Aliya Schneider is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the solar-powered outdoor pods pitched to the Hudson Tourism Board are now in place at 225 Warren Bar and Grill for a week-long trial. According to SolarFi, the pod manufacturer, “The pods use solar power to provide users with lighting, air conditioning and heat, device charging stations and Bluetooth-powered speakers.” They are equipped with ventilation, fans and heat, according to another piece of promotional material. However, in reality, the heat function is non-existent because an external power source is required. Tourism Board Chairperson Calvin Lewis said the pods have no heat and are dependent on the business owner to provide a connection. The solar panels power the light in the pods but not the heat, Tourism Board member Kate Treacy said. SolarFi installed three pods the previous week at 225 Warrant for a one-week test trial. Two of the pods were unfurnished and one had a small round table with four chairs. In addition to requiring external electricity, snow removal will be an issue and labor will be needed for cleaning and serving customers in the pods, Treacy said. Lewis said SolarFi co-founder Antonio Dixon promised the city could lease 10 pods for two months for $25,000. According to a reporter, similar 6-foot-by-4-foot polycarbonate greenhouses are available for $431 a piece from Home Depot and Lowe’s. The 6-foot-by-8-foot version, sized like the pods at 225 Warren, go for $649, she reported. Board members chose to discuss alternatives and looking at a larger vision for Hudson rather than at the SolarFi proposal alone. Read more at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.