Do you have a solar energy lover in your life? A home solar energy system isn’t an easy gift to give, but there are plenty of solar-powered gadgets and devices that utilize solar energy out there, many of which would make a neat present for fans of solar power and renewable energy. EnergySage has compiled a list of the top solar power gifts available, just in time for the holidays.
Solar chargers: the best solar power gift that anyone can use
One of the most straightforward ways to use solar energy is to charge electronic devices. There are many types of solar chargers available, all with the same fundamental design. Solar chargers use the sun’s energy to charge a battery that you can use as extra backup power for your phone, computer, or other electronic device. Whether you’re shopping for a tech-savvy solar enthusiast or someone who tends to burn through their phone battery too quickly, consider gifting a solar powered charger. You could try a charger that sticks to windows for easy access to the sun, or a simpler compact solar powered charging block.
For more adventurous solar fans, rugged, lightweight, and waterproof solar chargers are available that can fold down to fit into a backpack for hiking trips. There many not be electrical outlets in the woods, but with a solar charger you can be sure you have a source of battery power on the trail.
Solar backpacks: take solar-powered charging to go
A unique gift that combines solar charging and on-the-go functionality is a solar backpack. Solar backpacks can hold all of your work, school, or travel supplies while also acting as a backup power source for your devices. Usually made with a small solar module on the back, solar backpacks use the sun’s energy to charge an internal battery during the day so that you don’t run out of power when you need it most.
Like solar chargers, there are many options for a solar backpack gift. Voltaic’s OffGrid Solar Backpack is a great option, with enough space to fit a 17-inch laptop and a battery pack large enough to support two straight days of music playback from your device.
If you want to get even fancier with your solar backpack, consider the Lifepack Solar Powered and Anti-Theft Backpack. As the name indicates, this solar backpack can charge your devices while also offering anti-theft protection with a retractable zipper lock. It also has an integrated Bluetooth speaker and layers of water- and drop-resistant padding to protect your valuables.
Solar powered speakers: enjoy music whenever, wherever
Buying a gift for someone who loves solar and music? You might want to check out a solar powered speaker. Solar speakers charge from the sun during the day so that you can be ready to play music without having to worry about how much charge you have left.
There are plenty of options for solar speakers, depending on what kind of device you’re looking for. If you want a basic bluetooth-ready, rugged speaker, check out the RAYJAM Solar Bluetooth Speaker. Coming in a few different color options and with the ability to scan for FM radio stations as well as play music via Bluetooth or USB, the RAYJAM speaker is a great solar gift for any music lover.
For a more robust music experience, the Eton Rugged Rukus speaker is a great gift. In addition to charging via the sun and playing music through bluetooth or USB, the Eton speaker also operates as a solar battery and will charge your phone if you plug it in. It’s a powerful device as well – the internal battery will keep your music playing for up to 8 hours on a single charge through the speaker’s stereo sound system. If you simply want to play music and haven’t been charging up in the sun, you also have the option of charging both of these speakers with a mini-USB plug in.
Solar keyboards: yes, you can even use them indoors!
Another tech gift that utilizes solar power is a solar keyboard. With a small strip of solar cells on the top of the keyboard, you will never have to worry about your wireless keyboard losing power again.
There aren’t many competitive options out there, but the main player, the Logitech Solar Wireless Keyboard, is a high-quality solar gift. It stays charged for at least three months in total darkness, and will recharge with any available light (including overhead office lights). The keyboard comes in a few different colors, and communicates with your computer monitor via a tiny, unobtrusive receiver.
Solar lights: brighten up your nights with solar
Solar powered devices like chargers and backpacks are a natural fit for hiking and camping. Another smart solar powered gift option for someone looking to get outdoors is a solar light. Charging a solar light during the day will make sure that you have enough power to keep your campsite lit up at night.
One option for portable solar lighting is a simple solar powered flashlight like Hybrid Light’s Solar Flashlight. Hang one of these on your hiking backpack during the day and you’ll have plenty of power to get you through the night. The Hybrid Light device also has traditional backup power and an indicator light to tell you what kind of power you’re using.
For more advanced solar lighting, check out the Panther Vision Solar Puck Solar Lantern. Recharge it during the day to get at least three hours of dimmable light when it gets dark out. With four powerful LED lights inside and a versatile stand, this solar light is the perfect gift for energy-conscious campers.
Go beyond solar gadgets on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace
Solar gadgets are a great way to start saving energy and exploring renewables, and EnergySage has the resources to help you take the next step. Give yourself the gift of solar by joining the EnergySage Solar Marketplace to begin soliciting quotes for your home solar project from reputable installers near you. When you register your property on the Marketplace, you can compare solar quotes side-by-side to get the best deal for your unique property.
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