Solar energy is already known worldwide as an alternative power source. However, with cost and logistics restrictions, solar power is not being fully utilized as an industry. But with increasing interest to promote the use of renewable energy, more and more companies are looking for ways to harness the sun's power, aside from putting up solar farms. In the future, solar power can become our main energy source and would eventually play a huge role in our lives.

One group of engineers has actually found a way to integrate solar panels into our daily lives.

How? They turned the lenses of ordinary-looking Sunglasses into solar panels.

A bright future awaits with solar glasses

The solar glasses, as these solar sunglasses are called, were developed at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology as a research project that aims to gather solar energy all day long. The lenses of the sunglasses were created from organic solar cells. These solar cells may not be as effective as the silicone-based ones, but it makes up for being lightweight, flexible, and affordable. These solar cells even work in places where there is no direct sunlight. Spaces with enough daylight can convert up to 200 microwatts of energy that can power some devices such as hearing aids or step counters.

If this device is perfected and sold in the market, this will become perfect for powering other devices that we use in our everyday life. Imagine looking cool and being able to power your devices at the same time? It's a win-win situation.

Wear your solar sunglasses more often

You might think that “this is a good idea, how come nobody ever thought about it?” Actually, someone did.

According to Curiosity.com, in 2008, South Korean designers Kwang-Seok Jeong and Hyun-Joong Kim invented a sunglass that enables you to charge your iPod or any mobile gadget. The glasses utilize dye-sensitized cells that convert sunlight into electricity.

However, these new glasses can only charge in real time. Similar to how a solar-powered calculator works, it will only be able to provide power when the sun hits it.

This means you'll have to use it while you're outdoors for it to produce power.

This also means that it won’t need a battery to operate, making it compact and lightweight for travels. Plus, the solar cells can be fitted to fashionable frames, increasing its appeal value. It seems that the time when we all wear solar sunglasses that act as Bluetooth-headsets is very near.
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