Outdoor Solar Shades:
The Solar Umbrella
The newest in outdoor solar shades is the solar powered umbrella. It is being produced by SKYShades in conjunction with Konarka, who are supplying the solar material. The umbrella is set to hit the market by the end of this year and is large enough to serve as outdoor shelter at a cafe.
SKYShades has chosen to go with Konarka because that company can produce reasonably priced flexible solar cells that are suitable for integration into fabrics. This does inevitably mean an increase in the price of the fabrics used. However, the potential for solar shade cloths to be used in places like hotels and car parks is enormous.The umbrella is weather resistant so it can be set up outdoors, obviously. It comes fitted with power plugs so that devices can be charged while prospective customers are sheltering beneath it. The solar panels on the top of the umbrella are connected to a battery in the base of the unit. The power sockets are connected the battery, ensuring a smooth supply of charge and thus preventing damage to devices from irregular power supply. Grid SupplyUmbrella units also have the potential to connect to the grid so that excess electricity can be sold back to the grid. However, the unit currently being trialed does not offer this feature. It is also worth noting that other shading structures could connect to the grid. This is a great little addition to the mobile range of wireless devices. Sip a coffee and recharge your phone at the same time; it's a good sales pitch. More InformationFor more details of SKYShades' solar umbrella and other shade structures with integrated solar, visit the company website.
3 June 2009
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