Open-Source Design of Solar-Powered Picnic Table for Outdoor Device Charging

The ubiquitous use of electronic devices requires outdoor charging capabilities. A successful approach uses solar photovoltaic (PV)-powered picnic tables, but the existing designs share several limitations including proprietary designs that limit replication/modification and high costs. This study addresses these limitations by presenting the design of a novel open-source solar-powered picnic table fabricated from reused, decommissioned PVs and recycled plastic lumber. The open-source solar-powered picnic table acts as a conventional picnic table and provides electrical charging that supports learning and connectivity by providing outdoor power. The system integrates a 320 W PV module, maximum power point charge controller, and 12 V LiFePO4 battery, enabling reliable off-grid power generation and storage. The device was validated under real outdoor operating conditions using everyday user loads, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops as individual and multiple connected devices at different times of the day and night. In addition to this functionality, the materials cost was <USD 450, 90–95% less than commercially available options. The system, built using recycled and repurposed components, further enhances sustainability while maintaining durability for outdoor deployment. These results indicate that open-source solar furniture can provide an affordable and replicable approach for expanding renewable-powered charging access in outdoor environments.