Solar power provides electricity to houses, why not something smaller, like headphones? A Romanian engineering student has designed Bluetooth headphones that are surrounded by flexible solar cells.

The Q-SOUND (Quantum Sound) headphones are a sleek blend of hexagonal blue solar panels and flexible silver plastic, looking not unlike a gadget that looks more likely to be found on Star Trek than on a jogger. Rotating earpieces and a snug, flexible headband are aimed at keeping would-be listeners comfortable.

The headband designed earphones will have Bluetooth capability, meaning they would be able to connect wirelessly not only to supporting MP3 players, but also potentially communicate with your phone to answer calls. The headphones will also be able to connect directly to any audio devices that use a 3.5mm jack.

The cells will be powering two rechargeable lithium ion batteries above each earphone, and boasts an operating time of up to 40 hours. One hour of sun time works out to over two-and-a-half hours of maximum volume listening.

Shepeleff Stephen is bringing renewable hip comfort to portable audio. A previous attempt at popularizing solar headphones only provided radio listening and provided 19 hours of energy for four hours of sunlight.

As someone who listens to music outdoors far more than inside my apartment, “greening” headphones to take advantage of solar power is definitely something to look forward to.

Found on EcoFriend.