Solar Butterfly flits around endlessly (by Edwin)

As long as the sun is out, the Solar Butterfly that you see here will definitely flit around your garden joyfully, even though there is nary a single flower for it to feed on, seeing nothing but patches of weeds everywhere. All you need to do is place the stake with solar panels in your garden outdoors, although you can also opt for your favorite potted plant if you want to, and the Solar Butterfly will flutter around, moving its wings just like the real deal.

Of course, during those downcast, rainy days, if you’re so used to having a faux butterfly move around during the mornings, there is always the option to throw in a single AA battery to keep its fluttering action going. The solar stake stands at 16″ tall, where the butterfly is 2.5″ tall and 2″ wide. You will be able to choose from Orange Monarch or Yellow Swallowtail, and this is one butterfly that won’t die after a few days.

How much, you ask? The Solar Butterfly can be part of your garden’s make up for $11.99. 

(Source:http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20110731/solar-butterfly-flits-endlessly/)

Cool Solar Gadgets For The Solar Powered Addicted Dad (by Gloria Campos)

I think solar powered gadgets are amazing, so I have put together a list of solar powered gift ideas for Father's Day.  If you still need to buy a gift for your dad or your baby's daddy take a look at the list below. You might just find what you are looking for or think of something better along the way. Either way, I hope it helps.

1. Solar Powered Electric Shaver

This is the kind of shaver dad can take camping, or take on the road with him. It takes the Solar Electric Shaver 8 hour to full charge and yes, it can also be charged by AC, if needed. The solar powered shaver uses Double independent floating blades, a high technique solar panel and a high rotate speed silver palladium alloy motor. It has an indication light to show when charging and a push type shear.

2. Solar Powered Headphones

This is solar powered gadget is a smart idea Unfortunately it still isn't on the market, but my hope is that it will be soon. What is it? Designer Shepeleff Stephen has designed a solar-powered, Bluetooth-connected Q-Sound (quantum sound) headphone set. The headphones have a flexible solar powered panels, wireless technology, and rotating earpieces. One hour in the sun will allow 2.67 hours of power. This is at maximum volume. It can run up to 40 hours when fully charged.

3. Solar Powered Coffee Maker

For the men in your life that need coffee, industrial designer Christopher G. Patton invented a Girasol, a portable solar powered coffee maker. There really isn't any explanation about the solar powered ability of this gadget, except that a, "student design group was commissioned by the Universidad de Quintana Roo in southern Mexico to design a series of coffee makers.  The intent is to generate a source of revenue that would subsidize a charitable project initiated by Quintana Roo." Considering how many people drinking coffee and how many are plugged into homes everyday this invention would save a lot of money in addition to conserving energy.  

4. Solar Powered Flashlight

I actually have one of these flashlights and I absolutely love it. Mine is blue though and I prefer it that way. My husband loves it too. There are 6 super bright LEDs and 3 standard NiMH, AA rechargeable batteries inside. It will fully charge in about 8 hours and can illuminate up to 6 hours every night. There is also a nightglow strip on the flashlight that makes it easier to find in the dark.  Amazon has an amazing collection of solar powered flashlights.

5. Solar Powered Hybrid Oven Cooker

This solar oven can cook in solar mode, electric mode or both (hybrid mode). To cook point it to the sun, adjust the back reflector panel so that the sunshine reflects into the oven's dark cooking chamber" and that is it.  If dinner is taking too long or clouds appear in the sky switch to electric. "The Solar Oven's two setting thermostat automatically controls and maintains the cooking temperature inside the oven chamber so your food is always safe and cooked to perfection even when the weather isn't."

6. One More Just For Fun

Sometimes dad needs some kid fun too. This solar gadget is a Solar Airship. It weighs 230 grams. It is 8 meters long and if you let go it can fly up to 30,000 feet in the air.  To inflate this balloon let it sit in the sun for a few minutes. The material the balloon is made of will absorb the heat from the sun and inflate. To fly it, attach the 50 meter cord provided.


If you find the list interesting feel free to share it with your friends and family. You are also welcome to add your own solar powered gift ideas in the comments section below. May you have a wonderful bright sun shiny day.

Gloria Campos-Hensley
Green Blogger 
InventorSpot.com

(Source: http://inventorspot.com/articles/cool_solar_gadgets_solar_powered_addicted_dad_28454)

Quirky Ray solar-powered charger (by Mark R - on October 10th, 2011)

We have reported on a lot solar-powered chargers here on Coolest-Gadgets, most recently the Eton Mobius.

A company/distributor known as Quirky, which puts devices from independent inventors to the spotlight, has the Ray on their catalog. The Ray is different than most chargers as it has a very powerful suction cup to hold it to where the sun shines the most: on glass. It also has a tilting kickstand that supports multiple positions to capture the sun.

The Ray has a compact battery that can store enough energy to fully charge a cellular phone. It has a USB port for easy charging, and these USB cords can be tucked for storage into the kickstand when folded closed.

I will have to admit what sold me on this Ray is how it can cling to an airplane window. Considering that you will have your cellular phone in airplane mode anyway, you might as well take advantage of the downtime and charge it. Hopefully, the passengers next to you won’t think it is rude if you block their view.

You should be able to get the Ray on the Quriky site for about $39.99. While you are there, check out some other items.

(Source:http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20111010/quirky-ray-solarpowered-charger/#more-61329)

Eton Mobius for the iPhone 4

Eton has a lot of solar-powered products such as emergency gadgets like the Raptor and the Scorpion. Their most recent product, the Mobius, takes a page from the Mophie Juice Pack playbook as it is a portable charger specifically designed for the iPhone 4.

The Juice Pack is a battery that doubles as an iPhone case, and the Mobius is essentially the same thing, but solar-powered. According to the official Press Release, one hour of sun on the solar cells is sufficient enough for 25 minutes of talk time, 20 minutes of internet use, 35 minutes of video playback, and two hours of audio playback.

In addition the 1800 mAh rechargeable lithium ion battery pack, this extra battery power will be held until the user needs it. All it takes is a flip of a switch, and some extra juice gets squeezed to an iPhone 4. The unit also has a micro USB port which can also charge the unit with the included micro-USB cable, and it will even sync with iTunes.

I am not certain how durable the solar cells are, and I don’t want to drop it to find out. The rest of the case is hard yet light metal, and the unit weighs about 3.4 ounces.

You should be able to get the Eton Mobius for the iPhone 4 on Amazon now for $82.34 

(Source: http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20110930/eton-mobius-iphone-4/#more-61072)

10 Interesting solar powered gadgets (Shahnawaz Naaz 22-09-2011)

solar wheelchairsolar wheelchair

‘Go Green’ is the buzz word these days with companies and innovative designers across the world coming up with the ideas of gadgets that are powered by solar energy. These solar powered devices are totally emission free and they operate using solar energy.
Here is the list of 10 interesting solar powered gadgets
1. Solar Powered Bikini

solar bikinisolar bikini

This unique bikini is fitted with small photovoltaic cells which make it work like a solar-powered gadget. Sunlight is trapped by these cells to generate electricity which can be used to recharge small gadgets. So next time when you for swimming you need not worry about battery life of your iPod.
2. Solar Powered Robot for Snow Surfing

solar robotsolar robot

The idea of Solar Robot Snow Surfing is the brainchild of researchers at Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College. This robot can move at a top speed of 5mph and it can be used by scientists who are working in Antarctic. The robot has photovoltaic cells which trap solar energy and then generate power to move the robot.

3. Solar Powered Chariot

solar chariotsolar chariot

The Solar Powered Walking Chariot is designed and built by Bob Schneeveis, who is renowned for inventing eco friendly solar-electric gadgets and vehicles. Bob is well versed with robotics technology and rollerblading chariot powered by solar energy and one more example of Bob’s brilliance.
4. Solar Powered Sun Tent

solar rentsolar rent

The solar-powered air conditioned New Sun Tent is best suited for those who pitch their tent in desert and warm places. The tent is eco friendly because the air conditioned operates using the energy of the sun. The solar panels are fitted on the roof. The manufacturers of this tent claim that in future they will design foldable tent which can be carried from one place to another comfortably. The tent is priced at around $5000.
5. Solar-powered Wheelchair

solar wheelchairsolar wheelchair

A team of researchers from the Southern Taiwan University of Technology has designed and built solar-powered wheelchair which are powered by the solar panels fitted on the roof. The solar panel also protects the person sitting in the chair from rain and sunlight. It is expected that this chair will soon go for mass production. The researchers claim that the solar-powered is cheaper than electric-powered chairs.
6. Solar-Powered Car Kit

DIY KitDIY Kit

The solar-powered SUNN Solar Electric Car Kit has solar panel to charge the lead acid battery pack. The SUNN can attain a top speed of 25 mph. It has a maximum range of 37 miles. The SUNN is street legal in the US. It has a windshield wiper and disc brakes. Since the car moves at a low speed and that is why you can’t run it on highways. The solar panels are fitted on the front.
7. Solar Hearing Aid

solar hearing aidsolar hearing aid

Priced at below $100, the solar-powered SolarAid is a wonderful gadget and is set to become popular when it goes on sale. This unique gadget was created by Godisa Technologies in Botswana. The device is best for those regions where it is tough to find hearing aid batteries. The batteries of this ecofriendly solar hearing aid are recharged every four to six days.
8. Solar-powered Mower

solar mowersolar mower

The Automower Solar Hybrid designed and built by Husqvarna is worth $4000. This solar-powered mower will definitely reduce your gardening bills. Solar energy powers this gardening robot which can cut grass quickly.
9. Solar-Powered Talking Bible

Solar BibleSolar Bible

The solar-powered talking Bible is best for those who want to remain in touch with their religious values while on the go. You can carry this device in a lanyard. This ecofriendly device has a button which allows the user to hear both the old and new testaments by just a push.
10. Solar Powered Bike

solar bikesolar bike

As the name suggests, the Solartrike is solar-powered bike with a 10-mile range. The green bike can attain a high speed of 18mph and is perfect for short distance traveling. The bike is available in two models: with a 200W or 400W motor. The solar panel can generate 80 W of power.

(Source: http://www.ecofriend.com/entry/10-interesting-solar-powered-gadgets/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ecofriend%2FWNra+%28Ecofriend%29

Solar Water Pumps

Solar water pumps are currently being used to water livestock, to provide potable drinking water and to irrigate crops. But unlike generator-powered water pumping systems, solar water pumps do not need fuel or even constant maintenance. Solar pumps usually cost less when it comes to operation and offers modular capability for it to be expanded quickly as the demand changes or increases, as compared to windmill or generator water pumps.

Features Of Solar Water Pumps 

With the advancement in technology, most solar water pumps nowadays have more improved features such as the following:

- Submersible solar pumps that can pump up to 200m heads.

- Pumps that are capable of pumping larger water volumes.

- Low maintenance requirements for as long as 3 to 5 years.

- Good performance that requires fewer solar panels but can still pump the same amount of water.

- Some solar water pumps can be backed up using a genset to generate electricity for addition water using the same pump.

- Good quality and more reliable pumps.

- Very simple to install.

- Requires very minimal attention since they are self-starting.

- Solar water pumps are good when used in boreholes as the can pump water the whole day.

- Weaker boreholes can be used effectively using a low volume pump as it pumps 8 to 10 hours per day.

- In several cases, a solar pump is considered as an ideal solution when it comes to diesel options that require operating funds, maintenance, and fuel for logistics, installation and de-installation.

- Tracking arrays can easily be used to increase the daily pumping rates of water.

- Solar water pumps can offer clean solutions as it does not pose any danger of contaminating the borehole.

Theft of solar photovoltaic panels has become a problem and so solar pump owners should know how to take preventive measures to avoid such incidents.

Solar Water Pumps Are More Cost Effective In The Long Term

Cost comparison was conducted for both solar and diesel water pumps based on the range of pumping heads as well as the range of daily flow rates. On the comparison conducted, all-inclusive costs were also taken into account. The operating costs, replacement cost, maintenance cost, initial upfront cost were all included in the comparison. To fairly compare the solar pumps against diesel pumps, all -inclusive costs should be calculated to get a more accurate result. The all-inclusive cost may usually take a long-term approach and should be calculated in a period of over twenty years, which is the minimum life expectancy of the solar panels as well.

The result of the comparison has shown that diesel pumps are almost 2 to 4 times more expensive than solar pumps in a span of 20 years, while pumping the same amount of water on average per day. So before buying water pumps for your home, make sure to do a little research. If your research and calculation show that you can save more when using solar water pumps, even with the cost of solar panels included, then it will be much better to opt for these types of pumps instead of the diesel dirty water pumps.

Solar water pumps are considered a more practical choice since it is cost effective in the long run, and does not need any means of energy-source aside from the sunlight that is generated using solar panels. To verify your cost calculations, you may wish to consult people who have used solar pumps and those who are using diesel pumps for more accurate comparison.

(Source: http://www.aboutpumpsguide.com/solar-water-pumps.html)

Solar Power May Already Rival Coal, Prompting Installation Surge (By Ehren Goossens)

Solar panel installations may surge in the next two years as the cost of generating electricity from the sun rivals coal-fueled plants, industry executives and analysts said.

Large photovoltaic projects will cost $1.45 a watt to build by 2020, half the current price, Bloomberg New Energy Finance estimated today. The London-based research company says solar is viable against fossil fuels on the electric grid in the most sunny regions such as the Middle East.

“We are already in this phase change and are very close to grid parity,” Shawn Qu, chief executive officer of Canadian Solar Inc. (CSIQ), said in an interview. “In many markets, solar is already competitive with peak electricity prices, such as in California and Japan.”

Chinese companies such as JA Solar Holdings Ltd., Canadian Solar and Yingli Green Energy Holding Co. are making panels cheaper, fueled by better cell technology and more streamlined manufacturing processes. That’s making solar economical in more places and will put it in competition with coal, without subsidies, in the coming years, New Energy Finance said.

“The most powerful driver in our industry is the relentless reduction of cost,” Michael Liebreich, chief executive officer of New Energy Finance, said at the company’s annual conference in New York yesterday. “In a decade the cost of solar projects is going to halve again.”

Installation Boom

Installation of solar PV systems will almost double to 32.6 gigawatts by 2013 from 18.6 gigawatts last year, New Energy Finance estimates. Manufacturing capacity worldwide has almost quadrupled since 2008 to 27.5 gigawatts, and 12 gigawatts of production will be added this year. Canadian Solar has about 1.3 gigawatts of capacity and expects to reach 2 gigawatts next year, Qu said.

“You have to get better at it as well,” said Bill Gallo, CEO of Areva SA (CEI)’s solar unit. The French company could shave another 20 percent from the cost of making its concentrating solar thermal technology, and the same proportion from building and deploying plants, he said.

Electricity from coal costs about 7 cents a kilowatt hour compared with 6 cents for natural gas and 22.3 cents for solar photovoltaic energy in the final quarter of last year, according to New Energy Finance estimates.

Comparisons often overstate the costs of solar because they may take into account the prices paid by consumers and small businesses who install roof-top power systems, instead of the rates utilities charge each other, said Qu of Canadian Solar.

“Solar isn’t expensive,” he said “In many areas of the solar industry you’re competing with retail power, not wholesale power.”

Rooftop solar installations also will become cheaper, the executives said.

“System costs have declined 5 percent to 8 percent (a year), and we will continue to see that,” SolarCity Inc. CEO Lyndon Rive said in an interview. The Foster City, California- based company is a closely held installer and owner of rooftop power systems. 

(Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-05/solar-energy-costs-may-already-rival-coal-spurring-installation-boom.html)