solar powered robot

2. SimpleTech [re]drive by Hitachi

This energy efficient 500GB Turbo USB 2.0 external hard-drive uses less power than a regular drive and is made with renewable materials (naturally grown bamboo and recyclable aluminum). The bamboo’s natural cooling quality replaces the need for a fan, thus reducing the amount of energy used. It is PC and MAC compatible, automatically switches on and off with your computer, and comes with an Energy Star power adapter. It also includes award-winning Fabrik back-up software. Available for about $85.

Hitachi Simpletech Redrive

3. Crank-powered Rechargeable Batteries by Yanko Design

Most of us already know the crank-powered flashlight or radio. Now rechargeable batteries can be cranked-up back to life, too. These innovative batteries are comprised of the cell (the battery itself) and a capsule with a small built-in hand-crank. Five minutes of winding up will restore 45% of the battery juice (an indicator light shows the level of charge). Not currently available for AA batteries.

Wind Up

4. Solar Clock by Suck UK

Well before clocks as we know them existed, people used sundials. This solar clock too uses the sun to give the time, but it will work at night and during a power outage as well. Sleek, modern-looking and battery-free, it comes with two sets of hands, a short one for free standing, and a long one for wall-mounting. Four different positions possible as the clock can be upright or on its sides. Excellent for a gift or for yourself. Available for about $35.

Solar Clock

5. The ‘Ecobutton’ by Brite Ideas Global Ltd

This smart little button is an award-winning retro-fit computer power saving device that selects the lowest power saving mode available while you are away from your screen and keyboard. It sits next to your keyboard, connected to your computer via a USB cable. (MAC users will have to wait a bit longer for a MAC version). Simply press it and your computer goes into “eco-mode”, i.e. the most energy-efficient saving mode available, while you take a break, talk on the phone, go for lunch etc. Come back later and press it again: all your data is restored faster than when in sleep mode, and you can resume what you were previously doing. No data lost, no electricity wasted, carbon footprint reduced. It also displays how much energy and money you have saved by using it. Available for about $20.

Eco Button

Use Passive Solar
Passive solar means simply using or blocking the sun’s rays to heat or cool your home for . This means that using your window coverings wisely can save you a ton on your power bills. Simply closing or angling your blinds to keep direct sunlight out can drop the interior temperature by 10 degrees. Try closing the window coverings on the south side of your house when you leave for the day during the summer months. Without the sun’s hot light shining in the windows adn Sony laptop battery, your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard. And in the winter of course doing the opposite can help heat your house. There tons of great looking blinds, awnings
, and window films to help you harness or block the sun’s powerful rays.

Use Solar Exterior Lighting
Lighting the exterior of your home used to be tricky because you had to find a way to get power to the lights. But with the advancement in renewable power technology, these has gotten a lot easier. Solar garden lights, security lights, and area lights now come completely integrated with panel, battery, electronic eye, and lights. Installation is usually as easy as hanging a picture and the prices start at less than $50. So whether you are trying to put some accent lights in your garden, shed some light in your tool shed, or trying to brighten those dark steps, lights powered by the sun are a great alternative.

Get Portable Chargers
These days we carry so many battery electronic devices around with us it kind of feels like we are a walking Radio Shack . The hardest part is figuring out how to keep these things charged. Now there are cool-looking portable solar chargers that will keep your iPod or blackberry running in a pinch. They are lightweight, folding, and very durable to handle the rigors of travel and outdoors situations. And if you are indoors and in need of a quick charge most of them will work by simply them putting near a window.

Decorate Home and Garden
For your outdoor spaces, solar fountains lend a soothing touch to any setting. All they require is a little water and a sunny spot and they can surround you with pleasant sounds or keep your pond aerated i. Solar lamp post lights lend a nice touch to any entry area and tell your arriving guests you have good taste and care about the planet.

Get a Plug and Play Kit
If you need a small power source for your cottage RV, or to take with you into the wilderness, there are great options out there. There are solar power kits that include the panel, the electronics, instructions, and all the wiring you need to get started. For example, a kit could power a little stereo, light, and charging your phone down at the boathouse or out in the barn. Or they can keep your RV charged as you travel around the country. You’ll need a screwdriver, the ability to follow instructions, and a sunny place for the panel. Many of the kits start at less than $100 and for $500 you can get a nice little system and expand it later.