As alternative energy is becoming more and more commonplace so are unusual uses for green energy technologies. Solar technology can now be found in everything from fashion to alternative transport to children’s toys. We have compiled a list of some of our favorite zany applications for solar technology.
Solar Postcard
The HYmini miniNOTE, the world’s first and only solar postcard, allows you to send a sustainable message to your loved ones that will also power their communication gadgets with renewable solar power. The miniNOTE is an innovative solar-powered portable universal power bank designed with a paper-thin profile that fits into almost all ordinary sized mailboxes.
Solar Necklace
Mae Yokoyama, a Masters jewellery design student at the Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts and Design in Sweden, has created the ultimate in green accessory – the haute couture Lux solar panel collar. The solar panel collar accumulates energy during daytime and when the sun goes down a string of LED pearl lights is illuminated, turning the functional look of the solar panels into a fashionable necklace. The necklace requires two hours of charging to stay illuminated for four hours.
Solar Birdhouse
During the day, sunlight feeds the solar panel on the roof of the Solar Birdhouse, charging a small battery inside the house. At night, a transparent perch lights up and casts a small light into the garden. Solar Birdhouse creators Studio OOOMS hope the light will attract insects and provide easy snacks for the birds living in the house.
Solar Flight
Eric Raymond, pilot of the Sunseeker II solar airplane, has shown the world the possibilities of solar air flight. In the last few months he has set several solar flight records including; first flight across the Swiss Alps in a solar airplane, most hours in flight for a manned solar plane and the highest altitude every achieved by a solar plane. Solar flight definitely is starting to look like a sustainable and viable possibility for the future.
Solar Toys
Is there any better way to teach children about alternative energy than with solar powered toys? The OWI Robots Company has come up with an amazing line of funky toys (although they will appeal to all age groups) that run on tiny solar panels. Their Mini Solar Kit line is a self-assembled selection of solar powered toys that includes Viking ships, grasshoppers, solar racing cars, cable cars and hopping frogs – all powered by tiny solar panels.
Solar Lantern
The Satellite Solar Lantern design concept, from American designer Andrew Galvin, is inspired by the solar arrays used on satellites to collect energy from the sun. Solar panels on satellites continually re-align to achieve unobstructed energy collection from the sun. The Satellite Solar Lantern uses the same basic design principle; each wing on the lantern can be turned 360 degrees for optimal alignment or the wings can be divided in half re-aligned by individual quarters. The Satellite Solar Lantern will make a great camping lantern.
Solar Car
The Xof1 solar car, created by Marcelo da Luz, has spent the last year shattering numerous world records including; first solar car to operate in below freezing temperatures, first solar car to drive on an ice road, first solar car to reach the Arctic circle, first solar car to charge with the power of the midnight sun and last but not least, the Xof1 is the world distance record holder for distance traveled in a solar car.
Solar Lunch Steamer
The Stack Solar Steamer is designed to encourage healthy eating while harnessing the energy of the sun. The general principle of the Stack Solar Steamer from Matt Anthony is that sunlight passes through two glass walls with a vacuum in between and is absorbed as heat by the dark coating on the inner wall. This solar energy cannot escape due to the vacuum layer and builds up heat while in direct sunlight.
Solar Fashion
Solar Vintage by Scottish designer Elena Corchero focuses on the integration of solar light-charged technology into traditionally crafted fashion accessories. The solar fashion line includes a stunning Solar Vintage Fan that lights up at night, the Solar Vintage Parasol that doubles as an elegant parasol by day and turns into a chandelier at night and a solar brooch that becomes an ambient light in the evening. There are also solar hairpieces, necklaces and even a dress.
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