This is the proposal by Julene Aguirre-Bielschowsky for the Greener Gadgets Design Competition.
| Description
Sun Stations are pieces of public furniture that provide free solar energy in open areas, allowing people to charge and use electronics in a greener way in a wider variety of places.
They are made of concrete, teak wood, and stainless steel. The energy (84W – enough for laptops, cell phones, etc.) is generated entirely by Mono crystalline solar cells located 3 meters above ground for less shading and higher efficiency. The solar cells are set on security glass allowing people to immediately recognize where their energy is coming from. The energy is stored either in a battery pack or in a grid-tied system under the seat.
The socket has a transparent safety cover and is placed under a display that both highlights the socket and indicates the amount of energy the gadget is using. Soft local lighting, orientation, and display of energy availability are provided by a green light located under the solar panel.
