This is the SolarStore by design consultancy IDC. The SolarStore panels, which inflate from a backpack into a 2 meter square, are designed to replace hot water heaters, one of the primary consumers of power in most households. IDC, has announced plans to mass-produce an inflatable solar panel and make it commercially available for less than £100 ($200) , a great leap forward in making green energy available to the masses. Capable of heating up to 3 full tanks of water, IDC envisions the panels being used primarily in developing nations as a cheap alternative to hot water heaters, but points out that their system pays back its cost in six months, while other domestic solar systems take 10-20 years to return the initial investment. With patents secured and manufacturing facilities in place, IDC is now seeking potential distributors in the UK and rest of the world. Watch this space: my money says this could prove a smash hit with caravanners.
