EcoFlow wants people to stay protected from the sun while also using the sun to charge electronics. The result is the EcoFlow Power Hat – a wearable fashion accessory that is full of solar cells that users can use to charge their phones.
The EcoFlow Power Hat is a floppy sun hat which, at first glance looks like any other sun hat you can purchase at your nearest Zara. However, the company says the fabric has been made from solar cells that are thin and flexible. The material used here is called passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) monocrystalline silicon.
The hat has this material across the top and when in the sun, it can produce 12-watt charging via the USB-A and USB-C connectors under the brim. EcoFlow says it can charge a 4,000mAh phone battery in about 3-4 hours.
3-4 hours is quite long but I guess this product is made to act more like a ‘top-up your battery” situation than a dedicated charge point. While you’re on a hike or perhaps sitting at the camp in the sun, your phone will simply charge.
It is also lightweight at only 370 grams so this won’t be a real hassle to wear. If you think about it, you could also put it on the table in the sun and charge your phone that way. You don’t always have to wear it.
EcoFlow says the Power Hat is IP65-rated so it can withstand dust and water. It will launch in two sizes including a 56-58cm version and a large 59-61cm version. It will set you back $129. No local pricing or release date has been announced for South Africa yet. We aren’t sure if the product will arrive.
The EcoFlow Power Hat will open for pre-orders on 31 August in the United States and start shipping in September.
