# Portable Solar Panels These Portable Panels Can Turn Your Umbrella into a Charging Station By Ell Smith | Published 2017-07-21 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-solar-panels References: [psfk](https://www.psfk.com/2017/07/these-panels-turn-umbrellas-into-personal-charging-stations.html) & [thermaltricity-int](http://www.thermaltricity-int.com/) These portable solar panels can fit over your umbrella, transforming your beach day oasis into one that's compatible with your devices. It's not uncommon for a relaxing beach day to be interrupted by the annoying red battery bar on your smart device. Whether your battery died scrolling through [Instagram](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/murf-and-chronic-tacos), or diving into a new novel on your eReader, no one wants to leave their prime sun bathing location to charge their devices. Inventor Erik Hawkins created his panel device to combat this issue. The portable solar panels simply fit over top of a [traditional umbrella](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ori-umbrella), harvesting enough energy to charge several smart devices at the same time. As smart technology becomes more ingrained in our everyday lives, devices like the solar powered umbrella become more prevalent, ensuring that our devices can go everywhere we do. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 88% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Portable Solar Panels:** Harnessing solar energy on the go. - **Smart Device Charging:** Keeping devices powered up wherever you are. - **Integration of Smart Technology:** Incorporating technology into everyday objects. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Solar Energy:** Developing innovative ways to capture and utilize solar power. - **Outdoor Recreation:** Creating products that enhance the outdoor experience. - **Smart Device Accessories:** Designing accessories that improve the functionality of smart devices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Device-Charging Sun Hats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecoflow-power-hat.md) - [Origami-Inspired Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sego-innovations.md) - [Origami Travel Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-panel-origami-technology.md) - [Folding Solar-Equipped Camping Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecoeshiner-solar-table.md) - [Origami-Inspired Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/levante-origami-solar-panel.md) - [Furniture-Like Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/es-30w-solar-panel.md) - [Essential Camping Solar Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/essential-camping-solar-tables.md) - [Folding Solar Power Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dexpole-solar-power-bank.md) - [Energy-Harvesting Camper Awnings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xponent-power-xpanse-awning.md)