Solar Powered Apparel: Original, but No Thanks
Solar powered apparel (I knew it would come to this eventually) is making a rise in the creative arena. While some of these items were designed by truly clever people, the others I’m afraid were concocted by some overworked brains with too much time on their hands.
InventorSpot just posted a blog on 5 solar-powered gadgets incorporated into clothing. I must admit that the solar powered sunglasses and necktie can be very useful and aren’t totally unattractive. Solar cells are integrated into the glasses lenses and can collect enough sunlight to charge handheld electronic devices like portable music players and solar panels in the tie can charge a cell phone. The great part about the solar powered tie is that it can transfer the sun’s energy to your phone while offering a pocket on the back of the tie for storing the phone at the same time – that’s pretty cool.
Not so cool, but wild and creative are the solar powered necklace, dress, and underwear. The necklace, while elegant looking, consists of a set of solar panels that make a wide collar around the wearer’s neck, there to charge the string of lights that top the necklace — what am I, a Christmas tree? Original, but no thanks. And don’t get me started on the dress – first of all – I’m a modest girl so in the words of my wise-father, “Where’s the rest of the dress?” It doesn’t look very comfortable, being 436 white circuit boards strung together with metal rings – I’d be afraid to sit in it (for several reasons). The circuit boards gather energy during the day to illuminate the dress at night – line up a bunch of beauties and you could have your own landing strip!
As for the underwear…..hmmm. The nicest thing I can say is that it’s made of high quality organic cotton. It goes downhill from there, however. The bra has a solar panel across the midsection, which can charge your iPod or power the scrolling LED display that is actually on the bra (what kind of a message is that sending to our kids? Literally.) and it has two water pouches, one on each breast – which might be the only “cool” feature there. I think I found my next bridal shower gag gift!
Posted on June 2nd in Solar Products by Jennifer.