dear designboom reader,

generating electricity from sunlight may call for smart design to fully capture and use solar power. combining solar panels with wind turbines and placing them on a rooftop can be an example, a way to produce more energy for commercial use. absorbing sunlight can also be as simple as plastering solar cells like tape on any surface, instantly turning it into a power source.

other times, the design of solar-power devices comes hand-in-hand with tailored needs. foldable origami solar panels, for instance, are thought of for travel use to power up equipment and electronics on the go. a bigger one may suit well for charging power-thirsty tools while a smaller one, enough to fit in a backpack, can offer travelers portable PV power.

thanks for reading!

matthew burgos | editor