Why Solar Inventions?

Solar inventions convert sunlight into electricity. This is done either directly using photovoltaics (PV), or indirectly using concentrated solar power (CSP). Concentrated solar power systems use lenses, mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam.

What comes to mind when you think of solar power? Solar powered water geysers? Solar panels?

Solar inventions quickly become the go to clean energy source. This is especially true with electricity issues and fossil fuel issues that keep arising.

Below are a few examples of some unusual solar inventions.

Boats

Turanor PlanetSolar is the biggest solar powered boat in the world. This impressive catamaran runs solely on energy found in sunlight. The removable parts allow for it to expose a total of 537 m2 of photo-voltaic surface to the sun.

Backpacks

These backpacks are impressive solar inventions. They are Eco-friendly mobile power generators. These mobile generators can power small electronics such as cell phones and MP3 players anywhere anytime. They are perfect for campers or hikers in the wilderness who need to be in communication with authorities.

Cell Phones

Although still in the early stage, a solar phone technology is ideal. It has been explored by cell phone companies such as ZTE, Sharp and Samsung. This cell phone technology will include an integrated solar panel to provide battery power instead of the conventional electricity powered battery. These cell phones will be useful for anyone who find themselves away from any power source.

Oven

This invention can bake, boil and steam food by using the power of the sun through solar panels. It doesn’t have the “unclean” energy of fossil fueled electricity. This solar invention has brought much joy to rural communities who are too remote to have access to gas or electricity supplies. It also allows communities to experience thoroughly cooked food.  It also reduces the amount of diseases that can come from consuming uncooked food. Some companies have taken it a step further by producing specialized solar barbecues and solar grills.

Bikini

Brooklyn based designer Andrew Schneider released a limited edition solar panel bikini. This device can power small electronic gadgets such as iPod and cameras via a USB port. Ladies may swim in the bikini provided that no devices are hooked up to it. The designer has said that in the future a men’s range will be released in the form of solar shorts which cool beer.

Solar inventions are a creative and clean way of producing everyday items and even luxury items that not only make you unique but is beneficial to the Earth. With solar power the possibilities are endless.