Solar Powered Gadgets For the Solar-Minded

When someone starts talking to you about solar, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Well, if you’re like most people, you probably think of the solar panels that are installed on homes and businesses around the world.  But, solar panels aren’t just for homes anymore. These days there are many creative ways people are using the sun to power up. You can find anything from solar backpacks to solar cell-phones and chargers to solar cookers to solar powered bicycles, cars and more.

Do you consider yourself solar-minded? Do you have a favorite solar powered gadget? What is it?  Here are a few creative and/or odd solar gadgets for the solar-minded individual:

1) Solar Powered CoolerBot: If you were hoping this was a solar powered beer cooler, I’m sorry to let you know it’s not. But it is a very cool robot made from a cooler. It was designed to be used for nature photography and surveillance. It’s rugged, water-proof and built to withstand the outdoors to help you get that perfect nature shot.

2) Solar Powered Water Bottle: That’s right….it’s a water bottle by day and a lantern by night. I know, it’s not exactly one of those jump up and down about gadgets. But if it works, it’s something that might come in handy while out camping or on an evening hike.

3) Automower® Solar Hybrid: The Automower® is like a Roomba® for your lawn. While it may be a little bit of a hassle to set up, it is the world’s first fully-automated lawn mower that is in part powered by the sun. During the day the solar cells help increase mowing time between recharges.  On top of that it comes with a timer and anti-theft alarm (so you don’t have to worry about the neighbor snagging your new mower). This is definitely not your daddy’s lawn-mower!

4) Sun Oven® (aka a solar oven/BBQ): This is a great solar gadget for people who enjoy the outdoors. Rather than hauling out and firing up the BBQ, only to deal with all the smoke, flames, etc., you just pull out the good ‘ole sun oven. It apparently requires only minimal sun to bake, boil or steam foods including meats, vegetables, breads, soups, etc. Your food won’t have that “cooked on the grill” taste, but that doesn’t mean it won’t taste good. Just let the sun do the work.

5) Solar Panel Mat: Just what any outdoor person needs, right?! Well, if you truly are an outdoors-type person then yes. The solar panel mat is a simple, flexible and easily transportable method of getting energy in a pinch. Whether you need to charge your cell phone, your laptop, your camera, your car battery, etc. the solar panel mat is the gadget of choice. Just lay it down and start charging.

6)  Solar-powered bra: This gadget is designed for the seriously solar-minded female to promote clean energy and eco-awareness. The solar-powered bra can be used to power a variety of electronic devices including cell phones, i-pods and even its built-in “chest-mounted electric billboard”.  Then as an added bonus, it comes with a pair of re-usable drink pouches. Interesting concept, but do you think it will catch on?

So, if you are a truly solar-minded individual, then you might want to get more information on some of these solar powered gadgets.  You may find they are right up your alley. Let me know what solar-powered gadget is right for you!