Silicon Valley, but I choose Houston for its unlimited resources and talent.Jesse Martinez, Investment Partner, Resolved Ventures & Venture Partner, Vamos Ventures

David Gow, CEO, Gow Media & SportsMap Tech Acquisition Corp.Chris Buckner, CEO, MainlineLori Burgess, Chief Operating Officer, Beasley EsportsAshley DeWalt, Managing Director, DivInc

The booming technology market has expanded to new horizons, including collegiate esports and the advancement in wearable technology. The panel discussed the growth in collegiate esports investments by Houston-based universities like University of St. Thomas and University of Houston.

Historically, strong young gamers with elite teams have skipped college and gone directly to pro. In the next 3-5 years, schools will dive into esports to attract those top-tier students and match the full rides football players are given.Lori Burgess, COO, Beasley Esports

Houston is a great home for entrepreneurial innovation. We have an opportunity to create a VC sports tech company that will follow up with all stages to capture and engage a sports tech capital hub.David Gow, CEO, Gow Media

Dr. Douglas Terrier, Associate Director of Vision & Strategy, NASA - National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationR. Matt Ondler, CTO, Axiom SpaceTim Crain, Chief Technology Officer, Intuitive MachinesArturo Machuca, Director, Ellington Airport and Houston Spaceport (Houston Airport System)

With Houston Spaceports expansion and improvements, Houston will be the first major metropolitan area in the U.S. to create an environment available to private companies wishing to use a spaceport. The mission is to create a focal point for aerospace innovation with a collection of aerospace companies that will lead the U.S. to transition from government-driven to commercial-driven space programs.

When I think about the Houston Spaceport and think about the summer of 2015 when we got our license, fast-forward a couple years and now were building the largest space station--I can just begin to imagine what Houston will bring to the table in the next 5 years.-Dr. Douglas Terrier, Associate Director for Vision and Strategy at NASAs Johnson Space Center

Joanna Nathan, Manager, New Ventures, Johnson & Johnson Center for Device InnovationJames Reinstein, President & CEO, Saranas Inc.Kevin Coker, President & CEO, Proxima Clinical Research, Inc.

As home to the largest medical city in the world, Houston is at the forefront of advancing life sciences. Innovation drives collaborations with medicine and cutting-edge technology leveraging resources of enterprises to develop life-saving solutions.

From microbiome engineering to antibiotic resistance, Kevin Coker, President and CEO at Proxima Clinical Research, Inc., commented that, synthetic biology is going to make a huge difference and cost will decrease in the upcoming years as medical device technology continues to advance. 3D Systems is looking to manufacture the first human organ in East Downtown Houston, so how much more exciting can it get than that?

Jason Bock, VP, Biologics Development, MD Anderson Cancer CenterMichael Curran, Associate Professor / Founder, MD Anderson Cancer Center / ImmunoGenesis, Inc.Larry Hope, New Ventures and Business Development, MD Anderson Cancer Center

The MD Anderson Cancer Centers panel discussed next-generation cell engineering for tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) programs. Housing the largest comprehensive cancer center in the U.S., based in Houston, MD Anderson has extensive expertise in developing and manufacturing innovative cell therapies, including groundbreaking work with TILs and setting the proper foundation for biotechnological advancements.

It is my belief that TILs are poised for a significant impact in the field of cancer therapy, and engineering improved TILs is a vital part of advancing this modality.Jason Bock, VP, Biologics Development, MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston House Panelists. From left: Hossam Elbadawy, Grace Chan, Shawn Cumberland, Vidisha Prasad

Hossam Elbadawy, Managing Director & Technology Partner, SCF PartnersShawn Cumberland, Managing Partner, EnCap Energy TransitionGrace Chan, Investment Associate, bp VenturesVidisha Prasad, Managing Partner, Adya Partners

Venture capital experts launched day two of Houston House. Climate change and energy 2.0 have become top priorities for companies with a focus on the hydrogen space. Experts on the panel examined how private and corporate investors continuously seek opportunities in clean technology.

Houston has great resources, including talent, infrastructure, and money, which is what puts Houston at the forefront of the energy transition.Grace Chan, Investment Associate at bp Ventures

Andrea Course, Venture Principal, Shell VenturesDale W., Managing Director, Halliburton LabsMichael W., Senior Investment Manager, Equinor VenturesDawn James, Director, Global Industry Strategy - Energy & Sustainability, Microsoft

The panel explored the collaboration needed for success in the energy transition and voiced consensus that the foundation of corporations with the agility of startups is critical.

"Its true that its going to take everybody, this is the ultimate group project.Dawn James, Director of Global Industry Strategy - Energy & Sustainability at Microsoft

Particularly in Houston, corporations have the experience, talent, expertise, connections, and facilities that are going to be important to commercialize the technologies of the future.Dale Winger, Managing Director, Halliburton Labs

Trevor Best, CEO, Syzygy PlasmonicsMoji Karimi, CEO, Cemvita Factory Inc.Federico Marques, Founder & CEO, Moonflower FarmsJane Stricker, SVP of Energy Transition and HETI Executive Director, Greater Houston Partnership

With the ongoing emergence of energy transition companies in Houston, startups are tackling climate change head on. Comprised of the founders of some of the most promising tech startups, the panel discussed their input in accelerating the global energy transition.

In Houston, weve launched The Ion, Halliburton Labs, Greentown Labs, a pretty broad range of incubators creating an ecosystem of innovation just in the last two years that allow for this green energy transition.Jane Stricker, Executive Director at HETI

If youre a climatetech VC and youre not looking at Houston, Texas, then youre about to miss out because things are happening in Houston.Trevor Best, CEO of Syzygy Plasmonics

If I want Houston to become a bio-manufacturing hub, which I think it could be, the city has done a great amount in showing the vision and the will giving a new generation for companies to grow.Moji Karimi, CEO, CemvitaFactory

John Hall, President and CEO, HARC | Houston Advanced Research CenterDana Harmon, Executive Advisor, Texas Energy Poverty Research InstituteJane Stricker, SVP of Energy Transition and HETI Executive Director, Greater Houston Partnership

The panel discussion allowed for an open dialogue on the disparity of the economic and human health outcomes related to climate change.

Climate change has disproportionately affected low-to-moderate income communities the most, so how do we address the inequities? To remain the nations leader in energy, Texas must lean into its abundant renewable energy resources and lead the development and manufacturing of technologies that reduce and eliminate the climate and health pollution emitted by fossil fuels in commerce, industry, and vehicles.John Hall, President and CEO, HARC | Houston Advanced Research Center

In some of our recent data, what weve seen is people will, basically, self-meter energy consumption in Texas in July, August, September, and we do have evidence of heat exacerbated health effects caused by energy insecurity, so not being able to find cooling stations and things like that. There are important health implications associated with energy use, so we need to think about it holistically.Dana Harmon, Executive Advisor, Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute

The entire Houston House at SXSW program will be available on demand soon.

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Houston House Spotlights Tech and Innovation at SXSW - Greater Houston Partnership

Uh, that's not good. Bad Break Up

As if the threat of nuclear disaster at the hands of a mad oligarch wasnt enough, sea levels might rise after a section of Antarctic ice the size of Philadelphia abruptly shattered, exposing vulnerable glaciers to the sea and more rapid melting.

A large section of the Larsen Ice Shelf in Antarctica, dubbed Larsen-B, has broken up into the ocean, according to a press release from the Earth Institute at Columbia University. Images from NASA satellites showed the ice shattering from January 19 to 21.

The ice previously helped protect many glaciers along the Antarctic Peninsula from the sea. But now, scientists say, the glaciers are vulnerable to accelerated melt that could raise sea levels even further.

The international team of scientists behind a new study about the breakup in the journal Remote Sensing of Environment still arent sure why exactly the Larsen-B ice shattered so quickly. However, some believe that the warming summer temperatures and winds carrying warm air could be partially responsible.

Its difficult to tell what actually caused the disintegration as the sea ice was already showing cracks prior to the breakup, Stef Lhermitte, a geoscience and remote sensing researcher at the Delft University of Technology, said in the release.

Regardless of the reason it broke up, the event still represents a serious threat to the glaciers it previously protected. The Larsen-B ice used to buttress the glaciers, holding back water flow from pushing them into the sea and minimizing their contribution to sea level rise. With it gone, the glaciers are now exposed and at risk of melting faster.

Sadly, this is just yet another grim example of anthropogenic climate change in action and yet another plodding step toward an uncertain environmental future.

READ MORE: Sea Ice That Slowed the Flow of Antarctic Glaciers Abruptly Shatters In Three Days [Columbia University]

More on glaciers: Welp, Scientists Say Antarctic Sea Ice Is at a Record Low

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The Sea Ice That Protects Antarctic Glaciers Just Completely Shattered, Scientists Say - Futurism

WATERLOO Its a concept seemingly ripped from a science-fiction script levitating pods that could transport cargo or people at breathtaking speeds topping 1,000 km/h through near-vacuum tubes.

The hyperloop concept, popularized by Tesla and SpaceXs Elon Musk, builds on ideas first conceived around compressed air and propulsion more than 200 years ago.

Today, there are several companies around the world working on ever-changing hyperloop technology, while students at post-secondary institutions, including the University of Waterloo, are developing prototypes to prove its feasibility.

I do think its quite likely, said Krista Porter, business lead for UWs 124-member hyperloop design team, Waterloop. As a human population all over the world, people are continuously striving to evolve I think its due time that something new comes up.

Founded in 2015, Waterloop is currently working on its fifth pod prototype, called Goose V, as team members get ready for a return to competition this year after being sidelined by the pandemic.

Propelled and levitated using a linear induction motor, the technology would see the pod reach high speeds through a near-vacuum tube thanks to greatly-reduced friction and air resistance.

Its basically a train, but youre removing all the inefficiencies, said team member Emrys Halbertsma.

At about 1.8 metres (six feet) long, Goose V carries a motor and battery pack, a motor controller, and guidance and braking systems; the hyperloop concept envisions full-size cargo or passenger pods, carrying up to 28 people each, and Waterloop hopes to design and build a working full-size pod in the coming years.

The team is also building its first test track at the Region of Waterloo International Airport; made of I-beams and about 100 metres long, the track is expected to be in use when UW hosts the Canadian Hyperloop Conference at the end of May.

This is just the first iteration of our test track, Porter said. We recently drafted up plans for a vacuum tube track, but we are still very much in the research phase of that, and also, were going to have to work hard to find funding to build that.

Porter said 10 teams from India, the United States and Canada have signed up so far for the upcoming conference. Waterloop will also be taking part in a competition as part of European Hyperloop Week in the Netherlands in July, and theyre hosting a green tech webinar on March 25 showcasing groups and teams at UW with a focus on sustainability.

Much of the teams progress is made possible through the generosity of sponsors that have provided everything from welding services to software and tools.

This is technology that requires money to make, and we are just a student team that does not generate any money ourselves, Porter said. If we didnt have sponsors, our team would not be where it is today.

Hyperloop technology can seem far-fetched and faces considerable challenges, cost and safety among them. Virgin Hyperloop, one of the key corporate players, announced last month that its going to focus on cargo rather than passengers.

Id say cargo is very feasible, said Halbertsma, adding theres clearly demand for the ability to move freight very quickly.

There are still a lot of unanswered questions, but its definitely technology thats worth exploring.

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A University of Waterloo team is working to develop futuristic levitating pods that can move people or cargo at breathtaking speeds - Waterloo Region...