As a solar expert, I continually find new innovations and advancements in the solar industry to be both exciting and inspiring. In what might be one of the most intriguing developments recently, California State University – Dominguez Hills has implemented off-grid solar powered benches on its campus. This innovative concept from a promising solar company breaks the mold of how we traditionally envision solar utilization.
The said cutting-edge bench offers off-grid wireless charging for a bevy of student devices such as phones and tablets, and it’s implemented with an all-important Wi-Fi access point. Noteworthy is its environmental sensors, which actively monitor air quality besides being a proactive element in fire and flood detection.
This brilliant innovation produces solar power through its integrated monocrystalline solar panel, which delivers 135 W of power and boasts an impressive 21.6% efficiency. While this might not be as powerful as having solar panels for your home, it is commendable for an off-grid unit of this size.
Beyond offering charging and internet capabilities, there’s also the partnering of solar with outdoor advertising. Solar companies like this one utilize the double-sided poster display on the bench to manage ad sales within approved categories. A brilliant way to merge green power with consumer needs and commercial advertising.
Furthermore, the stored solar power is collected and preserved in a lithium-ion battery rated at 12.8 V and 55 Ah. The bench goes above and beyond conventional solar array installations for the home by offering an impressive array of functionalities.
Clearly, this is just the beginning of a much larger journey into the future for solar power. Harnessing the sun’s power is no longer limited to solar panels for your home, a concept that is poised to become even more widespread. Already, plans are in place to have more of these solar powered benches implemented in Arkansas, California, Illinois, and Texas.
In retrospect, the idea of integrating solar into everyday utilities is a testament to the potential and versatility of solar power. As a solar enthusiast, I see this as the tip of a much larger iceberg. The future of solar is bright, and it’s past time to reconsider if we have barely scratched the surface on the potential uses of solar power.
In my humble view, the critical takeaway is that solar companies are continuing to innovate and rethink how we harness and utilize solar power. The solar powered bench is simply a commendable step in the right direction. So, if you’re considering solar panels for your home, remember there’s a broader ecosystem of solar technology to explore beyond rooftop arrays.
Embrace the solar revolution. The future is indeed here, and it’s overwhelmingly sunny.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/04/02/off-grid-solar-bench-with-wireless-charging-and-wi-fi/
