When someone starts talking to you about solar, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Well, if you’re like most people, you probably think of the solar panels that are installed on homes and businesses around the world.  But, solar panels aren’t just for homes anymore. These days there are many creative ways people are using the sun to power up. You can find anything from solar backpacks to solar cell-phones and chargers to solar cookers to solar powered bicycles, cars and more.

Do you consider yourself solar-minded? Do you have a favorite solar powered gadget? What is it?  Here are a few creative and/or odd solar gadgets for the solar-minded individual:

1) Solar Powered CoolerBot: If you were hoping this was a solar powered beer cooler, I’m sorry to let you know it’s not. But it is a very cool robot made from a cooler. It was designed to be used for nature photography and surveillance. It’s rugged, water-proof and built to withstand the outdoors to help you get that perfect nature shot.

2) Solar Powered Water Bottle: That’s right….it’s a water bottle by day and a lantern by night. I know, it’s not exactly one of those jump up and down about gadgets. But if it works, it’s something that might come in handy while out camping or on an evening hike.

3) Automower® Solar Hybrid: The Automower® is like a Roomba® for your lawn. While it may be a little bit of a hassle to set up, it is the world’s first fully-automated lawn mower that is in part powered by the sun. During the day the solar cells help increase mowing time between recharges.  On top of that it comes with a timer and anti-theft alarm (so you don’t have to worry about the neighbor snagging your new mower). This is definitely not your daddy’s lawn-mower!

4) Sun Oven® (aka a solar oven/BBQ): This is a great solar gadget for people who enjoy the outdoors. Rather than hauling out and firing up the BBQ, only to deal with all the smoke, flames, etc., you just pull out the good ‘ole sun oven. It apparently requires only minimal sun to bake, boil or steam foods including meats, vegetables, breads, soups, etc. Your food won’t have that “cooked on the grill” taste, but that doesn’t mean it won’t taste good. Just let the sun do the work.

5) Solar Panel Mat: Just what any outdoor person needs, right?! Well, if you truly are an outdoors-type person then yes. The solar panel mat is a simple, flexible and easily transportable method of getting energy in a pinch. Whether you need to charge your cell phone, your laptop, your camera, your car battery, etc. the solar panel mat is the gadget of choice. Just lay it down and start charging.

6)  Solar-powered bra: This gadget is designed for the seriously solar-minded female to promote clean energy and eco-awareness. The solar-powered bra can be used to power a variety of electronic devices including cell phones, i-pods and even its built-in “chest-mounted electric billboard”.  Then as an added bonus, it comes with a pair of re-usable drink pouches. Interesting concept, but do you think it will catch on?

So, if you are a truly solar-minded individual, then you might want to get more information on some of these solar powered gadgets.  You may find they are right up your alley. Let me know what solar-powered gadget is right for you!

Image by Mike Weston (via Flickr)

Many people have taken advantage of solar technology as it is a great source of alternative energy during the summer months when the sun is high in the sky.  But what about during the winter months?  Will your solar panels work the same during the winter?  What about if the panels get covered with snow?

One good thing is that since solar panels work on light not heat, cold winters aren’t a factor in keeping your solar panels generating energy throughout the winter. However, during the winter months there are shorter daylight hours, so you’re pretty much guaranteed your panels won’t generate as much energy as they do during the summer. Additionally, snow is a factor in keeping your solar panels working. If the panels get covered by snow they might stop producing power.

Did you know “because of the way solar panels are wired together, a little bit of snow – or bird droppings or leaves – blocking just a portion of an array can dramatically cut the output“? Needless to say, your panels will work better with no snow on them.

So even though it’s not on the top of your list during the holidays, you’ll want to keep your solar panels clean and functioning as best as they can during the winter. Solar panels can still generate energy under overcast or cloudy conditions, but if your panels are covered with snow, it is less likely light will be able to get through.  Some tips I’ve heard about removing snow from your solar panels include:

1) Use a roof rake or similar tool to pull the snow off the panels.  Be careful though as you don’t want to scratch the panels.  Some people recommend adding a squeegee strip to the bottom of it, as it will be softer on your panels.

2) Clear away a small patch of snow and let the sun do the rest.  Once a small patch is removed, the solar panel attracts the sun and it can sometimes assist in getting the rest of the snow to melt on its own.

3) If it isn’t too cold, spray the snow off the roof and panels with a garden hose.

4) If you can keep your solar panels tilted, the snow will be easier to get off and sometimes will slide off on its own.

But don’t forget, even though your solar panels may not be producing as much energy as they did during the summer months, you may have accumulated excess energy during the summer that can help offset your winter usage.  (Check with your local utility.)

If you don’t already have solar panels, it’s definitely an investment worth considering…you can get federal tax credits for energy-efficient improvements too. If you do have panels and have any other great tips for keeping your solar panels working during the winter, I’d love to hear them!

Image by Per Ola Wiberg (Powi)

A few weeks ago I wrote my blog about Carbon Dioxide and International Climate Action Day.  But I decided today that rather than writing a blog about something else, I wanted bring your attention right back to International Climate Action Day – which for those of you who aren’t familiar with it, is tomorrow (October 24th).

International Climate Action Day is a day where each and every one of us can take a little time out of our busy schedules and lives and do something that says “I stand for a safe climate future!” It doesn’t take much time or effort and thankfully, 350.org has tried to make it as simple as possible for people to join in and do something.

With everything from stencils to action maps showing where planned activities are taking place, from t-shirts to information to educate your community and more, there is no reason you too can’t be part of this global day.  There are already over 4000 events planned in over 170 countries – make sure you are part of it!

Let me make it simple:

1. Go to the 350.org website.
2. Read the invitation on their website which explains what International Climate Action Day is and invites you to participate.
3. Go to the 9-Step Organizing Plan page and follow those steps to plan and/or attend an event.
4. And, if you blog, write a blog about it – let others know!

It’s never too late to plan or attend an event!  350.org has the tips, tools and information you need to make any event, big or small, a success.  The more people that become aware of how their actions can lower CO2 levels, the better off we will be.  And please remember, lowering CO2 levels is something each of us can work on every day: bike to work one day rather than drive, take public transportation, use a proven fuel additive or buy an electric vehicle, car-pool, hang your clothes out to dry, conserve water and energy, buy local food or grow your own herbs and vegetables, plant trees around your home, install solar panels on your roof….the list could go on and on.

But the most important thing to remember is this isn’t just about one day, it’s about every day.  It’s about changing our habits and routines so that we will have a cleaner environment and many, many bright days ahead of us!