Did my ability to search for things intelligently on the internet die when Google search did or are there legitimately no personal umbrellas with solar panels and a battery pack? Like I feel like that would be an obvious thing, and there’s a bajillion beach umbrellas and patio umbrellas that have solar panels. How are there no personal versions for wandering around on a sunny day with portable shade that gets you a charged battery pack? Is this a thing and I just can’t find it or does it not exist yet and all of science has failed me in every way possible?

Sorry for the terrible AI picture, I didn’t create it I just found it on the internet and it was the only one I could find because these apparently don’t actually exist.

  • zr0@lemmy.dbzer0.comBannedEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    A device, which is only used when it is really cloudy for photovoltaics has to be one of the dumbest ideas ever.

    • tiredofsametab@fedia.io
      1·
      1 year ago

      Japan (and I think a number of other asian countires) has a lot of people using them as sun shades. Particularly when we walk a lot and even moreso in the concrete jungles like tokyo

      • zr0@lemmy.dbzer0.comBannedEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        And you don’t think that carrying a 10kg umbrella is unsuitable for this type of climate, when you are already sweating with 500g?

        I think it is also a cultural thing, as in asian communities brighter skin is preferred

        • tiredofsametab@fedia.io
          1·
          1 year ago

          I won’t comment on the cosmetic side of things, but it is several degrees cooler under a parasol/umbrella and that’s the usual selling point. I didn’t comment on the weight or practicality, either (I don’t actually think it’s practical with the technology we have today). I was pointing out that these would potentially be used in times other than when it’s cloudy as zr0 mentioned.

    • JimVanDeventer@lemmy.world
      1·
      1 year ago

      Umbrellas are used in sunshine and are often called parasols. It’s not a bad form factor, it just seems to have practical limitations, like being foldable and still useful. Love the idea, though.

      Japan is ready. Other places can be made ready. It isn’t hard to prepare people for bikes or whatever. Solar panels on everything are potentially a good idea. I only worry that my umbrellas do not last.