Here Comes the Fun

These technologies are a great way to power everyday gadgets for free, by simply using energy from the sun!

Solar-powered Watch

A gadget to help you keep track of time is the solar-powered watch. A small solar cell underneath the dial converts the solar energy into electrical energy, with excess energy stored into the rechargeable battery. As long as the watch receives a moderate amount of sunlight, the battery doesn’t need to be replaced for up to 10 years, which is much more convenient than replacing the battery roughly every year for conventional watches. Solar-powered watches cost anywhere from $50 to $1,000 depending on their design.

Outdoor Lighting

For an easy, low-maintenance approach to light up your lawn and walkways, solar pathway lights (and other solar décor) are a great addition. Once installed, solar lights run on their own and work relatively maintenance-free. Solar lights are powered by batteries that can run all night if the panels receive enough sunlight during the day. Solar lights are wireless, so there’s no need to search for an electrical outlet. You can purchase solar lights for about $5 to $20 depending on the size and design.

Solar-powered Grill

As an alternative to a charcoal or gas-powered grill, the solar-powered grill is another great way to cook meals outdoors. One of the most popular solar-powered grills is by GoSun, which uses a solar vacuum tube to absorb light while also providing insulation. Using solar heat, the parabolic reflectors focus sunlight onto the vacuum tube. The tube can then convert about 80% of the solar energy into heat. There are plenty of occasions for using a solar-powered grill, such as traveling, camping, or even during a power outage. The internal temperature can typically reach up to 550 degrees, while the insulation makes it cool to the touch on the outside––an important safety feature. Prices for solar-powered grills range from $150 to $300, making them comparable to gas-powered grill.

Bluetooth Speakers

When you want to bring your music outdoors, solar-powered Bluetooth speakers are the perfect solution. Many Bluetooth speakers can be recharged with a USB port and electrical outlet, but solar-powered speakers are easily recharged by sunlight. As long as the sun is shining, the speaker will never run out of power. Most solar-powered speakers include a backup battery that allows the speaker to run long after the sun goes down. When shopping for a solar-powered speaker, be sure the speaker can handle the proper outdoor terrain. For example, if you’re planning to bring the speaker to the beach, make sure it’s water-resistant.

Co-op Solar

Did you know? Western Farmers Electric Cooperative based in Anadarko, Oklahoma, is partnering to build the largest wind, solar, and battery storage facility (being built in one location) in the nation. An average of 30 to 40% of WFEC electricity sold is generated using renewables, primarily solar and wind. Across the country, co-op-owned solar arrays help offset power costs while serving as education tools for their communities. There are currently 11 co-op community solar projects in the state of Oklahoma.

Maria Kanevsky writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56% of the nation’s landscape.