By Evan Ackerman
What has your dog done for you lately? If you’re lucky, maybe you get something fetched once in a while. Big whup. Erik Schiegg hit on a way to make his dog useful for a change, by equipping it with a solar charging vest. The dog runs around outside all day, and Erik’s phone gets charged thanks to the solar panel on the dog’s back. While this may not be as efficient as a stationary solar panel, most of us don’t have the space or money for one of those, and this is a cheap and easy DIY solution to mobile solar charging… Think hiking and camping trips and stuff.
You can easily wire up something like this yourself; all you really need is a solar panel (which you can find at online hobby shops) and a battery pack. Or you can just buy one of these and a roll of duct tape. Your call.
VIA [ Make ]
The sun has to be out for the vest to tap the solar energy right? Then wouldn't the dog be hot wearing the vest on a sunny day?? Im just thinking out loud…
I agree with franco, it seems pretty cruel. Pets are useful they bring love and reduce stress.
All I can say is, this is just one step away from being accused of slavery. This is just plain wrong, although the idea was nice and the intentions were good, using dogs that run around basking in the sun all day as a walking outlet doesn't really give off a good impression.
All I can say is, this is just one step away from being accused of slavery. This is just plain wrong, although the idea was nice and the intentions were good, using dogs that run around basking in the sun all day as a walking outlet doesn't really give off a good impression.