Things Powered by the Sun
Solar Powered Garden Lamp
My 5 Favourite Things Powered by the Sun
Solar powered gadgets can sometimes be gimmicky and frivolous but at least they’re not wasting energy!
Of course there is still the question of just how much energy was used in their production and whether they ever pay back that energy.
The solar powered garden lamp pictured left is a perfect example to consider, it looks about 95% plastic with a bit of electronics in there too. I know from experience that they don’t last very long, either the rechargeable batteries pack up or they get broken… So the question is do they even save the energy it took to produce them in their lifetime? Maybe not… they are fun though!
Here’s a list of things powered by the sun that I’ve found lying around on the Internet…
- 1. Solar Powered Sun-Bricks
What a fantastic way to light up your pathway or patio. Read this original post about them http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2006/08/01/light-things-up-with-solar-powered-sun-bricks - 2. Sun and Wind Powered Boat
Here’s Alcatraz Cruises setting a good example to other commercial operations with their eco-friendly ferries http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/01/20/hornblower-hybrid-by-alcatraz-cruises - 3. Solar Powered Road Signs
These are brilliant, just think how much energy is saved when a sign runs on it’s own power, not only is it taking zero energy from the grid but all the energy used in running a power cable to it along miles of highway is also saved! Read this article on treehugger.com
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/12/solar-powered_t_1.php - 4. Solar Powered Cats-Eyes (Road Studs)
Ok these aren’t as efficient as the original cats eyes which required no electronics whatsoever but I still like them.
http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?id=94702 - 5. Solar Powered Garden Fountains
The sound of running water works in almost any garden, I don’t why, it just does… but if you have to do it at least do the world a favour and use a self-powered solar energy fountain like this one…
http://energybazaar.com/coppersolarfountain.aspx
There are more things powered by the sun than I have time to list but these things all make so much sense in such very different ways.
Leave a comment, tell me what your favorite solar powered gadget is…
Leave a Reply
