Quick disclaimer: Cleantech Authority does not endorse and does not receive a commission on sales of any of these gadgets. We just think they’re cool!
That being said, I found some of the latest solar powered gadgets hitting the market to be a wonder use of the latest technology. It also provides a glimpse into the future of how gridless we can become someday. I also remember when applications such as these would be considered futuristic – the kind of stuff we’d see in 10 or more years. Now they’re here! So check out some of the latest solar toys and let me know what other amazing gadgets you know about.
Sun Table
The solar powered sun table is designed for outdoor use and can be used to place multiple objects on. It can sit anywhere and from what I can tell appears to be quite stable. It can be taken disassembled and stored or kept outside. I would recommend keeping it inside during the winter when it won’t find much use regardless. The top of the table is completely laminated with solar powered technology. Plug your laptop, cell phone, mp3 player or any other type of electronic advice to utilize the energy it stores from the sun. Go to http://suntable.net/about.php to find out more.
Boom Box
Flip the solar panel out on the stylish boom box that includes a charging station for iPods and iPhones to listen to your music, battery life paid for by the sun. Not only will your music be played through solar energy but your electronic devices will charge on it as well. To learn more or buy one check out
http://www.etoncorp.com/product_card/?p_ProductDbId=1758834.
Back Pack
With two solar powered panels attached to the back, this back pack has the capability of charging any of your electronic devices. The solar panels are attached to a removable pouch and have a universal USB battery with an AC charger. Consider the environments a back pack is needed yet wall charges would be inefficient. To think of a few: buses, taxis, remote locations, and public areas. Buy it at http://www.voltaicsystems.com/offgrid.shtml.
Cell Phone Charger
These devices are generally simple, relatively affordable, and can charge your iPhone or droid. It can be stored easily since it appears to be the size of your phone. I found one charger that has a metal tree planted on the device with little solar panels instead of leaves extending from the tips of the branches. It charges your phone and would look impressive anywhere in your house or business. View the most beautiful solar powered gadget I’ve ever seen at http://www.yankodesign.com/2008/08/29/you-cant-see-the-cables-for-the-tree/. For a more standard cell phone charger: http://www.amazon.com/Premium-Solar-Charger-Built-Windshield/dp/B00449U3K0
Christmas Lights
Christmas is a time of high energy costs for many Americans. Cut down on your energy bill by replacing your Christmas lights with solar powered ones. Powered by the sun, they automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. Other outdoor Christmas light displays which rely on solar power exist as well. Go to http://www.outdoorsolarstore.com/solar-powered-christmas-lights.aspx to see more.
Keyboard
Simply take your keyboard inside or out without the need of batteries or cords. It boasts solar panels which border the top edge of the device. It also charges from indoor lighting and has a nifty gauge which can tell you what kind of charge it is receiving from the lighting in any of your rooms or outdoors. Check it out at http://www.logitech.com/keyboards/keyboard/devices/k750-keyboard?WT.mc_id=global_pr-k750_redirect_112010.
Wish List
After seeing these gadgets, it made me think of a few more I’d like to have:
- Integrated solar panel on a laptop – the whole back of the monitor is just sitting there! Someone build it into the laptop
- Solar powered air conditioner – this would be perfect for camping, even if only capable of cooling a small space.
- Solar powered cars – there are so many opportunities for cars to charge while in the sunlight, and many of these gadgets exist. But I want it all. A full-on EV that gets a significant portion of it’s power from solar.
