Solar freaking power hats

[Bud]

Claimed 12 Watt solar power hat.

https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/3/24212686/ecoflow-power-hat-solar-powered-hat-usb-c-charger-smartphone

[Nominal Animal]

Let's do a back-of-the-envelope check: Let's estimate solar irradiance at best about 1 kW per square meter.  Small high-efficiency panels convert about 20% of that to electricity, or about 200 W/m².  12 W / 200 W × 1 m² = 0.06 m² = 600 cm² ≃ 93 in², i.e. you need a panel with a surface area of 600 cm² or 93 sq-in to produce 12 W.  That is a circular panel with a diameter of about 28 cm or 11" directed towards the sun.  As an annular ring with a 20cm/8" hole in the center, it'd have a diameter of at least 50cm.  The article states diameters between 56 and 61 cm (22" to 24"), so it seems plausible.

However, that size brim reminds me of a sombrero or an umbrella.

Gimmick caps with tiny fans and palm-sized panels have existed for at least three decades, though.

[Halcyon]

Just use an Android instead of an iPhone. Eliminates charge anxiety almost completely.

 

I will say however, the current Apple laptops are absolutely phenomenal on battery. I no longer bother carrying around a charger/cable. I'd easily get 2 days use out of my Macbook.