Several solar powered gadgets have found their way into offices and households, providing consumers with cheap but effective ways to reduce energy bills.
Once reserved for calculators and rooftops, solar energy has now founds its way into everyday activities. There are many affordable products that can save you money on electricity and batteries, as well as provide some entertainment, proving that you don’t have to be rich to contribute to a better environment.
Outdoor solar powered lighting alternatives have been gaining popularity at home improvement stores. Rather than turning on an overhead porch light in the evenings, you can place several solar powered light stakes strategically around your lawn. Not only will you save on your electricity bill, but you can coax the mosquitoes to fly away from your door rather than right through it. In addition to traditional outdoor stake lighting, solar pool lights are starting to hit shelves, making night swimming much more fun. While not as effective on cloudy days, many of these inexpensive devices produce plenty of juice during the summer months when they’re bound to see the most action.
Solar powered gadgets are also making their way indoors. Desktop toys (or workplace distractions, rather) have been sneaking their way into those coveted window offices for the past few years. The most common type consist of a box with a solar panel affixed, and then topped off with a colourful flower or animal that will “dance” when powered. For the little ones, educational toys such as model kits are now often available as green versions. Toy cars, planes, and other moving machines use solar power to scoot along the floor.
