Here’s an idea who’s time has come. Designed by Leon Zhu, from China, it’s a folding solar panel that stores in your car’s fashionably massive rear-wing! When you’re parked, it unfolds to provide both shade and a jolt. When you’re on the move, it stores in the slamin’ big spoiler.
Think of the benefits of a solar panel on your car- making time with Prius-driving eco-chicks; the ability to leave the radio on for the dog/baby you’ve left in the 110° car; and the satisfaction of knowing that you’re doing something for the environment, and getting a hefty tax rebate. And we know that’s what it’s all about.
The only thing that could make it better would be if it snapped shut like a window blind- flapflapflapflap.
Source: Designboom
Yeah, now the wing on your Impala can serve triple duty as a drinks tray, portable diving board and solar panel array!
Oh, and will it poison your babies with lead and melamine? You know, cuz it's from China.
That's not an Impala, it's the new Chinese-built "Empala"
This is a really terrible idea. What is much better is creating an elevated canopy of solar panels over the parking lot. The panels provide shade for the cars and reduce the heat effect of the pavement. They produce much more power because they are oriented correctly toward the sun. Their power goes to the building serving the people who drive to it. This is already happening in many places and people without gigantic wings can park there too.
Tag: "So Crazy It Just Might Work" = Brilliant!
I'm partial to "We'll Land at Night", the punchline to a classic (along with, "Why do you ask, Two Dogs?)
"Leon Zhu" is Cantonese for Pep Boys.
And with that, you earn yourself a nomination for COT…. oh nevermind.
Well played, good chap!
If I was a bird I would shit all over that.
Don't let that stop you.
But why is it named SHELF? Would WING, WANG, or COCKPLANK not be more appropriate?
Maybe this could be combined with a motor-operated, multi-panel sunroof like the late Pontiac G6. Thus making for the world's most expensive service-replacement part!
I'd rather have the Mercury Alloy** liquid metal window treatments.
** That's Mercury as in Hg, not as in Marquis.
Also, I suppose that if you repurposed a rearview camera into the front grille, you could drive with this thing in the (ahem) extended and deployed position.
LionZoo… watch your back.
This is actually a pretty good idea. Obviously, it needs a lot more thought, follow through and engineering before it can be a useful product. But it is the one use that even partially redeems the ricer wing. Plus it can help keep your interior cool, and the dash from cracking.
My car already has a wing. So can I just add this one on above it?
[REDACTED] just got scooped
I've found that happens a lot more than they will admit.
Best put a fan on the back of the car as well to cover the extra power needed to pull that wing through the air.
Really like the blog. I’ve been creating solar panels for small businesses for ages now and doing pretty well… Lucky I found this place.
[...] And by “bitchin’” we mean, of course, silly as all get out. [DesignBoom via Hooniverse] [...]
[...] Quelle: http://hooniverse.com/blog/2009/11/24/ricer-wings-save-the-planet/ [...]