Cooperative Living November/December 2021 - 22

CuttingEdge | by Maria Kanevsky, Contributing Columnist
As more
solar-powered
gadgets are
Solar Goodies
Use the sun's rays to energize your entertainment gear
T
he sun has an incredible amount
of energy -- more than we could
ever fully harness. Fortunately,
an array of solar-powered gadgets and
devices is available to help you take
advantage of this source of energy.
These technologies are a great way to
power everyday things, simply by using
energy from the sun.
When you want to bring your music
outdoors, solar-powered Bluetooth
speakers are the perfect solution. A USB
port and electric outlet are needed to
recharge many Bluetooth speakers, but
sunlight can recharge solar-powered
speakers easily. 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
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
down. When shopping for a solardown.
When
shopping for
solar
water-resistant.
SOLAR PATHWAYS
For an easy, low-maintenance
approach to light up your lawn and
walkways, solar pathway lights and
developed, consider
one for your next
purchase.
other solar décor are great additions.
Outdoor solar lights come in a variety
of styles and can be used to decorate
your outdoor space in different ways.
They can be used as an alternative to
traditional lights and offer several
benefits. 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.
COOKING THE SOLAR WAY
As an alternative to a charcoal or
gas-powered grill, the solar-powered
grill is another great way to cook meals
ooutdoors.utdoors.
One of the most popular solarpowered
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 grills.
A solar-powered watch can help
you keep track of time and then some.
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.
Solar-powered watches can cost
between $50 and $1,000, depending
on their design.
The sun provides an endless amount
o energy, and these gadgets
of
of energy, and these gadgets are a great
way to power everyday devices. As
more solar-powered technologies are
developed, you may find yourself
considering a solar-powered gadget
for your next purchase. 
of energy, and these gadgets are a great
re
great
Maria Kanevsky writes on consumer and
cooperative affairs for the National Rural
Electric Cooperative Association.
GoSun produces a solarpowered
grill, which uses
a solar vaccum tube to
absorb light.
Most batteries for solar-powered
watches can last up to 10 years.
Many solar-powered
Bluetooth speakers include
a backup battery for use
after the sun goes down.
20 | Cooperative Living | November-December 2021
co-opliving.com
PHOTO COURTESY DENNIS AMITH
PHOTO COURTESY LUMINAID
PHOTO COURTESY GOSUN
http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living November/December 2021

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