Designers Lim Wan Xuan and Tang Xueling Jane have created the Eco-Leaf Solar Curtain, a type of shade device which filters, captures, and stores sunlight as it hits the window during the day. At night, the shade becomes a light source, and emits light using the energy it gained over the course of the day. The cord at the center allows the vertical blinds to be lifted slightly to help increase air circulation throughout the room. While I think that this is a creative and innovative way to rethink shading devices and integrate solar leafs into the home, I would be slightly disappointed to use these in any room that had a nice view. Unlike regular blinds or louvers which can be adjusted to both filter light and still allow a view, these blinds completely obstruct the outside. Even when the “blinds” are lifted, you would have to stand at an angle in order to look out. Also, based on the images I’ve seen of it during night, I am skeptical that it will be able to fully light a room, which may be intentional, and would allow for a nice ambient glow. But apart from being a night light, I’m not sure what else this light would accomplish. The small panel on the lower right which gives a temperature reading is useful though.
more information at:
http://inhabitat.com/energy-harvesting-eco-leaf-shade-doubles-as-a-light-source-at-night/
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