Concept¶
In my final project, I want to explore the possibility of integrating solar projects into clothing. I believe this is one of the most relevant and promising directions in smart clothing and smart textiles today.
I live in Dilijan, in the mountains, where you can step out of the house and almost immediately find yourself on a hiking trail. It’s also a place with around 200–220 sunny or mostly sunny days per year. This matters because you can go on a long trek and, if needed, recharge your phone using energy that was generated naturally — by the sun itself. Solar energy is also about conscious consumption, or more precisely, about thoughtful use of natural resources. The sun shines anyway, and it can do more than just lift your mood — it can also be used to generate energy.
This idea is not new or unique. While researching it, I came across many different projects, ranging from university prototypes to solar-powered jackets by brands like Tommy Hilfiger.
Research¶
Tommy Hilfiger x Pvilion¶
Pauline van Dongen¶
Pauline van Dongen. Solar Textiles¶
https://www.ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/news-articles/2022/10/clothing-embedded-with-1,200-tiny-solar-panels-illuminates-future-of-wearable-tech
5 Ws who, what, when, where, why¶
What¶
This is a product. But first, it is a technological research project — to understand how solar panels can be integrated into a product, how solar energy can be collected, and how it can then be used.
Who¶
To start with, me and my family. I love trekking, and my husband has experience with long-distance hikes, so we will definitely test it on ourselves. Later, if the project is successful, it could be for other people who enjoy walking along sunny mountain trails.
Why¶
Because this is also about sustainability — using what nature gives us. Because it’s a way to talk about solar energy and draw attention to it more broadly. Solar energy is growing quite fast in Armenia (in 2025, its share reached 17.2% of the country’s total electricity generation), but this share is still relatively small. Meanwhile, the fuels used to heat many homes (gas, diesel, firewood, waste oils) have a very negative impact on the environment.
Because this technology has a clear, practical application. And because it is not yet part of mass production — which means it’s not that simple.
How¶
I have never worked with electronics before, and it was Fabricademy that introduced me to this field. I plan to order ready-made flexible mini solar panels and learn how to work with them: how to integrate them into clothing, how they interact with the body, and what volume and weight the “inner layer” will have.
When¶
Please refer to my GAntt chart.
