The first completely solar-powered resort in the Maldives has opened on Gasfinolhu Island in North Male Atoll. The last diesel generators have been turned off and the resort is now fully functioning on the power of the sun, which is harnessed by solar panels on the roofs of resort buildings, including the jetty where boats arrive. Excess electricity is stored in an array of batteries and the resort employs an innovative air-conditioning system using chilled water rather than power-hungry air-conditioning machines. As an added bonus, the power system is almost silent, so there is nothing to disturb the swish of palm fronds or the swoosh of waves breaking on the beach. Read more: minivannews.com