Sony’s Solar Lampshade

Sony's solar lampshade

Sony Corporation unveiled a super cool new solar gadget this week at the Eco-Products 2008 fair being held in Tokyo.  A solar lampshade can be used to power LED lights in the lamp itself, as well as other desktop electrical devices including alarm clocks, cell phones and iPods.

The solar lampshade works through dye-sensitized solar cells.  Sony’s product has beautiful floral designs reminiscent of a Japanese lantern.  Obviously, you would need to place the lamp in a sunlit room to activate the solar cells during the day.

Sony’s solar lampshade is the first of its kind.  I think it would make a gorgeous, unique gift.  If only they were on sale here in the states this holiday season!  Alas, it is still just a prototype.

While I couldn’t find any video of a solar lampshade, I did come across this great clip of school-aged children making their own solar lamps. Unbelievable!

What do you think of the solar lampshade?  Would it be on your holiday gift list this year?

Tags: solar lampshade, sony