This solar cell can be folded up in origami style and then stowed away to save space. But a fixed installation, as a balcony power plant, is also conceivable.
Foldable and flexible: Origami solar cell from Levante. (Source: Screenshot YouTube)
- The startup Levante was inspired by the Japanese origami technique when developing this solar cell.
- The module is available with 330 or 500 watts.
- Thanks to the folding technique, it is very flexible and can be used in different places.
Anyone who has ever taken a solar cell with them when camping will know: PV modules with good performance need space. If they are designed flexibly, for example as a foil, the performance drops. The young company Levante wanted to solve this problem and is presenting an origami solar cell.
According to the developers, it should only take a minute from unfolding to power production. This makes the system particularly interesting for use on the go – the makers themselves are campers and sailors. Since the module has built-in brackets, it can in principle also be placed firmly on the house wall or on a balcony. An inverter must then also be connected.
However, the main focus during development was off-grid life with vehicles or boats. Especially practical when things have to be done quickly: Even when folded, electricity can be produced, which of course is significantly lower because only a fraction of the maximum possible area is available.
Buy a balcony power plant: The best models in comparison
Small photovoltaic systems
With a balcony power plant, you can easily feed solar power into your home network. But which models are really worth the money and what should be considered when buying? A comparison.
The monocrystalline cells, which are well protected from water, are produced in Italy in two power levels, with either 330 or 500 watts of power. The small module measures approximately 119 x 40 x 5 centimeters when folded and 167 x 163 x 2 centimeters when unfolded.
You must already own a power station or buy one – but the manufacturer states that it will also consider producing suitable batteries in the future. Levante has not yet given a price for the modules, but there is already an FAQ at this point, and pre-orders are also possible. The delivery period is given as four months from the order. You can read more reports from the field of alternative energy generation here.
Also interesting right now…
Don’t miss anything with the NETWORK-Newsletter
Every Friday: The most informative and entertaining summary from the world of technology!