he sun is not only the answer to cutting carbon emissions with utility-scale solar farms and residential PV-systems. In fact, solar has many of other neat uses. Here are five of the coolest ones:
1. Solar Backpacks
If you’re into hiking, camping, or just spending time outdoors in general, a solar backpack is a must-have accessory to keep a backup battery with you at all times. Whether it’s to charge your phone in case of emergencies, or to power a light for your campsite, a solar backpack will be a handy companion.
Just be sure to position its cells in a way that catches some sunlight.
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2. Solar-Powered Fan
What do you do if you’re lying on the beach and overheating in the sun? The obvious answer would be going for a swim, but wouldn’t it be cool if you could flip on a completely portable solar-powered fan, which would be running regardless of if you’re close to an electrical socket, and would not run out of battery power until the sunset?
3. Solar Cellphone Charger
Have you ever run out of battery when away from your charger, or maybe even miles and miles from the nearest electrical socket? A solar-powered cellphone charger is the answer.
Amazon has several models for these. The one in the picture below is only $15.90 and will recharge other small electrical appliances as well.
Image credit: solarchargers4less.com
4. Solar Cooker
A solar cooker, or sun oven as they are sometimes referred to as, are excellent alternatives to gas-powered cookers when it comes to making yourself a warm meal when out camping.
The reflecting arms you can see extend from the cooker itself will focus the solar radiation onto your meal, and even though most models are slower than convectional portable stoves, it will not produce any carbon dioxide!
You should be able to find good solar cookers for under $300.
Image credit: safeandreadylife.com
5. Solar-Powered Wooden Copter
At the bottom of our list, you’ll find the amazing solar-powered wood copter. Place it in the sun and the rotors will start spinning – unfortunately that’s about all it does! You pay $32 for the solar panel costs attached to the small wooden frame.
Wouldn’t it be great – since this is the internet – if you included links for these items? That would’ve been so convenient.