By Russ, on September 29th, 2009
GreenSun Energy LTD based in Har Hotzvim, Jerusalem has developed some prototype solar panels that will significantly reduce costs and also be capable of creating energy from candy-coloured solar panels that capture different parts of the sun’s light spectrum and don’t need direct sunlight to work. 
The jewel tones of the panels allow them to capture different parts of the sun’s light spectrum, conventional solar panels require direct sunlight to produce electricity. In contrast, the coloured panels don’t need to face the sun and can absorb dispersed light, allowing for energy collection on a cloudy day, albeit with less efficiency. The company says the coloured panels are less expensive than conventional solar panels because they require less silicon to manufacture.
So how do they work? When light hits one of the coloured panels, it is diffused to the edges, which are covered with silicon solar receptors that, in turn, produce electricity. The company says the coloured panels are more practical because they can replace everyday building surfaces, such as windows and walls, rather than requiring a full roof or field panel array to be effective.
…..Click here to continue reading →Candy coloured solar panels! »
By Russ, on September 25th, 2009
I have followed the development of portable, and affordable, solar panels with interest – even haute couture. There are good panels available from Brunton (who also have good guides to power usage); Sunware (27 watts); Sunsei (2,6 and 18Watts); and of course for small devices like mobile phones and true portability there is Power Monkey and Freeloader.
As a matter of interest I have been using Power Monkey both in the car and on the boat since 2007 without a hitch.
I see there are even more powerful – portable – offerings now on the market. Such as the PowerFilm F15 – which packs a tremendous 60watts.
By Russ, on September 14th, 2008
Just like the PowerMonkey that I reviewed and have used on my boat, for the past year, the FreeLoader is a power pack that can itself be charged using a solar panel.
Freeloader is a portable charging system that can power any hand held device anywhere, anytime. Freeloader takes power from its solar panels, the supplied Supercharger or via its charge cable that plugs into a computers’ USB. Once charged, 
Freeloader’s internal battery can power an iPod for 18hours, a mobile phone for 44 hours, PSP for 2.5 hours or a PDA for 22 hours.
I can verify the the Powermonkey works fine having used it since August 2007. But it looks like this company have a number of other products in the portable solar device market. See the Solar Technology website – they even make solar toys like helicopters!
Its good to see so many alternative energy products coming on to the market now. It will mean that they will get more and more powerful and efficient – and maybe one day all this product development will result in real hybrid or even totally solar powered boats. I will be posting on that subject soon.
If your are wondering how to workout what size of solar panel to buy for a specific purpose on your boat there is a simple calculator and explanation on the Solar Technology web site.
By Russ, on December 11th, 2007
I think I might be getting obsessed by solar power…people are emailing me links to all sorts of products – just because I raved about the PowerMonkey…
Now here is a a set of fashionable bags from NoonSolar with built in solar panels for charging gadgets on the move – who said sailing fashion was all about waterproofs and Goretex 
Product details:
- Two-sided design allows solar panel to face the sun or your body
- 9†drop from shoulder
- 2 interior zipper pockets — 1 for battery and electronics
- 1 exterior zipper pocket
- Leather zipper pulls
- Magnetic snap closure
- 16 x 13 x 4â€, 9.5 x 8.75â€, solar panel
- Entire exterior and interior constructed from Bavarian sourced, chrome-free, naturally tanned and dyed, full-grain cowhide leather and naturally dyed hemp cotton blend.
By Russ, on December 10th, 2007
I have only just discovered Brunton solar panels which although they appear to be directed at the camping market are water proof and robust enough to use on a sailing cruiser.
These are the salient features claimed by the manufacturers:
- Amorphous solar cells for effective low-light performance
- Reverse flow protection
- Tefzel® fluoropolymer construction for extreme durability
- Waterproof
- UV transparent
- Link multiple like-units together for even more output
- Rolls and stores in convenient storage tube
- Includes vehicle outlet cable & multi-linking cable
- One-year warranty
They also offer a useful chart 
of typical panels and the charging time you might expect from portable and fixed solar panels….
Looks like a another competitor to the PowerMonkey I reviewed (and bought) earlier !
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