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.
Expert motorhome advice to your door!
Why not subscribe to one of our fabulous magazines and get expert advice, travel ideas, technical help and all the latest news for your motorhome and your motorhome adventures!
Want to know more about MMM magazine?
Every month MMM has articles written by motorhomers who have been there and done it, from great UK and European (and further afield) tours, campsite reviews, owners' reports and DIY projects among other things.
MMM's tests, reviews and expert buying guides are not to be missed. MMM's technical advice is a must and includes everything from weekend jobs to longer-term DIY projects. And much more!
About MMM magazine
Want to know more about What Motorhome magazine?
Every issue of What Motorhome magazine provides essential buying advice for anyone looking to buy a new motorhome or campervan or upgrade their existing model. With a pedigree of over 30 years of offering the best motorhome and campervan buying advice, every issue of What Motorhome includes more new motorhome and campervan reviews than you will find in any other magazine.
About What Motorhome
Want to know more about Campervan magazine?
Campervan is the exciting monthly magazine that will give you all the inspiration you need to explore the world in your campervan. Every issue is packed with real-life campervanning experiences, inspiring travel ideas in the UK and further afield, the best campsites to stay on, campervan road tests and reviews of the latest models, and much more!
About Campervan magazineExpert Caravan advice to your door!
Caravan magazine has been inspiring caravanners for more than 80 years! We have grown to become a leading authority on caravans, the caravan industry, caravan lifestyle, campsites and caravan travel destinations. We know what our readers want – and that's to make the most of their caravans and their holidays!
Want to know more about Caravan magazine?
About Caravan magazineExpert Camping advice!
Camping magazine has been the voice of campers for over 60 years!
Camping is the UK's only magazine devoted to the wonderful world of life under canvas and the freedom it brings.
Every issue is packed with inspirational travel, the top camping sites to stay on, reviews of the latest tents, camping gear reviews, practical help and much more to help you get the most out of your camping adventures.
Want to know more about Camping magazine?
About Camping magazineAbout Park & Holiday Home Inspiration magazine
Park & Holiday Home Inspiration magazine is the best guide to finding, buying and living in your perfect park or holiday home. The magazine is ideal for both the budding buyers to be, or for those who have been living the life of luxury for years.
Want to know more?
Park & Holiday Home Inspiration
Recent Updates
Volkswagen reveals all-new California campervan
Volkswagen's iconic California campervan gets a completely new look as VW holds the world premiere of the new campervan in Germany ...
Globalstar celebrates major rescue milestone
Devices from Globalstar, a satellite tracking and emergency messaging specialist, have been instrumental in ...
Unlock your spring adventures with MMM and Campervan magazines | Subscribe now!
Get ready to explore the great outdoors with MMM and Campervan magazines! Subscribe now and enjoy inspiration ...
March 2024 MMM competition winners
Here's a list of winners for the March 2024 MMM puzzles and competition ...
February 2024 MMM competition winners
Here's a list of winners for the February 2024 MMM puzzles and competition ...
Explore motorhome accessories on the Out & About Shop!
Our brand-new shop is packed full of camping gear and equipment, including products tested and reviewed by ...
Deal for Robinsons Caravans after it enters administration
Parts of the Robinsons Caravans business have been sold and many jobs have been saved after the caravan ...
Get five issues for just £5 in our spring sale!
In this unmissable spring sale, you can subscribe to MMM or Campervan for just £5, enjoying your first five ...
Grab an eggstra special deal in our Easter Sale!
Subscribe to MMM or Campervan magazines and save 30% in our Easter Sale - hurry, though, as this offer won't ...
Dolphin Motorhomes to host open weekend in April
Enjoy special offers on superb campervans and motorhomes, including the brand-new Swift Trekker and Trekker ...
Other News
Motorhome and campervan stopover trialled in Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire County Council has approved a trial scheme to provide overnight stopovers for motorhomes and campervans ...
A spotlight on Lamilux, the brand shielding your motorhome from UV damage
Here, we take a deep dive on the German brand engineering the high-tech and award-winning materials for ...
January 2024 MMM competition winners
Here's a list of winners for the January 2024 MMM puzzles and competition ...
New Swift campervan for 2024: Full details revealed
This exciting new campervan showcases some clever details and a fresh new design from Swift ...
December 2023 MMM competition winners
Here's a list of winners for the December 2023 MMM puzzles and competition ...
Behind the motorhome scenes: Laika SpA interview
We talk to Michel Vuillermoz, Head of Product Management, Laika Caravans S.p.A about the new direction it is ...
November 2023 MMM competition winners
Here's a list of winners for the November 2023 MMM puzzles and competition ...
Buying Your Perfect Motorhome 2024 on sale now
Planning to buy a new motorhome or campervan this year? The latest 2024 Buying Your Perfect Motorhome guide ...
Campervan converter spotlight: Spartan Campers
We meet the owners of Midlands-based campervan converter, Spartan Campers, and find out what makes them tick ...
Compact motorhome for a family: Rimor's Kilig 4
It would be a challenge to find a more compact motorhome at a better price that could genuinely work for a ...