A few weeks ago, I read about an article in Country Home Magazine that suggested about
mixing your homestead with high and some low technology. The author gave an example of a bad storm in
his area; his neighbor didn’t have heat or lights or water; but the author had
a well in which to draw water from; a wood burning stove and fire places for
heat, had a compost toilet, and also has solar for electric. This article got me thinking about in what
ways I could use low technology in suburbs.
Solar power seems to be everywhere these days. Here are a few of the more innovative and
inspiring solar products that you can really use for camping, on the go or
around your home.
Solar backpacks and
tote bags: Small solar-power
generators, equipped with a lithium battery, are incorporated into the
backpacks to power cell phones, MP3 players and other small electronic devices
anywhere, anytime.
Solar cell phones
& chargers: Solar touchscreens makes them accessible even after the
battery has died. For ordinary phones, dozens of cases are available with
solar-charging cells built in.
Solar laptops:
Two hours in the sun can supply these laptops with 10 hours of battery
lift. External mini solar panels can
provide life to ordinary laptops, too.
Solar sun Shades: Umbrellas, beach covers, blinds, and porch
covers all have solar cells built-in.
Why not? By design, these are intended to face the hot sun.
Solar roof tiles:
Made to look like old-world blue tile roofs, these are solar with style. Similar technology has been incorporated into
a huge array of micro-lighting and charging devices.
Solar decorative
lighting: From Mason jar lids to tiny solar “leaves” on solar-charging
tree, solar has been incorporated into huge array of micro-lighting and
charging devices.
Solar window outlets:
Plug your power cord into the window.
These devices suction right onto the glass to provide a low-level of
power for everything from charging devices to powering small lamps, hot plates,
and clocks.
Solar camping gear: If you’re car camper, you might enjoy having
your tent powered up during the day, so you can plug into it at night, features
that are useful for charging cell phones, lighting, and other small
gadgets. Also try solar reading lights,
solar water heaters, solar flashlights and solar generators.
Illuminating Paint – This is not a solar item but can be
used to illuminating walkways, walls in the garage or basement of your home.
