Drawing inspiration from the Japanese art of paper folding, we now get paper that can drink sunlight by folding and unfolding. Engineers from a Milan-based greentech startup has decided to consider solar technology with a slightly more interesting twist. Levante is the Italian company founded by Sara Plaga and Kim-Joar Myklebust that recently revealed origami solar panels that achieves function and compactability. The company has given a lightweight panel solution fit for remote environments as well as the most unusual settings. Camper vans and sailboats are also taken into consideration for Levante’s solar on the move initiative. Solar energy is here to stay, but is foldable too.
Levante using origami principles for solar panels
It is Levante who is contemplating the future of solar panels that are far more compact while using origami design. At the core of this creation is the idea of folding paper and as such panels can collapse into compact forms with the help of an easy push-and-pull mechanism. Hinged joints are what enables folding that is effortless and the concept of using lightweight material makes the panels easier to carry.
Efficiency surely is at the core of this creation since the panels have been engineered with monocrystalline silicon solar cells allowing each unit to achieve a 23,4% conversion efficiency. This makes this origami-inspired panel capable of competing with many traditional rooftop solar systems. On offer are panels that comes in 330W and 500W models that can effortlessly cater for the more mobile lifestyles. These panels can generate electricity even when partially folded and thus seems like a lucrative idea in areas with limited sunlight.
The whole concept came about by founders who were seasoned sailors and campers. Since the founders understood what it was like to live without power supply at hand while being off the grid. The team thus used their knowledge of sailing and camping to create a solution to ensures a new route towards energy independence.
Keeping adventurous souls in mind during design phase
Most suited to off-grid applications, Levante’s creation can be mounted on sailboats or near the camper van. Equipped to a variety of environments, each panel allows for ease of installation as well.
Thse panels are powerful and with full sunlight can result in:
- About 38 hours of power for refrigerators
- 27 hours of power for a laptop
- 4 hours for an air conditioner
- 1 hour for an induction stove
These numbers are great for families who require power on the move since they can rather easily collapse panels that can thereafter be stowed away effortlessly. We will soon be saying goodbye to solar panels if origami cells produces energy anywhere.
Increasing impact and expanding effectiveness
Levante’s main mission was to go ahead and combine practicality and a thoughtful engineering with a sophisticated design. By utilizing origami principles, the company was able to create sheer solar panels that are mobile and that can perform well whilst still generating optimal energy.
The fact that these panels fold means the panels are compact and they can ensure maximal sun expossure when their surface area gets expanded. The team at Levante understood that a maximum surface area was ideal for full sun absorption.
Created in Italy and tested on a sail boat, these innovative and foldable panels draw inspiration from origami and has already started to turn heads. At present, the product is being shipped and the feedback from all early adopters will be used to guide further innovation and design. It is true that origami-like panels are becoming popular and Italy may very well be proving that we are wasting our space with this origami-like cell.
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