Interesting Solar-Powered Products for Everyday Use

Solar power has long been touted as the magic solution to wean the world from high-emissions fossil fuels and stave off the unavoidable global energy crisis our fossil fuel consumption will create, but its applications aren’t limited to solar panel farms in the desert. In fact, solar energy can prove an affordable solution to some of your everyday needs. Below, we’ll discuss some of the solar-powered products that could be found in your home in the near future.

Solar Backpacks
Backpacks by brands like BirkSun have built-in solar panels that act like portable chargers, meaning you can charge your laptop or cellphone on the go. While this means you’ll have plenty of juice for your electronics on sunny beach days, the backpack’s battery pack can also be charged via a conventional wall charger if the weather is less than optimal for solar panels. This is an especially handy item for those living in western states like Arizona, New Mexico, and California, where cloudy days are uncommon sights.

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Solar Bike Locks
Who would’ve thought that bike locks could be improved with solar panels? Skylock created a lock that can be powered for half of a year by just 12 hours of sunlight. Still, it’d be selling this device short to say that the only thing distinguishing it from other locks is the solar power. Skylock also provides users with keyless entry, theft detection, and crash alerts. Its keyless entry function connects to your phone so you never have to remember a code or keep a key. If you don’t have your phone with you, it also offers a touch interface.

Solar Light Fixtures
Solar powered lighting is becoming more and more common as street lights, porch lights, and other types of public outdoor lighting are now relying on sunlight to function. Strategically placed solar panels absorb solar energy to supply power for outdoor lighting fixtures of all sizes. These light fixtures effectively operate off the grid and are cost effective, environmentally friendly, and safe to use.

Solar Battery Chargers
Solar chargers come in all shapes and sizes and are extremely affordable. Though they won’t get your phone battery to 100% as quickly as an AC charger connected to the wall would, solar powered chargers are great on-the-go accessories that typically cost about $20. To make the most of their solar panels, most of these chargers hang from your person, either on keychains or attached to backpacks. Though there are more expensive, more effective solar chargers on the market, chargers in higher price ranges aren’t as lightweight or portable. Outside of consumer electronics, solar battery chargers can also be a boon in charging backup generators for the home — a handy backup plan in the event of power outages or emergencies.