Project 2: Solar Wearable Beanie

Rickardo Ennis, Latiesha Faisal

Our project introduces a solar-powered LED beanie with an integrated slider control. This wearable combines sustainability and functionality by allowing users to illuminate their surroundings while maintaining style. The beanie’s main feature is its ability to generate and control LED lighting through solar power, making it perfect for nighttime visibility.

What the Wearable Is:

The solar-powered LED beanie is a comfortable and versatile accessory designed for both fashion and utility. It features LEDs which can be activated to provide light in low-light conditions. The beanie is not only a fashionable accessory but also a practical tool for outdoor enthusiasts, cyclists, and anyone in need of hands-free lighting.

How the Solar Circuit Works: 

The beanie incorporates a small, high-efficiency solar panel integrated into the fabric, on the brim. This solar panel efficiently captures sunlight and converts it into electrical power. The generated electricity is stored in a capacitor, ensuring the LED functionality is independent of external power sources.

The beanie is equipped with a user-friendly slider control, allowing wearers to adjust the intensity of the LED lighting according to their needs. The stored solar energy powers the LEDs, providing ample light for various activities such as reading. This environmentally friendly and self-sustaining lighting solution ensures that users can stay well-lit without the need for disposable batteries or external charging.

Parts list

• Solar panel (x2)
• Resistor (10k OHM)
• LED (x2)
• Capacitor
• Slider

Materials List

• Conductive fabric
• Conductive thread
• Beanie