While some companies use cheap custom tee shirts to promote their brand, others are using them to maybe change the world. Some put slogans on their shirts to raise awareness of political problems. Others give out free tee shirts to help others. Some, though, have cross bred technology and fashion.
A new, custom tee, called the Solar Shirt, uses 120 unique, thin-film solar cells that can charge the wearer’s phone. The solar panels are sewn into the fabric, and can be connected to any USB compatible device, like smartphones, mobile devices, or cameras.
Interestingly enough, the solar-powered custom tee can be cleaned in a regular washing machine. It doesn’t need any special treatment. Throwing it in with the rest of the laundry apparently won’t ruin it at all, and it’s all thanks to the technology research and development center Holst Center and independent research organization TNO. Holst Center contributed its stretchable electronics to the project, which was designed by fashion designer Pauline van Dongen, which were used to create the machine washable technology.
In bright sunlight, the custom tee produces about a watt of electricity, which, believe it or not, is actually enough to charge a standard smartphone. When it doesn’t have a device hooked up, it stores the energy in a connected battery pack that can be used to charge devices later on.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with using cheap custom tees to promote a business, but you do have to admit that the Solar Shirt is a bit more innovative of an idea.
But now we want to hear from you. What do you think of these scientifically amazing custom tees? Do you think you would ever use one? If so, why? If not, then why wouldn’t you? Tell us in the comments.
