5 Best home gadgets that run on solar energy
1. Mobile Light – Kyouei Design
Mobile Light – Kyouei DesignThe main functionality of the bulb starts when natural lighting begins to fade
Do not be fooled by the sleek bearing, as this contraption designed by Koichi Okamoto packs a ‘convenient’ punch when it comes to solar technology. During sunny weather, the internal battery pack contained inside the bulb gets charged by an in-built solar panel. But the main functionality of the bulb starts when outside natural lighting actually begins to fade. The fully charged battery delivers a power output to activate a bright LED system. This helps in illuminating the interior (during night) and that too with a stylish appliance and clean electricity.
Price: $229.00
2. IKEA’s collection of solar powered lighting sets
Ikea’s collection of Solar powered lighting setsAffordable and sustainable product line from the furniture maker
Yes, the Swedish company may have got some bad rep for the Nazi related incident and even its depiction in Fight Club. But that does not mean they cannot come with practical ‘green’ products. As a matter of fact, the furniture giant has released their latest line of sustainable yet artistic solar lighting elements, which are more importantly affordable for mere mortals. The product line includes different types of lights including post lights, up lights, stylish hanging globes and even pendant style lights. The pricing ranges from $9.99 to $19.99. So, if you badly want to have that backyard night party, this is the way to have it in a cheap and environment friendly fashion.
Price: $9.99 to $19.99
3. Solar or Hand Crank Powered AM/FM Radio
Solar or Hand Crank Powered AM/FM RadioThe wireless contraption can maintain its solar charge for 7 long hours
There is nothing like an old school radio to keep you engaged with game scores during those boring camping trips. If you want to do your bit for your eco-system, then there is always the ultra-petite and portable Solar Radio. Cased in a ABS durable plastic component, the wireless contraption can maintain its solar charge for 7 long hours in sunshine. Even if there is lack of availability of natural light, you can always use your muscle ‘power’ to crank up the system. One minute of cranking it corresponds to powering up of the device for thirty minutes.
Price: $24.00
4. DeepDesign’s Disko Solar-Powered Outdoor Speaker
DeepDesign’s Disko Solar-Powered Outdoor SpeakerA self sustaining speaker system powered wholly by solar energy
Designed by DeepDesign and reeking of utter novelty, the Disko SU 1 is a self sustaining speaker system powered wholly by ‘clean and green’ solar energy. The controlling mechanism can be provided by a myriad of electronic devices ranging from bantam iPods to cumbersome PCs, of course through a small transmitter. These same devices can be used for the sound input. Moreover, to accentuate upon the style element, the designers have actually incorporated a set of three circular LED lights onto the cordless contraption.
Price: Not available
5. Solar Stik
Solar StikA full fledged portable power plant
We have talked about individual gadgets till now. But, why not have a sustainable power station of your own that can juice up a myriad of such devices. The Solar Stik is one such portable power plant (with a weight of only 80 pounds), which can easily be fixed in your very own backyard for uninterrupted power supply off the main grid. The pole like device includes a double array of solar panels, a wind turbine along with a separate battery pack for energy storage. Coming to specs, the dual 50-watt solar panels are capable of producing about 80 Amps/hours per day.
Price: $5,000