We’re finally starting to see some new additions to the ‘wearable solar power’ market – and the new EcoFlow Power Hat is maybe the most stylish option we’ve seen so far.
The EcoFlow Power Hat, announced by the manufacturer on August 1st, is a sleek, lightweight, and durable summer cap with discreetly-integrated solar panels around the brim. With USB-A and USB-C ports at the back, it allows you to charge your smartphone and other devices while out for a walk in the sun. It’s also waterproof and dustproof, meaning it’s perfectly suitable for outdoor use, and it’s lightweight enough to forget you’re wearing a mini power station on your head.
How does the EcoFlow Power Hat work?
The EcoFlow Power Hat features a 360-degree solar-paneled brim which uses Perc Monocrystalline Silicon cells. These cells have a high efficiency rate of 23-24%, and capture solar energy from every angle, ensuring continuous power generation without the need to reposition the hat toward the sun.
The hat has dual charging points – one USB-A and one USB-C – located strategically at the back of the hat. This makes it possible to charge two devices at the same time, whether you’re charging your phone, camera, or portable fan. On their website, EcoFlow have specified that it can charge a 4000mAh phone battery (e.g. the latest iPhone models) in just 3-4 hours under optimal sunlight conditions. There’s no dedicated pouch for holding your devices, so you’ll need to have a cable that reaches far enough to keep your devices in your backpack or pocket.
Additionally, the EcoFlow Power Hat is relatively lightweight, and also durable. Weighing 370g (13oz), it is designed for extended wear and easy transportation. It has an IP65 rating, which means it’s both waterproof and dustproof, making it suitable for a range of environments – from sandy beaches to misty mountain hiking trails. Finally, its design is also foldable, making it easy to transport when you’re not wearing it.
What styles does it come in?
Currently, the EcoFlow Power Hat is only available in black. It can be bought in two adjustable sizes: Medium-Large (56-58 cm) and Large-XLarge (59-61 cm). Each size features an adjustable hook-and-loop closure for a snug and comfortable fit, ensuring the hat stays secure on your head.
It also uses breathable mesh material around the crown of the hat, giving ample airflow to keep your head cool and comfortable, even during extended wear in warm weather.
When will the EcoFlow Power Hat be available?
The EcoFlow Power Hat is available for pre-order from August 1st to August 31st 2024, with shipping expected to kick off in mid-September. If you pre-order now, you can get it at a discount of $79 – down from its regular price of $129.
The timing of the Power Hat’s release in late summer is interesting – given it would’ve made more sense to release this product in late spring or early summer while consumers are making the bulk of their pre-summer vacation purchasing. This perhaps suggests a delay in their development timeline. But don’t let the end of the summer season put you off – solar panels only need sunlight to function, not hot temperatures!
Where is the EcoFlow Power Hat available?
As of August 2024, the EcoFlow Power Hat only seems to be available for pre-order in the US, and EcoFlow has not yet made any announcements about when it might be available elsewhere in the world, such as the UK and Europe. However most of EcoFlow’s products are made available all across the globe, so we expect this to change in the near future.
Full specification table
EcoFlow Power Hat specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Rated Power | STC12W (+/-1w) |
| Cell Type | Perc Monocrystalline Silicon |
| Cell Efficiency | 23-24% |
| Dimensions | Medium-Large: 56-58 cm / 22-22.8" |
| Large-X-Large: 59-61 cm / 23.2-24" | |
| Open Circuit Voltage | 7.8V |
| Net Weight | 13oz (370g) |
| Maximum Operating Voltage | 6V |
| Output Ports | 1x USB-A, 1x USB-C |
| Maximum Operating Current | 2A |
| Output | 5V 2.4A Max |
| Short Circuit Current | 2.2A |
| Waterproof Rating | IP65 |
What's next in wearable solar power?
EcoFlow’s Power Hat is maybe the most exciting advancement we’ve had in the wearable solar power sector, because it’s actually a trusted brand with a reliable track record in power stations. Depending on the Power Hat’s reception and real-life success following its launch, it’s likely we will start to see other major players like BLUETTI and Jackery following suit and developing their own wearable products. After all, it seems a natural progression of portable solar power.
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