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Plants are the original solar generators. I once referred to the giant leaves on my pumpkin vines as “solar collectors” while explaining to my children how plants work. It makes sense to give plants the credit they deserve.
Most solar chargers are useful, but not beautiful. But they can be! PhotonSynthese is the name of this tree by French designer Vivien Muller. The “leaves” are 54 photovoltaic cells, gathering the power of sunlight just as a live tree does. The branches are detachable, so one tree will not look like the next, and can be changed around as you see fit. Just set it in a sunny window like any houseplant, or outside on a nice day, and recharge your gadgets while they lie in the shade underneath the tree branches. It will never be mistaken for a live plant, but it looks a lot better than a glob of spaghetti wires hanging from your outlets (or in your window, if you already have some kind of solar generator). This solar tree isn’t available to the public yet, but could be if there is enough interest. Just don’t water it!
That’s great! Though I imagine it’ll be out of my price range.
With all the cells at slightly different angles there’s always one getting direct rays (I think that matters?)
Next we’ll need gigantic ones you can put in the yard and light up the house.
posted by BassMan on 9-8-2008 at 7:46 am
That’s just beautiful–I must have one. And I’m all for a giant version to put in my yard, provided it costs less than my annual salary. Or at least only twice as much.
posted by adrienne on 9-8-2008 at 9:08 am
As cool as it looks, it’s more than likely incredibly inefficient. The panels are small and the amount of sunlight hitting them directly is very low, which means to charge an ipod or other electronic device would take days. The production value looks rather large too. Don’t think buying one of these will replace your regular charger. If you really want to make a solar charger you can find easy plans online and save a lot of money and time by buying your own equipment and assembling it yourself.
posted by Josiah on 9-8-2008 at 12:17 pm
i really wish i could have one of these! doubt i could afford it, though.
posted by kelly on 9-8-2008 at 1:21 pm
Josiah’s a party-pooper.
posted by BassMan on 9-8-2008 at 5:18 pm
I want one! Please let us know if they are ever available to the public.
posted by JennyW on 9-8-2008 at 9:38 pm
Looks nice and its useful. Nice gadget to have around
posted by Mahmoud Kabalan on 9-8-2008 at 9:52 pm