Solar Blinds: Stores Power By Day, Shines By Night

Here's a "bright" idea if we've ever seen one: Take your standard Venetian blinds, attach some thin solar panels on them, and let them store energy on batteries during the daytime and allow them to gradually shine as the sun sets. This particular concept is called, "Blight" - which raised our brows at first, but was finally decrypted as a play on the words "blinds" and "light" (duh) after consulting with designer Vincent Gerkens' about his clever solar window concept.

From the moment the sun comes out, you'll be able to extract its powers by opening up the blinds and letting the rays power up the battery cell located on the top of the Venetian blinds. As the sun sets, you'll have the ability to raise them to create a single light source for reading or illuminating your living room without having to use up any extra power whatsoever.

For the curious, you can check out the technology behind the magic over here. Otherwise, you can join us in crossing our fingers and hope this one concept actually manages to go into production (at least on a small scale) so that we can all enjoy some delightful lighting from our windows 24 hours a day.

[via Dvice]

Comments (7)

Cool idea. Really bad name.

posted by farmhousemoderne on February 4th 2009 at 3:05pm
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Perhaps if they were called "SoLite" or "VeLite"...?

posted by bepsf on February 4th 2009 at 4:06pm
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This would work great in my Easterly facing apartment. I'm afraid of the cost, however.

posted by DriveBot on February 4th 2009 at 4:47pm
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I don't care how clever this guy thought he was being, "Blight" is a TERRIBLE name.

posted by Tiamat_the_Red on February 4th 2009 at 5:23pm
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My question is: Who needs their windows lit up at night? Aside from the theatrical effect/affect what justifies the cost. I can only see a security reason for it. Let's other know that perhaps there's some one home and burning the midnight candle?

posted by click212 on February 11th 2009 at 9:50am
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sorry: "Lets others know" Morning without my second cup of coffee.

posted by click212 on February 11th 2009 at 9:55am
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Yes.....terrible name,

It makes sense utilising a flat surface which receives constant sun with solar technology, I'm surprised that this concept hasn't been used more.

Also, do the blinds have an off switch?

Having to choose between sleepless nights with a constant glowing blind or privacy from spying neighbours could be frustrating.

If anyone is interested in other "Solar Blinds" then check this out:

http://www.247blinds.co.uk/buying_guides_spc.asp

Hope its useful

posted by Markjones on March 10th 2009 at 6:57am
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