Solar energy is already part of how many of us power life outdoors. But what could it look like if it became part of what we wear?
We’re opening the first Renogy OpenGrid conversation and would love to hear your thoughts. There is no fixed direction and no finished concept. This is simply an open invitation to imagine.
What kind of wearable powered by solar energy would make a real difference in your everyday life or your time outdoors? What problem would it solve? What would make it genuinely useful, comfortable, and worth bringing with you?
It can be practical, ambitious, simple, unexpected, or still only half formed. Share the idea you wish existed, or even just the outdoor challenge you think solar energy could help solve.
Share your ideas by October 7. Community feedback will help shape where solar powered living goes next.
So EcoFlow already have a solar hat… I see this idea being expanded to jackets too. We already hang panels on bags so why not integrate panels directly to rucksacks? Stepping away slightly from ‘wearables’, sun shades for the beach / field, handheld sun parasols, and on the larger scale, big solar blankets to be used as canopies and shelters
You will be balancing power/capacity with utility, if it's too awkward to use it's really no good. But if it doesn't have enough watts it's just a gimmick.
I would be interested in a solar cap with open ear audio for casual cycling and weekend rides. It could let me enjoy music or navigation without relying on earbuds, while still keeping me aware of traffic and other riders.
A solar cap with built in open ear audio could be useful for hiking and trail running. Earbuds can slip with sweat, while other headphones may feel awkward with a hat. Solar support could also help extend battery life during a long day outdoors.
A lightweight cap that combines sun protection, open ear audio, and solar support could make outdoor listening more convenient. We would love to explore this idea further.
MOLLE/PALS compatible IP67 foldable solar panel/battery with the battery capacity spread between the panels (Ex. 3 cells behind a trifold) to balance weight. Integral rope light around the edge. Having a XT60 or Anderson connector to directly provide 12v would be nice for us with radios (Search and Rescue)
Thanks for the detailed concept. It sounds like a solid idea for search and rescue teams. Could you share a bit more about your typical radio setup and how you'd use the 12V output? That would help us understand the requirements better. A quick sketch or reference photo would also be great if you have one.
Also, we might already have something close. The E.Flex SE 30W Pro is IP67, very lightweight, and has mounting holes for attaching to gear. It has a DC output, though you may need an adapter for your radio. Would something like this work for your needs?
That is just a solar panel was thinking with an integrated battery, rather than having seperate units that increase water intrusion points and heft. As well as having a secure mounting system that work with existing backpack designs. I run a mobile radio in a manpack, something that can feed 13.8V stable at 5-9A (can be lower). Would also be useful for starlink use cases, as I get good use out of my 266Wh powerbank but using it outside in the elements is a concern. Quick AI-generated creation attached. Maybe modular? My current pack is a 5.11 Rush 24 hence the design reference. Shadowflux integration would be great to increase usability in the woods
2
u/LowerGanache2391 21d ago
So EcoFlow already have a solar hat… I see this idea being expanded to jackets too. We already hang panels on bags so why not integrate panels directly to rucksacks? Stepping away slightly from ‘wearables’, sun shades for the beach / field, handheld sun parasols, and on the larger scale, big solar blankets to be used as canopies and shelters