Charging your portable devices with the clothing, has inspired most of them to contribute in saving the world and using solar energy.
“The Future of Outwear is here!â€
Ermenegildo Zegna, the Italian premium manufacturer has showcased the “Solar JKL” jacket, the first outerwear product in the world that can recharge a cell phone, MP3 player, iPod or any other charging electronics using solar power at the Pitti Uomo fashion show.
This jacket sports a number of solar modules around the neoprene collar, which passes energy through conducting textile leads and stores in a buffer battery or to charge a connected device directly temporarily.
Based on the iSolarX wearable solar technology platform, the Solar JKT allows easy and convenient incorporation of solar cells with their related leads and miniaturized charging electronics into apparel and accessories of any sort.
Approximately 1 Watt of charging power in direct sunlight can be generated by the two small silicon-based, monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar modules (each approx. 9 cm x 5.5 cm).
The output voltage of the jacket can even be switched from 5V (for USB devices like iPods) to 6V (for cell phones). For temporary storage of the energy supplied, Li-ion rechargeable batteries with different capacities (depending on the model) are used. The integrated LEDs enable the owner to quickly view the state of the charge.
The Solar JKT jacket is developed by Zegna Sport in collaboration with Interactive Wear AG, who is in close cooperation with its technology partner SOLARC of Berlin. The jacket will be available in the market in 2008 as the spring/summer collection. Price is undisclosed.
