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One resolution we should all be working towards together right now – is to start living more consciously and in an environmentally friendly way, including paying attention to our energy sources and considering make them. Curbing fossil fuel consumption is now a priority, and we have a more positive energy source as an alternative – the Sun! Solar energy has gained a lot of traction around the world, and we see it being used in all aspects of design, whether it’s solar-powered kitchen appliances, homes, or even hotels. And, we’ve put together a collection of intelligent solar-powered products that will make a big difference in your everyday life. From a paper-thin solar cell that could bring solar power to any surface, to Acacia tree-powered sunshade canopies – these solar-powered designs are bound to make some eco-friendly waves this year.
1. The Sunlight
Dutch lighting brand Sunne partnered with designer Marjan van Aubel to create their first product – a self-powered solar light that harvests energy during the day to light your home at night. Called the Sunlight, the sunlight imitation lamp collects the sun’s energy and is powered exclusively by it. It aims to bring the power of the sun into your home!
Why is it significant?
The sun light is equipped with photovoltaic cells and is meant to be hung in front of a window. The suspended lighting fixture collects the sun’s energy throughout the day, and at night it uses this energy to illuminate your home. It has an integrated battery that stores the solar energy it collects and thus eliminates any dependence on an external or additional power source.
What we like
- Inspired by the sky
- The lamp remains suspended in the air
Which we don’t like
2. The Luci Beam LED
Designed by Mpowered, the Luci Beam LED is a 2-in-1 solar-powered headlamp and flashlight, packed with power in a waterproof body, making it easy to use in all kinds of situations. The product can provide up to 300 lumens of brightness, which should come in handy in so many use cases: whether you’re looking for something in the storeroom or lighting your path during a hike.
Why is it significant?
Luci Beam’s ability to transform from handheld to headlamp is what makes it stand out from other lighting designs on the market! The 2-in-1 headlamp and flashlight are solar powered but can be recharged via USB if there’s no sun, so you’re never left stranded in the middle of an adventure.
What we like
- There is a micro-USB cable for charging on the go
- A tight headband for the headlamp and a wrist strap for the flashlight ensure that the device is securely attached at all times
Which we don’t like
- We’re not sure how strong it is to handle the rough outdoors
3. Paper-thin Kilgreen
MIT researchers have created a paper-thin solar cell that is so thin and light, you can place it on almost any surface! solar panels can generate 370 watts per kilogram of power, which is actually 18 times more compared to regular solar cells.
Why is it significant?
Not only does this mean they are viable alternatives to heavy panels that weigh down your roof, but they can also be installed on almost any surface, including flexible ones like boat sails or tents. This paper-thin solar cell is great for tents, especially when located in disaster-stricken areas, where power grids are sometimes inoperable.
What we like
- 18 times more powerful compared to traditional cells
- It can be bent or rolled like a piece of paper
Which we don’t like
- Lacking a protective layer that protects the cells from the environment
4. The Invisible Sun
The Solar Invisibles are panels that look like these clay tiles but have cells underneath that will be able to generate solar energy and power the building they are on.
Why is it significant?
The common monocrystalline silicon cells are made from non-toxic materials and are an “invisible” part of the solar panels. Each panel is capable of reaching a peak of 7.5 watts (peak energy capacity) and weighs approximately 2 kilograms each.
What we like
- The ceramic tiles look opaque but are still able to absorb the sun’s rays that will power the cells
- They are even self-cleaning because they have photocatalytic properties
Which we don’t like
- The aesthetics are unacceptable
5. Eco
Designed by Samuel Wilkinson, it is an Ecacia-like tree structure inspired by one of the species of the Acacia tree that grows in eastern and southern Africa. This huge umbrella-like structure not only provides shade from the sun and rain but can also power nearby power utilities or charge electric vehicles.
Why is it significant?
There are four programmable LED lamps that illuminate the surrounding areas at night. Future prototypes will also be amped up with a cooling mist function so that the public areas can be cooled during the hot season. The umbrellas will provide temporary relief to passers-by.
What we like
- Features 708 monocrystalline solar panels to capture the sun’s energy
Which we don’t like
- It is still in the prototype stage!
6. Tesla Solar Range Extender Trailer
Tesla quietly launched one of its innovations at IdeenExpo in Hannover German. The EV giant unveiled a prototype of yet another product they’re working on – a trailer that attaches to the back of your EV and has fold-out solar panels and battery packs that help extend your EV’s range.
Why is it significant?
Called the Tesla Solar Range Extender trailer, the electric vehicle is simply put – huge. It’s the same size as the other large trailers on the market, and has folding solar panels that charge a rather large battery pack placed underneath. This battery pack can be used as an additional power source for the EV.
What we like
- It has a SpaceX Starlink internet terminal
- Amped with solar panels
Which we don’t like
- We don’t know if or when it will ship
7. The Parelio
The Parelio looks like a great fun design, and it is! It is a solar-powered beach shade that can harness the power of the sun to create sustainable energy. Ideal for lawns and beaches, the accessory can absorb sunlight, converting it into electricity that can be used to power phone chargers, coolers, mini fridges and machinery too!
Why is it significant?
Instead of the usual beach umbrella design that folds down towards the earth, this one folds up towards the sun as it absorbs its energy. The inspiration for the design is a combination of origami and the solar systems on NASA spacecraft.
What we like
- Amped with foldable photovoltaic panels
- It turns up towards the sun, rather than towards the earth
Which we don’t like
8. Boombox Solgaard Solarbank
Choosing a decent Bluetooth speaker is always a task, but now sustainability has been added to the mix too! Your technology must also be more environmentally friendly. The aim now is to make “greener” choices for the future of the planet. For this reason, the new portable speaker Solgaard Solarbank Boombox enters the market with a sustainable design.
Why is it significant?
The recycled plastic design refers to speaker cloth and outer shell from plastic waste. These are scrap materials but have been upcycled and used instead. This process is part of the brand’s initiative to remove approximately 5 lbs of plastic for every product sold.
What we like
- Boombox Solgaard Solarbank allows you to enjoy music while the battery takes advantage of the power of the sun
- It is sand-proof, water-proof, and drop-proof
Which we don’t like
- The appearance of the speaker is unimpressive and quite common
9. Style
However, people need water to live, and people in remote parts of the world are forced to drink impure, bacteria-laden water just to survive, only to get sick from it. Deploying water purifiers to these locations may be the simplest solution, but most of these require electricity, which is also hard to come by, even with solar generators. This concept, however, harnesses the power of the sun in a different way and offers a solution that is sustainable through and through.
Why is it significant?
Still, in contrast, uses solar energy, not to power electronics but to clean the water almost directly. It uses the old method of heating water to the boiling point and then collecting the condensation as pure distilled water.
What we like
- It can be located and used anywhere
Which we don’t like
10. The Matte Solar Watches work
Today, the smartwatch world is run by those with disposable lithium-ion batteries and planned obsolescence lifetimes, Matte Works solar watches are a refreshing change! These minimal and clean watches have an evergreen aesthetic, which cleverly hides the solar panels placed below the watch dial.
Why is it significant?
Unlike a smartwatch that becomes ‘old news’ after the company launches its next version a year later, Matte Works sundials remain stylish and functional for years, emphasizing the importance relating to reliance on renewable energy.
What we like
- The clock comes with a classic aesthetic that hides its powerful aspect under a tinted dial
Which we don’t like
- Aesthetically looks quite similar to other watches on the market
