# Energy-Capturing Beach Umbrellas This Sammontana Umbrella Draws Inspiration from NASA Spacecrafts By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2021-06-09 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beach-umbrella References: [yankodesign](https://www.yankodesign.com/2021/06/07/this-beach-umbrella-unfolds-a-photovoltaic-array-that-uses-solar-energy-to-cool-you/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+yankodesign+%28Yanko+Design+-+Form+Beyond+Function%29) & [carloratti](https://carloratti.com/) This Sammontana beach umbrella has been designed in collaboration between Carlo Ratti Associati and Italo Rota as an [eco-friendly solution for beachgoers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sun-reserve) that would work to capture energy as it offers shade. The umbrella features an origami-inspired design that takes after the aesthetic of [NASA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bloombrella) spacecrafts that would open to reveal a [photovoltaic array](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michael-jantzen-2) on the top portion. The unit would thus capture solar energy for powering up smartphones or even keeping a freezer for Sammontana ice cream chilled. The Sammontana beach umbrella was explained further by Head of Communication and Image at Sammontana Italia Sibilla Bagnoli who said, "The project builds on Sammontana’s objective to lower the environmental impact potentially applicable to Italian beaches – which are the iconic backdrops where Sammontana is served, marking the most pleasant and joyful moments of summer. For many years, our company has been focusing on such special environments, experimenting with new ways to welcome the public, manage services and innovate while protecting the environment.” ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.3/10 - Popularity: 25% | Activity: 93% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Energy-capturing Beach Umbrellas:** Beach umbrellas are being designed with solar panels to capture energy, offering eco-friendly solutions to beachgoers. - **Eco-friendly Beach Accessories:** Designers are creating eco-friendly beach accessories such as umbrellas that capture solar energy or feature recycled materials for a sustainable lifestyle. - **Origami-inspired Designs:** Origami-inspired designs are being integrated into various products for aesthetic and functional purposes, from beach umbrellas to spacecrafts. ### Where This Applies - **Green Energy:** The green energy industry can benefit from developing energy-capturing products like beach umbrellas that use solar panels to power various devices. - **Outdoor Recreation:** The outdoor recreation industry can take advantage of the demand for eco-friendly and sustainable beach accessories like energy-capturing umbrellas. - **Hospitality:** The hospitality industry can offer eco-friendly amenities like beach umbrellas with solar panels to attract environmentally-conscious customers and reduce their environmental impact. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Marine-Grade Sun Shades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-shibumi-shade.md) - [Connected Dual Functioning Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hulasol.md) - [Space-Inspired Folding Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bloombrella.md) - [Energy-Harvesting Camper Awnings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xponent-power-xpanse-awning.md) - [Origami-Inspired Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/levante-origami-solar-panel.md) - [Light-Equipped Outdoor Sun Covers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/led-starry-night-sun-shade.md) - [Solar-Powered Blankets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-blanket.md) - [Sturdy Heat Relief Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aliz-umbrella.md) - [Outdoor Cantilevered Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/novara.md)