People Power

'Solar Blanket' is a heated blanket powered by the sun for sustainable, self-sufficient living.

This project is now archived and was part of DDW22

Maël Hénaff

‘Solar Blanket’ aims to support people by alleviating some of the strains of the rising cost of living. The heated blanket uses solar power to generate electricity. It saves energy by directing heat toward the user and avoids wasting energy on heating up an entire space.

A heated blanket powered by the sun for sustainable, self-sufficient living.

The UK Parliament reported that in 2020 that 14.5 million people lived in relative poverty after housing costs in the UK. Considering the rising cost of living, this project aims to support people to keep warm by alleviating some of the strains of soaring energy prices. 'Solar Blanket' is a heated blanket that is powered by the sun. It uses solar power to generate electricity and saves energy by directing heat toward the user. It isolates the warmth in their immediate periphery and avoids wasting energy on heating up an entire space. The solar panel, which works in most weather conditions, is designed to be placed in front of a window. It can be used to charge a portable power bank which then can be used to power the blanket, along with other objects in the home. Portability gives the blanket the advantage of not being location bound, and the ability to expand its use. The project also aims to emphasize the need to make sustainable choices more accessible by providing an inclusive way to create comfortable homes for all.