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# Energy-Storing Recycled Rucksacks
These Solar Backpacks Help South African Students Do Homework

By Alyson Wyers | Published 2014-11-14 | Eco
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-backpacks
References: [springwise](http://www.springwise.com/south-africa-solar-school-backpacks-provide-light-evening-study/) & [repurposeschoolbags](http://www.repurposeschoolbags.com/)

These solar backpacks provide light for students in South Africa to study by once the sun goes down. Repurpose school bags have built-in solar panels that provide a renewable energy source that help kids in remote areas.

Especially in poor, rural areas, the walk to school can be arduously long, preventing many children from being able to bring their books and school bags back and forth. These 100% recycled rucksacks are made from old plastic bags, making the all-purpose solar backpacks very sturdy. A [small solar panel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deepsolar-x20-solar-power-bank) on top captures the sun's energy while the youth walk to school, and stores enough power to provide a [small lamp](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nomad-3) with light for 12 hours so students can complete their homework later.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 3.4/10
- Popularity: 37% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women
- Primary generations: Gen Alpha
- Top markets: Africa

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)

## Key Themes

### Key Themes Behind This Trend

- **Solar-powered Backpacks:** Opportunity: Develop a line of solar-powered backpacks for various purposes such as outdoor adventures or emergency preparedness.
- **Renewable Energy in Education:** Opportunity: Integrate renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels, into educational settings to promote sustainability and teach students about clean energy sources.
- **Sustainable Product Design:** Opportunity: Explore innovative ways to design products using recycled and eco-friendly materials, reducing waste and environmental impact.

### Where This Applies

- **Education:** Opportunity: Incorporate renewable energy solutions, like solar backpacks, into school systems to enhance access to education in remote areas.
- **Outdoor Gear:** Opportunity: Develop eco-friendly and solar-powered backpacks for outdoor enthusiasts, providing a sustainable and versatile gear option for adventurers.
- **Sustainability Consulting:** Opportunity: Offer consulting services to help businesses design and implement sustainable product strategies, focusing on the use of recycled materials and renewable energy sources.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Homeless Support Backpacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-makeshift-traveler-backpack.md)
- [Solar Generator-Integrated Backpacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handsfree-2.md)
- [Wearable Solar Power Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bluetti-handsfree-power-station.md)
- [Wireless Solar-Powered Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-lights.md)
- [Sleek Solar-Powered Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adidas-rpt02-sol-headphones.md)
- [Self-Heating Solar-Powered Lunchboxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunnyside-lunchbox.md)
- [Solar-Powered Blankets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-blanket.md)
- [Eco-Friendly Adventurer Headlamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coleman-peak1-headlamp.md)
- [Solar-Powered Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rpt02-sol.md)