The Concept Tent (also known as the solar powered tent) was thought up because of festivals and the fact that partygoers always need to keep in touch with mates while they’re camping and roaming around the festival site. Kaleidoscope and Orange Communication designed it in partnership to celebrate Glastonbury Festival. For us the best bit about it is the revolutionary new way it collects direct sunlight, and what this design might mean for eco camping in the future. Particularly if you want to have a nomadic lifestyle.
Solar Energy Collection
The idea is that specially coated solar threads are woven into conventional fabric so designers wouldn’t have to use fixed solar panels to harness the energy. It would also have three directional glides that can be moved throughout the day to maximise solar efficiency and energy collection.
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- Solar Powered Tent – Earth Friendly Cool Camping
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- Solar Powered Tent At Night – Earth Friendly Cool Camping
Control Centre
But the most amazing bit about this concept solar powered tent is its central wireless control hub which lets you see the amount of energy being generated and used, as well as sending out a wireless internet signal for anyone who needs to surf the internet. This is displayed on a gadget geeks dream… a touchscreen LCD display screen.
The control hub also has a wireless charging pouch which powers mobile phones and other portable devices without the need for messy wires and multiple chargers. The ‘magnetic induction’ technology passes an electric current through a coil embedded in the charging pouch and this in turn generates a magnetic field which creates a charge and powers the battery. For non-tecky people like us out there… this means it’s extremely clever!
Central Heating
Also controlled by the central hub is the most amazing bonus for the ultimate posh camping experience… an internal heating system. This takes the form of a heating element that’s embedded within the tent’s groundsheet giving under floor heating that can be triggered automatically once the temperature falls below a set level.
Glo-Tec
Finally, to avoid festival-goers ever losing their tent (uh huh…we know all about that!), the Concept Tent is designed to have “glo-cation” technology. This works by enabling the lost camper to find their tent by sending out a text message that triggers a distinctive glow in the tent helping them see it from a distance.
But before you throw out your old tents, solar panels and thermal underwear you’d better note that this Concept Tent is just that… a concept. It was designed to celebrate Orange’s 11th year at Glastonbury Festival and – lets face it – a bit of a PR stunt. However we’d like to be optimistic and think it’s a glimpse of earth friendly cool camping for 2012 and beyond.
If you have any good ideas or know something about eco-friendly camping equipment of the future then we’d really like to hear from you, and don’t forget to enter your email in the free updates box so you don’t miss out on future articles on this from us.
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Picture credit: Kaleidoscope and Orange Communication
Where can i purchase this, and for how much?
I wish we could… sadly it’s only a concept at the moment but the technology is developing so much I don’t think it will be long before it’s available to buy. In the meantime we’ll have to calm our eco-warrior selves by looking into buying this amazing piece of technology – the Biolite Stove. Happy camping..
This is pretty great! Great for camping in the Keys and in cold weather!
Actually it is available to buy right now… I just looked it up online…
Very interesting… I’m on it… *smile*
What web link do you have for it? I’d be very interested to see what you’ve found. Sarah
http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/solar-power-tent.html
Not quite as cool as this concept tent designed for festival goers… but a very helpful link showing other options. Thanks for getting in touch.
Can you give me the website for these tents?
Unfortunately this is just a concept, but it holds great promise for the future. I’ve also heard on the grapevine something with alternative energy is about to be released, and you can be sure that as soon as we find out about it we’ll report on it here. Sarah
Awesome, awesome concept!! I love it!
How about central cooling? I think more people tend to camp when its warm, not cold.
Great idea. I’m sure this concept can be adjusted to suit most needs. However, as with all concepts, its about how costly they are to produce and if there would be anyone out there able to afford it. Thanks for popping by. Sarah
Where can i purchase this, and for how much?
Sadly, for now, it’s just a concept… however, we really feel it’s a great sign of things to come. Keep watching this space and we’ll keep you updated. Sarah
I love this concept! Not sure about the charging of electronics unless its really needed! But i love the fact of solar power being used! What about using sustainable resources for the fabric
Keep working on this concept thou great job!!! I love the fact solar power is becoming more popular!
I have seen this “concept” since 2009…when is this baby coming out?? I WANT ONE!!! (Ok, actually, I want THREE!!)
sleeplessn2010@yahoo.com
I wish I knew… There are similar (definitely not so cool) versions on the market… (see the link in the comments above) but this one still hasn’t been released. We’ll be first in the queue when it is! *smile*
You are living in a NeWage fantasy if you think this this toy is eco-friendly. The once or twice a year use would not justify the manufacturing of solar panels (which is very toxic to the environment). Same goes for batteries, which you would need a lot of for heating… so many that they would weigh much more than the tent. Batteries need to be used frequently to keep in condition otherwise they deteriorate. http://batteryuniversity.com/
Great idea, but crap in this society.
Illuminated by nightfall? So easily checked if the owners are ‘away for a moment. So will the tent be, when they return…
Very good point…
i would love to purchase one of these tents when they are ready for market. oh and i want mine in pink ;P
This tent would look amazing at Townsend Touring Park, alongside our new underground pods which will be launched this spring
I want a jumbo sized one for a horse backing riding ring….please!
Great idea!
How about a/c for those of us that live in warmer climes?!
Good idea.. but this is only a concept tent so its still on the drawing board.
well I guess forget about watching the stars in the evening….
Noooooo…. Never forget that…! After all that’s what its all about isn’t it!
this would be great to have this would allow my son to be able to go along with us camping. due to nedical issue his not able to go camping in our tents but with this tent he could. cant wait till it s on the market
Although this tent is only a concept, there are lots of other options. We will be publishing some information soon on how to make your own version of this tent for a fraction of the price of this one. Keep watching. Sarah