Solar energy makes lives in disaster areas easier

As Karen already mentioned in a previous blog, solar energy could be an interesting way to provide areas without electricity with energy! Here I present you with an other example how solar energy could make lives in disaster areas much easier!

Recent years have seen a series of natural disasters all over the world: earthquakes in Haiti and Japan, hurricanes in U.S.A., floods in Pakistan and India... The biggest problem faced by affected people and relief workers is the disruption of normal power sources. However, some researchers have developed new ways of harvesting renewable solar energy for use in all disaster relief operations. They could become a tool for fighting against the uncertainties of nature in the future.

The FTL Solar and Ascent Solar have jointly developed flexible panels that provide solar energy and also serve as temporary shelter for people in disaster-hit areas. Named as PowerMod, the flexible shelter can produce up to 4.5 kwh solar energy for running equipments like bulbs, fans, laptops and refrigerators. It can also be stored in a battery for other purposes.

The entire system weighs only 165 pound and can be easily moved from one place to another. Furthermore, conventional fuel ends up taking an enormous amount of resources out of disaster relief efforts as it has to be purchased and transported for use under extreme conditions. With the PowerMod, this problem is also solved.

During normal times, the flexible panels on the tent could be used by campers and tourists.

For more information about renewable solar energy in disaster relief operations, you can read about the application “Solar powered water purifier” or “Inflatable solar lamp” on http://www.ecofriend.com/entry/renewable-solar-energy-disaster-relief-operations/

Karen A