4. Travel with power
Backpacks or briefcases with solar panels make it simple to streamline any travel or commuter lifestyle. Solar panel bags are ideal for charging cell phones or music players and can give a boost to any USB device, including tablets.
The Boost Solar Backpack from BirkSun is a stylish carryall for any bike commuter or student ($99). The 3-watt solar panel supplies a 20-percent smart-phone charge in one hour of sunlight.
The backpack includes a front pocket and laptop sleeve.
The Voltaic Solar Converter Daypack includes a 3.4-watt panel that charges a phone in four to five hours of full sun. ($129). The backpack includes supportive straps, three outside compartments and a laptop sleeve. The shell is waterproof and made from recycled, soda-bottle plastic.
5. Be prepared for the dark
Every household should have a flashlight or lantern handy for emergencies or camping trips. With solar power, a light can be charged by the sun for ultimate precaution and convenience.
The Solar Goose Adventure Flashlight uses five LED bulbs, has two intensity settings and a built-in compass ($18). It weighs four ounces, making it ideal for hiking or camping. With a full charge (16 hours), the light has four hours of use. Assembly is done in Pennsylvania by Handi-Crafters, a company that provides work for children with developmental disabilities.
The WakaWaka Light is an LED lamp with three light settings and up to 80 hours of light after 5 to 10 hours in the sun ($39). The lamp can be set on a tabletop, on a bottle or hung from the ceiling. It is made of 100-percent recycled plastic. With every purchase, a WakaWaka light is donated to off-grid communities in Africa that typically use kerosene lamps that pose health and environmental risks.
For bicyclists, bike lights are an essential safety feature that may require replacement due to dead batteries or theft. A recent product developed by bike enthusiasts in the Netherlands has provided a solution. The Rydon Pixio is a solar bike light that shines light in the summer and through the winter thanks to the sun, and it never requires a battery change ($47). It’s waterproof, durable and theft-proof.
With LED lights and low- and high-light levels, the Athena Brands Soladyne seven-inch Mini Solar Lantern provides bright light from solar energy or its hand crank ($23). The lantern can also charge a cell phone. Its battery charges in five to six hours and will provide 60 minutes of light. At 10 ounces, the lantern is convenient for camping and emergencies.
6. Catch solar time
According to the industry, 1.7 billion watch batteries are thrown away each year. The following wrist watches are equipped with solar panels and never require replacement batteries.
Seiko’s Men’s Stainless Steel Solar Watch keeps accurate time with a solar cell and a long power reserve ($175). Seiko is an industry leader in solar watches and has its own environmental protection policies.
Casio’s Tough Solar Powered Multi-Function Digital Sport Watch is solar-powered and water-resistant and includes an LED light, a stopwatch and alarms ($34).
7. Power your holiday lights
For the upcoming holiday season, consider solar-powered LED string lights for outdoor decorations. The 100 LED Warm Light Solar Light Strand will supply light all night long with no additional cables needed ($39). The strand comes with a solar panel stake to power the lights. Earthtechproducts.com also sells colored solar light strands and packs of 50 LED lights for $25.
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