The solar panels on your rooftop may provide your home with the power to run computers, lighting, and appliances, but would you need to lug a solar panel around to have portable solar energy? Some of the latest solar products out there solve this dilemma, with items such as the foldable solar panel. Brunton makes a model called the Solaris 26, which utilizes the most efficient thin film solar technology available. The size of a large beach towel, the Solaris 26 is portable and convenient for charging digital devices, laptops, DVD players, vehicle batteries, and the like.

Think that’s groovy? What about a solar collector that works at night? Researchers at the Idaho National Laboratory are working on it. Using nanotechnology, they can mold millions of tiny metal parts into spiral shaped “microantennas,” 1/25 the width of a human hair. These microantennas can be placed almost anywhere and can even collect infrared energy radiated by the Earth at night. Researchers hope they can hit a high 80 percent efficiency rating with these collectors. Compare this to the 20 percent efficiency rating of solar panels. Despite high ambitions, microantenna collectors are still in the works, demonstrating where solar research is heading. Though the collectors can absorb lots of solar energy, this energy must still be converted to useable currents.

One gadget you can start using immediately is Lucid’s Building Dashboard. Most homeowners are also computer users, and the Building Dashboard integrates real-time home energy monitoring with interactive websites and touchscreen software. Home energy monitoring using this software can happen in several areas, from electricity and water use to solar electricity production, comparing amounts from month to month.

Links:

• Foldable Solar Panels
• 2 High Tech Ways to Track Home Energy Use

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Posted on January 24th in Solar Products by Renee.