I was in China in December last year, checking out some new technology from some of the big manufacturers. One of the most interesting things I saw was a solar panel bag.
It was basically a backpack that had some solar panels on the top. There was some cabling inside and several ports, so you would be able to plug in your iPod, different brands of mobile phones, and other media devices. I thought it was pretty cool but didn't think there'd be much desire for it.
Then I saw this article about a similar product designed for laptops. Pretty cool -- except for the hefty price tag of $650.
It kind of ties into the whole debate about whether green technology is just a fad. The good thing about this product is not only that it's environmentally friendly, but also convenient. I'm always running out of battery on my phone when I'm on the go, so I can imagine the benefits in this sort of a product.
If I did go through the process of producing this for Australian customers, it would definitely be cheaper than the laptop solar product...just wondering, would you be interested in buying something like this?
SOLAR PANEL BACKPACK
6 MAY 2008
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Chris Tagle says...
I think the concept of greener merchandise is in growing demand. I think consumers will appreciate the convenience, and the fact that they are helping the environment. (Of course, only possible if the production of the product does not exceed the energy produced by the product, then there is no point.)
The mainly great thing is, once you have it - you basically have a free source of power, much better if you could plug more than a laptop in (Ie, on the go charger for mobile/iPod etc).
This would be very good also, going overseas with devices from specific country. Or especially third world countries, where electricity is often a luxury.
But in other aspects, cost is a key driver. Let's face it, who would buy a solar panel laptop charger, if you could by another laptop with the same cash - it is a big ask.
In closing - would I buy it? Yes.
Posted at 11:04 p.m. on May 10, 2008
Kritan K. says...
OFCOURSE!!! Especially for my laptop at Uni. Powerpoints are scarce and it would be convenient to have an easy way to help charge my laptop. Kudos on all the great work so far anyhow.
Posted at 3:21 p.m. on May 11, 2008
Barbara says...
Sounds like a great idea. Australia needs to get solar panel friendly. We're getting left behind and wasting all our sunshine. The idea could be extended to all kinds of portable things. How about gorgeous handbags with solar panels and a pocket for the phone? Baby cribs and eskies kept at the right temperature with free solar power?
Posted at 10:29 p.m. on May 12, 2008
Duncan B says...
I think the one area this could be promising is for hikers, allowing them to be able to use laptops and other technology whilst on long walks, possibly even have a small set of batteries in the bag to power night-time devices or something.
For student and general use, it'd be more a 'nifty' thing, the only problem I see is people leaving bags in the sun and cooking the contents...
Posted at 11:45 p.m. on May 12, 2008
Eddy says...
Methinks your asking the wrong people on this issue. Try asking back packers and bush walkers supplier stores, you could even ask bush walker testers to test proto type products and then await the outcome. I have funny suspicion the response may surprise you.
Posted at 12:36 a.m. on May 13, 2008
Robert says...
If you developed this into a Laptop style backpack for Uni students and travellers it would be great. Needs to be able to pass through airports as carry on luggage as well. Additional abilities to provide a USB connector for charging iPods, Blackberry's and Mobiles would be an advantage. needs to be flexible, reliable and rugged which might take some testing.
Posted at 8:52 a.m. on May 13, 2008
paul says...
hidden battery power. if your power is low to activate press the keys *3370# your mobile will restart and show a 50% increase in battery. this power will be replaced when you next charge your mobile .have a good day
Posted at 1:26 p.m. on May 13, 2008
Mikel B says...
I'm concerned about the bulkiness and the fragility of the unit. I can imagine that these panels would need to be treated like you would handle glass or crockery.
Posted at 3:16 p.m. on May 13, 2008
Chris says...
I for one would like to be able to do a lot more than just powering a laptop, phone etc. It is just that the cost is so high, again because of all the people in the middle getting their cut. With the costs of all things to do with energy going skywards it would be nice to be able to reduce (maybe even remove) some of them.
Posted at 5:22 p.m. on May 13, 2008
Willow says...
I have been looking at similar type products, and they are pretty much unavailable in OZ. Looking to power a laptop for scoring at cricket. At many suburban grounds you aren't anywhere near mains power. At this point in time I am looking to have to carry around a deep cycle battery and inverter, and would be much happier with a portable, self-powering option as above.
Posted at 10:34 p.m. on May 13, 2008
Louis says...
Great idea.. can you put a green Energy Star rating on all your products like the
LG LCD televisions. They arethe only brand complying with the “Energy Star” International programme, deemed to consume 75% less energy in standby mode than their non-compliant competitors, with enhanced noise reduction feature;
I recon ratings like that would really help buying
Louis
Posted at 7:01 a.m. on May 14, 2008
Allan says...
Struth people… please think again. With the ability to “generate up to 4 watts of power” according to the existing product’s blurb, what is it you think it will power/charge… a laptop computer? (lol) Do your sums… this type of product is more gimmick than useful. Yes it will be able to power/charge some very low-power-requirement items like iPods, and also keep your cell phone topped up (thou not at the same time & unlikely to fully charge them from flat), but forget the rest. If you are prepared to fill the backpack with additional panels, larger battery and a scaffold to hold it all at the best angle to the sun to charge from flat a laptop, then go for it. Photovoltaic cells (that’s the devises that make up the silver panel that turns light into electricity) have had a very slow evolution since I was at high school as far as power generation is concerned… what is needed is a revolution in their technology before they become viable items to really power portable devices and “keep you off the grid”… and some of the best minds on the planet have been working on it for decades. Going by how long ago it was that I was at high school, umm… err… don’t hold your breath.
Posted at 9:41 a.m. on May 14, 2008
lexy says...
Yes it would be great even for us the Grey Army. Keep all the comment coming and keep thinking.
Now look what we have!!!!!! Keep watching the Inventors on the ABC and you might see something even better. Keep up the good work
Posted at 6:43 p.m. on May 14, 2008
Hamish says...
I have a solar/dynamo powered torch and radio it's the best device i've ever been given !!!top marks if the price is right! cheers Hamish
Posted at 9:23 p.m. on May 14, 2008
Mark says...
100% all the way. I use my laptop and it sucks alot of power hence being handy near powerpoint is necessary. But power points are everywhere especially if your on the road like me. But if you have a solar panel device charging and maybe powering the laptop - then your onto something. We simply need it
Posted at 12:56 a.m. on May 15, 2008
BSC says...
I agree with Chris Tagle, who is my school captain! Bring em' over and make a killing. I'm all for promoting emerging technologies in Australia.
Posted at 4:37 p.m. on May 15, 2008
DENISE says...
SOUNDS VERY INTERESTING BUT ALLAN SEEMS TO TALK THE MOST SENSE. PLEASE LET ALLAN KNOW THAT HE NEEDS TO IMPROVE HIS SPELLING. THERE IS NO SUCH WORD AS ALOT AND YOUR IS NOT THE SAME AS YOU'RE.
Posted at 9:49 p.m. on May 15, 2008
Allan says...
thank you DENISE, I’ve received your message LOUD and CLEAR, that is “TO IMPROVE HIS SPELLING”;
My usage of the word “YOUR” is to me correct in the 3 cases that I used it. The word “YOU’RE” as you probably know is a contraction of ‘you are’. In each case where I used the word, I meant ‘your’… as defined by a form of the possessive case of ‘you’, used as an attributive adjective. Your implication that I erroneously substituted “your” for… well your “YOU’RE” is incorrect;
Re. the word “ALOT”... it does not appear in my post at all;
Perhaps you are thinking of somebody else’s post that contains your suggested typos… and I suggest that that’s all they are – a few quick-&-dirty notes from people as to their thinking; not meant to be scrutinised for metrical structure or similar, just prose;
O BTW, there is no need to SHOUT… we all get where YOU’RE coming from without it. Kindest regards…
Posted at 1:39 a.m. on May 17, 2008
John C says...
Alan's comments re the power output of the solar panels is worth noting. Regarding their evolution what has become of the sliver cell technology that was to revolutonise solar panels efficiency and make bendable panels possible. [HOPE THE GRAMMER IS CORRECT ETC DENIS, NOW GO AND TIDY UP YOUR DESK, ONE PEN IS POINTING THE WRONG WAY]
Posted at 10:28 a.m. on May 26, 2008
Chris Tagle says...
Allan. The one claimed from above link in the original topic mentions this: "Designed by US company Voltaic Systems, the bag incorporates a single solar panel to produce 14.7W of power." 14.7W is bigger than 4W - I'm interested to where you found that value as you claimed. It won't power your computer exactly, but as said it is practical for charging it, as well as other smaller devices. Now, if I was to use a creative setup using cheaper solar cells available at electronics stores, it's possible to gain something of 12V - 18V which sufficiently powers a laptop (assuming there's a good current - and sunlight is at it's optimum levels, as you said appropriate batteries etc). Battery technology is continually improving, something like the transition from NmHH to Li-Ion is quite an improvement (nothing massive though), and not only that, but theuse of Mini-PC's (such as the ASUS Eee PC) which consume far less energy than standard laptops is growing.
Posted at 9:17 p.m. on June 15, 2008
David says...
I'd be very intrested in this development as long as the bag(backpack) was very robust. Since I often go bike riding and need a backpack with heaps of pockets and is very durable. The ability to ensure my phone, pgs, camera ect are always charged would be perfect.
Posted at 2:32 p.m. on June 26, 2008
Penney says...
I really like the idea of the flexibility that a solar backpack could offer. We go free camping and the idea that we could charge various items without depending on mains electricity is VERY interesting. Yes, very interested - depending on cost. Not $650.00
Posted at 6:05 p.m. on August 3, 2008
DrZhivago says...
Solar Panel back pack, not so cool.. but there is this new technology which converts KE to Electrical Energy.. It was used for gadgets supplied to US Army.
All it takes is some shaking, and your phone is charged.. Just carrying your phone in a back pack as you stroll or Jog around, would have your phone charged.
See if you get hold of something like this.
Posted at 3:15 p.m. on December 14, 2008
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