Tommy Hilfiger Introduces New ‘Solar Panel Jacket’

Tommy Hilfiger Introduces New ‘Solar Panel Jacket’

Brandon Walker, News Editor

It’s safe to say that most of us have experienced our electronic devices running out of power when going about the day. As possible resolutions, we could carry portable chargers or take the time to remember to charge our phones the night before.

 

Is there a way, however, to use our devices to the fullest extent, save energy, and be fashionable all at the same time?

 

Fashion retailer, Tommy Hilfiger, sought to do this. With the help of Pvilion, a solar structure manufacturer, Tommy actually made its own portable charger; in jacket form.

 

According to Cnet, the new jacket “… has an array of solar panels to collect solar power…”

 

This, in theory, can be utilized to charge smartphones and other portable devices if the battery life is running low.

 

“In direct sunlight, the battery charges beyond the capacity of most smartphones,” usa.tommy said.

 

Specifically, “The jackets…are fitted with water resistant, flexible solar panels that snap on and off easily. A cable runs to battery pack in one of the front pockets, which in turn has a double USB port, so you can charge two devices at once,” stated Cnet.

 

The large battery of the jacket can be utilized to users’ fullest scale.

 

“When fully charged, the battery contains enough power to completely charge a 1,500 mAh device up to four times. It’s not clear how long this process takes collecting power from the sun, but if you find it frustratingly slow, you can also pull the battery out and charge it up from an external power source via USB,” explained Cnet.

 

With more than one USB port, the solar panel jacket proves to be resourceful as well.

 

According to Androidheadlines, the new jacket has the capability in that it “can charge two devices at once thanks to the two USB ports inside.”

 

The overall designs of the men’s and women’s jackets are different also. The women’s jacket comes in blue and gray while men’s design is green and brown.

 

“The men’s version has seven solar panels and the women’s design comes with 10,” said Money.cnn.

 

The Fresh Air Fund, a non-profit organization that provides free summer vacations to children in New York that come from disadvantaged communities, will be receiving a portion of the Solar Panel Jacket sales.

 

Usa.tommy stated that “… 50% of all net proceeds from this jacket support the Fresh Air Fund.”

 

With a price that starts at $599.00, the jackets are not cheap. So, they should ensure quality. Tommy Hilfiger, however, is not the only company that tried to make wearable high-end technology.

 

Clothing lines such as L.L. Bean “sells a solar-powered hat with LED lights” said Money.cnn.

 

“The designer Pauline Van Dongen also has a line of ‘wearable solar’ coats and dresses that can be used to power smartphones,” Money.cnn added. “And other wearable technologies, like smart watches and glasses, are slowly gaining traction.”

 

New various styles of wearable technology is definitely not new or unheard of. But, at the same time, Tommy Hilfiger tries its best to market their Solar Panel Jacket to possible consumers with its innovative design.