The image above is the Lotus Mobile, a foldable solar charger that is the brainchild of Joseph Hui, CEO of Scottsdale, AZ-based company Monarch Power, and professor at Arizona State University.
Last month, Hui took this solar charger to Phoenix in the super-tiny Lotus vehicle pictured above to demonstrate how easily the technology can be transported, an important consideration, he notes, when it’s needed for any disaster that results in the downing of power sources, or for difficult-to-access powerless villages throughout the world. The panels fold up rather easily and the entire system, made mostly of plastic and aluminum components, is incredibly lightweight.
In terms of the curious look of the system, Hui said he based the design on the lotus flower, as it inspired him to transform solar energy from heavy, strapped-down panels into something light, personal, and portable.
While the technology’s ability to fold up is certainly impressive, what’s worth noting is the circular design of the Lotus Mobile, which allows the solar charger to capture more energy — enough to fully recharge an electric vehicle, power up a refrigerator, and suit many other needs.
As per the Monarch Power website: “Lotus Mobile follows the sun on two axes, giving 30 percent more power than rooftop solar panels. It's also less expensive because of significantly less structural support, since 70 percent of the traditional panel system cost is related to architectural placement.”
Hui said that he had three audiences in mind when designing this photovoltaic solar array: those who need it for appliance and vehicle charging; those who need it for emergency response situations; and those who need it to provide power to underserved areas around the world.
You can learn more about the Lotus Mobile solar charger at monarch-power.com
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