As the world becomes more aware of the impending energy crisis, there is a huge push for adopting technologies that depend on alternative sources of energy. Solar-powered devices have been around forever; almost every one of us has used the most basic solar-powered calculators. While we may be quite far from driving around solar-powered cars, we can invest a number of gadgets that make use of solar energy. Many homeowners prefer having solar-powered devices around the house as it helps cut down energy costs. Here are the top 4 solar-powered gadgets for your house’s patio and lawn.
Contents
Lawn/Path Lights
Solar-powered lawn lights may be the simplest item you can buy that runs on solar energy, but do not let its simplicity fool you. Installing solar-powered path lights can result in energy savings that are absolutely phenomenal. Besides the financial benefits, these lights have a significant advantage over their traditional counterparts. They do not need to be connected to a power source and as a result, can be placed anywhere on the lawn or along a path; no need for electrical wires running across your lawn or patio.
Solar Table Charger
Not every gadget you own can run on solar energy. For example, we are a long ways away from developing smartphones and laptops that can be run purely on solar energy. However, there is no reason why you cannot use a solar-powered battery to provide the juice required to run these machines. The solar-powered patio table tackles two issues at the same time. Not only does it store up solar energy and lets gadgets charge via its outlets, but it also provides electrical outlets in a location where it is impossible to find a charging point. Unless you have an electrical outlet magically popping out from the patio floor or the lawn, this table charger is definitely a must-have.
Light Up Patio Umbrella
This particular gadget usually leaves most people scratching their head. Why would someone ever want a solar-powered patio umbrella? That question is quickly answered as soon as people see its party trick. During the day-time, the umbrella soaks up the sunshine while protecting you from the sun. At night, the umbrella uses the stored up solar energy to act as a night light; the same gadget that was an umbrella during the day transforms into a lighting feature at night. You can easily entertain guests or read a book at the patio table at night with the knowledge that your energy bills are not going up at all.
Solar-Powered Lawn Mower
Just like the Roomba vacuum cleaner that autonomously cleans the inside of your house, it is possible to buy lawnmowers that will go around the lawn mowing excess grass. Most solar-powered lawn mowers tend to be hybrids, i.e. if the solar panels fail to receive enough sunshine to keep the mower running a traditional lawn mower engine kicks in finish the job. Sit back and relax while you watch the little lawnmower scurry over the lawn and take care of one of the boring chores that homeowners like to avoid. A solar-powered lawnmower should easily be able to tackle a small to the mid-sized lawn without having to resort to the backup power source.
As more and more solar-powered gadgets hit the market, it is becoming increasingly possible to pick them up at bargain prices. The 4 solar-powered gadgets here will ensure that you have a patio and lawn that is the envy of your neighbors.