# Solar Panel Wetsuits Billabong SG5 Suits Make Surfing in Winter More Comfortable By Benjamin Salkeld | Published 2009-03-24 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-panel-wetsuits-billabong-sg5 References: [mesurf.au](http://www.mesurf.com.au/ProductDetail.aspx?id=237) & [mesurf.au](http://www.mesurf.com.au/ProductDetail.aspx?id=237) The r+d team at Billabong have come up with a great new way to keep you warm during the season that matters most as a surfer: winter. "Using the principle of a [thermal solar panel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-pool-ionizer) - use of the sun's energy to heat water - the SG5 suits carry this technology in the front and back panels in a patent solar mesh," MeSurf.com says. "This new technology is claimed to be 30% warmer than any any nylon covered neoprene, meaning pretty much every other suit on the market." Having a wetsuit that blocks the [wind and holds out water](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tindall-rain-jacket) is one thing, but having a suit that will heat you up using [solar energy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-energy-technology), is another! ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 2% | Activity: 61% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Solar-powered Wetsuits:** The use of solar energy in wetsuits presents a disruptive innovation opportunity to improve comfort and warmth for surfers during winter. - **Thermal Solar Mesh:** The integration of a patent solar mesh in wetsuits offers a disruptive innovation opportunity to provide superior insulation compared to traditional neoprene suits. - **Energy-generating Surfing Gear:** The development of gear that harnesses solar energy, like solar panel wetsuits, presents a disruptive innovation opportunity to create self-sustaining equipment for surfers. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Apparel Manufacturing:** The apparel manufacturing industry can explore the integration of solar panels or solar mesh into their products to enhance functionality and cater to eco-conscious consumers. - **Water Sports Equipment:** The water sports equipment industry can incorporate solar energy technology into wetsuits and other gear to provide enhanced performance and comfort for athletes. - **Renewable Energy:** The renewable energy industry can explore partnerships with the surfing industry to further develop solar-powered gear and promote sustainable practices within outdoor sports. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Solar-Powered Blankets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-blanket.md) - [Solar-Powered Heated Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gosun-solar-seat.md) - [Infrared Light-Converted Warm Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/downless-down-jacket.md) - [Limestone-Based Sustainable Wetsuits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wetsuits-2.md) - [Wetsuit Rental Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wetsuit-rental-program.md) - [Solar-Powered Glow-in-the-Dark Hats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vollebak-solar-charged-hat.md) - [Flexible Solar Film Energy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heliafilm.md) - [Off-Grid Solar-Powered Saunas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thermasol.md) - [Solar-Powered Sleek Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-solaris.md)