Solar Photovoltaics in Textiles
Here’s the latest in a series of updates I just received from a colleague in Philadelphia, outling the progress that is being made in creating fabrics that contain solar photovoltaics. One day you’ll be able to charge your cell phone by plugging it into your shirt.
But would I still be able to machine-wash my shirt with fabric softener? How would it fair in the clothes dryer?
I have no clue. To be honest, the bulk of my attention in paid to the gigawatt+ zone.
clothing wears out quickly and even if the photovoltaics are still working, the shirt or hat will probably be discarded. I suspect that the garment will be soiled or frayed long before the current stops flowing. If this portable power source is going to be affordable it needs to be detachable from the garment. If the photovoltaics cannot outlast the garment, the invention is not ready for primetime. L