We have seen the pragmatic solar backpacks that are just this side of being ugly and unfashionable, except to the geeky at heart. Diffus Design with Swiss embroidery specialists Foster Rohner and the Alexandra Institute want to change perspective of solar-tech in fashion. A new handbag, geared towards women, will have 100 small solar cells placed into a sequins. The cells are made of a monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic material, and are able to be worked through modern textile techniques. The cells are on the cusp of the most efficient cells today, boasting a 9% light-to-energy conversion rate. The result is 2 watts of power at peak times. Residual power collected is stored into an on-board lithium-ion battery tucked in the base. The most interesting feature of the bag is during low light conditions, all reserve power stored in the battery is used to light up optical fibers inside the lining, lighting up the contents. A feature that all bags, backpacks, and the like should have. I only hope other styles are on the way.
Diffus Design designed the handbag to represent "the story between the relationship between the sun and moon – between light source and enlightened. Therefore the shape mimics an eclipse where the moon – the enlightened – interfere or interact with the sun – the light source." I did not get that concept initially.
Eavesdropper
Pics via Lisbeth Holten / www.lisbethholten.dk
