Ever wished you could have a solar power generator you could carry around with you? Probably not, but there are likely to be some people who would jump at the opportunity.
The emergency services could reap the benefits – imagine having a 600-watt generator that could be used in remote locations when electricity is in short supply.
Bangalore-based energy company HHV Solar Technologies has developed a solar power system that could have a multitude of uses.
Take disaster zones as an example – emergency workers find themselves up against all sorts of problems, with a lack of electricity frequently being one of them.
Natural disasters more often than not leave grid power non-existent, a problem that some emergency services get around by using diesel-fuelled power generators.
"Besides being noisy and polluting the environment, the disadvantage with such gensets require regular supplies of diesel which may be difficult to transport to the affected area," explained chairman of HHV Solar Prasanth Sakhamuri.
By using solar energy, the generator directly converts sunlight into electricity, therefore helping the environment while providing between five and six hours of power.
Who else can benefit from these new portable power generators?
Well, the inventors also propose they could be used by the armed forces in border areas where there is little or no access to conventional supplies.
As there are no moving parts in the solar power systems, they do not emit any noise – another benefit for those in war zones.
Each generator comprises of two highly-efficient solar modules that can create 300 watts of electricity, and are also able to be folded up and moved from one place to another.
In total, the generator and trailer weigh 415kg, meaning they can easily be transported or air-lifted to remote locations.
Hardly something you'll be putting in your hand luggage…
Posted by Mike Peacock