Solar-Powered Bikini Charges Gadgets

I'm totally down with being green and using solar power to power anything electric, but I have my limitations. A perfect example would be wearing a bikini covered in uncomfortable solar panels to the beach. It sure makes you think of the possibilities though, just don't expect it to debut on a runway anytime soon.

Thankfully, this is only a concept suit designed by Andrew Schneider as part of a sustainable practices class.  He told Cellular News he "decided to go with a female suit because of the sleeker form. The demographic I can foresee actually becoming interested in such a thing are those who enjoy mobile culture, hanging out, music, and kitsch. A demographic not unlike that to which the Apple corporation seems to preach."

The bikini covered in photo voltaic film panels supplies the 6.5 volts at 1.5 amps needed to charge a mobile phone. A USB connection is located in the bikini's bottom to power anything from an iPod to your favorite USB beverage holder. I doubt the suit, as it's designed now, is capable of withstanding a good dunk in the water, but maybe in the near future, sun bathing mavens will be able to talk on the phone or listen to music longer while soaking up some sun rays by the pool. 

It's an interesting concept, I'm just not too crazy about wearing anything that recharges my gadgets that close to my skin. Besides, there are better solar-powered alternatives out there, like the solar handbag or solar backpack. Don't you agree?

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