Check out our other excellent story on 7 cool solar installations at U.S. airports.
The soaring interest in solar power is not only evident on roofs, but also through innovative ideas to power up almost every part of our lives. Here are 7 solar applications I think are especially cool. Some are a bit of a novelty, but perhaps this won’t be so in the near future.
XDModo solar charger
1. Just a few years ago I wasn’t charging anything on my bedside table. But now I find myself running out of outlets as I power-up my tablet, MP3 player, cell phone, e-reader, laptop and other portable devices. Not only is the growing popularity of portable personal devices a strain on electric bills, but it also puts pressure on the power grid. Luckily, innovative companies are developing other options for charging your personal devices for free using the sun’s energy. I’m looking to get one for myself, and I wouldn’t be surprised if these caught on so that everyone’s bedside tables hosted nothing but a glass of water.
Purvi says
January 8, 2015 at 9:31 amAnyone have other ideas based on solar??
JayKayTee says
July 18, 2013 at 3:16 pmWell, Monsanto and Dupont & petrochemical products aren’t so great – in hindsight
Talmage Bassham says
May 22, 2013 at 9:14 pmThe shipping container is a great idea for domestic use also. I know building contractors have their offices in these.
Nic says
May 14, 2013 at 7:26 amKeith obviously they are not chargin a phone at night. This is why the image are shown charging in the day time. Also if you home has a solar array on top with a battery back up; your house will remain powered in the event of a power failure. In a smart grid community a power out will have a limited effect on these houses because they are sharing power with one another.
Andreas says
May 14, 2013 at 6:11 amVery nice news. I’m tired of crime, let’s report some more “progress for people”
Mike says
May 13, 2013 at 12:04 pmAdd a battery pack and they could charge at night.
keith says
May 8, 2013 at 3:02 pmYes another good Idea but in general most solar plants shut down in a power failure!!
Keith says
May 8, 2013 at 2:59 pmNow that’s a good idea for solar
Keith says
May 8, 2013 at 2:58 pmI’m sorry but you won’t solar charge anything over night by your bedside!!