this post was submitted on 20 Jul 2025
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No Stupid Questions
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A device, which is only used when it is really cloudy for photovoltaics has to be one of the dumbest ideas ever.
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
Heck, I live in Canada and with our Summers as they are now it's becoming a common sight here.
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
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.
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.
Wait til a big gust of wind comes through and shatters your solar panels by inverting the umbrella/parasol.
Im beginning to see more people actually parasoling in the southern US and if im being honest.... I've been tempted given how our heat and UV measurements are going.
Interesting. It appears that it is one side effect of climate change.
Side note: PV panels try to absorb a lot of light. Parasols try to reflect it, which is why they usually have a bright color. Imagine now holding an umbrella, absorbing more energy than your skin/hair would, causing you to sweat even more?
Never used an umbrella to shield yourself from the sun?
Yup this is the smart use I'm sunny regions.
Here is one...sort of: https://moolsunpower.com/products/40w-foldable-solar-umbrella?variant=40967191167173&country=US¤cy=USD&srsltid=AfmBOorDEQt36eFhOqOvwk6eMQWBxoBowGNXAR2_1P-6eZXD8X82HWZIhy4&gQT=1
Could the URL be any longer please?
You can delete all Text after ? https://moolsunpower.com/products/40w-foldable-solar-umbrella
Ah OK!
I actually did not, and here around, I don’t see anyone do that. I believe climate and culture are the factors influencing the popularity of using an umbrella as mobile shade.
I am British, so no
Some areas still use the for just sun protection. Agree that it would not be a global product for now.
Parasol
What about parasols
Different device, similar features. They tend to be much larger, making the weight an even bigger issue.
Beach umbrellas are mostly used on sunny days so I can see that.
Have you heard about solar roadways?
:-)
I think there are some test roads in the Netherlands on the bike lane. Roads are used in all weather conditions, 24/7. Umbrellas not. Roads have approximately the same energy yield as any solar panel on the roof, minus the suboptimal angle and minus the road users causing shadows.
If you don't see the absurd part in trying to put solar panels as a road then I'm sorry I can't do anything for you 😁. There are exactly 0 practical reasons to do so.
There is nothing absurd about it. Every surface, which is constantly exposed to the sun, should be covered in PV panels.
Yeah, starting with a fucking road and having cars drive on it all the time instead of like, you know, putting the fragile panel on the side, so smart. I hope you're joking 😂😅 what's next, at the bottom of a pool?
You know there are transparent materials that can withstand forces of those, that are applied on a bicycle path. No one was even remotely talking about driving over unprotected panels. That’s just a weird imagination in your head. Instead of doing that, you could just invest a couple of minutes into reading what is getting tested already.
Netherland's Solar Roadway Performing Even Better Than Expected!
You're just digging the hole deeper.
I bet those transparent material are as strong and cheap as asphalt, and becomes magically clean from tire traces...
Why not put the panel on a stick on the side of the road? Is that not complicated and expensive enough?
Edit: that Netherlands project seems cheap. BTW I have a bridge to sell, interested?