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A Milan-based start-up is set to launch a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to help it release the world’s first origami-inspired solar panels for off-grid power. Levante was founded in 2021 and aims to revolutionise the fixed design of solar panels to make them lighter and easier to transport – helping campers and sailors in the process.

“Although the use of renewable energy in mobility is already widespread, the current solar panel solutions still have too many limitations,” said Levante co-founder Sara Plaga. “Rigid solar panels, whilst powerful, are bulky, heavy and constrained to a permanent installation. This greatly reduces the number of applications where a rigid panel is a suitable solution, especially in a mobile context.”

“Portable solar panels, on the other hand, are too flimsy, still bulky and just not powerful enough to make a meaningful contribution to covering the energy requirements needed when travelling.”

“To overcome these problems, many are forced to use alternative solutions to meet their energy needs: connecting to the grid, starting the engine or using a generator – all of which are limiting, create both noise and air pollution, and require additional fuel costs.”

Inspired by those used in satellites as well as the modular design of Lego bricks, the patented, revolutionary solar panels from Levante are compact and collapsible (more than eight times smaller when closed) – and 100% made in Italy. Each panel can be opened up into a rigid structure offering up to 500 watts of power – currently the highest on the market – and be folded away easily when the batteries are fully charged or when on the move.

The Kickstarter is set to go live on 13 June – click here to view.