Greentech start-up to launch origami-inspired solar panels
Milan-based Greentech start-up company, Levante, has launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for what it claims to be the world’s first origami-inspired portable solar panels – raising over £87,000 so far!
Inspired by those used in satellites, as well as the modular design of Lego bricks, Levante’s patented solar panels are compact and collapsible, folding down to more than eight times smaller when closed, and are said to be 40% more compact and 20% lighter than other foldable solar panels.
Each panel can be opened up into a rigid structure offering up to 500W of power, and easily folded again when not in use. The solar panel’s modular design also means that multiple panels can be used simultaneously to generate additional power, or detach and use just one if only smaller amounts of power are needed.
Founded in 2021 by avid campers, Sara Plaga and Kim-Joar Myklebust, Levante was born as a result of the couple’s love for the outdoors and their respect for nature, with sustainability at the core of the business.
Sara says,
Although the use of renewable energy in mobility is already widespread, the current solar panel solutions still have too many limitations.
Rigid solar panels, whilst powerful, are bulky, heavy and constrained to a permanent installation. This greatly reduces the number of applications where a rigid panel is a suitable solution, especially in a mobile context.
Portable solar panels, on the other hand, are too flimsy, still bulky and just not powerful enough to make a meaningful contribution to covering the energy requirements needed when travelling.
To overcome these problems, many are forced to use alternative solutions to meet their energy needs: connecting to the grid, starting the engine or using a generator – all of which are limiting, create both noise and air pollution, and require additional fuel costs.
The Kickstarter campaign launched on 13 June, with the hope of raising around £8,500. At the time of writing, the campaign has gained over £87,000 in pledges! Levante is now due to start its production this October as the first batch of those ordered on Kickstarter is scheduled to be delivered before the end of the year. To find out more, or back this project on Kickstarter, click here.
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