Sunday, December 14, 2008

Video Review

Here's a video review and unboxing of our Solar iPhone Charger:




The bottom line is...

He loves it, you'll love it.

Featured on MSN

We're honored to have been featured on MSN's Green website.

Click here to read the article.


The bottom line is...

It's good to be recognized for what we do.

Winner, Winner

Congratulations to Maisie H. from Ohio. You've won the free iPhone charger. You can expect to receive it in the mail sometime this week.


The bottom line is...

You should have entered to win. Maybe next time!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Thanksgiving Giveway

Everyone out there is gearing up for Thanksgiving and Black Friday. To show our holiday spirit, we're going to give away a free solar iPhone charger.

How do you win? All you have to do is send the following information to solarizeit@gmail.com.
  1. Name
  2. Address
  3. How did you hear about us?
  4. How often do you visit our blog?
Absolutely free (including shipping within the US). The prize goes to the person who sends in the first email. GOOD LUCK.


The bottom line is...

It doesn't take much to win.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Concept Solar Boat

Here's a great concept:


here's the description:
The Volitan's systems are controlled and optimized by a networked computer. Whilst sailing, wind and solar energy are harnessed and stored in the boat's batteries, enough to stay operational thru day and night. To compensate the boat's wings track the sun and wind for optimal power. In extreme weather conditions, they fold up against the boat but have no fear because the Volitan is engineered to operate in up to 60 knot winds. -Via Techeblog.com, via Yankodesign.com

The bottom line is...

The article and video are a little over a year old, but I wanted to post it anyway. I wonder if there's any progress.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Two of My Favorite Things

What happens when you mix solar and wifi?

...You get a new product from Meraki. According to Meraki's website, they are "a rapidly growing company whose mission is to bring affordable Internet access to the next billion people worldwide."

Here's what I found out from EcoGeek:
"Meraki, a WiFi company that sells its mesh WiFi networks all over the globe, has just made wireless that much more wireless – starting in December they will be offering solar powered router to their customers. The units will be pricey - $1,500 for a model that comes with its own solar panels – although there is a cheaper version for half the price that comes without the solar panels (you attach them yourself)." - Yoni Levinson
Be sure to Google "Meraki." They've got some other products that green fiends will should know about.


The bottom line is...

They need to stick these things all around the world.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Solar Vehicle

This vehicle is sure to please the environmentally friendly campers of the world.

Here's the information I found on Jetson Green:
Over a year ago, we mentioned Verdier Van & Camper's Eco-Camper, the posh recreational throwback to VW's Westfalia, and it looks like the Solar Power Eco-Camper has a new look. Verdier now offers five different personalities of the award-winning vehicle: Woody, Geeky, Ebony, Blueberry, and Purity. The eco-camper configuration is an add-on package available in any personality and entails solar panels, hybrid engine, Sun Tracker system, two gazebos, a second floor area, sliding door with integrated ladder, folding furniture, cargo storage, etc. The price? $129,000.

The bottom line is...

I'll have to save up for this thing.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Saluting NBC

Before tuning in to the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins game last night, I watched Football Night in America on NBC. Just before the show ended, they had a segment about being environmentally friendly.

After reading about it online, I found out that this is actually an entire campaign for NBC. It's called "Green is Universal," and we're saluting NBC for their efforts. Their website has great information, videos, photos, advice, and much more.

Click here to join the movement.


The bottom line is...

Keep up the good work, NBC.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Unusual Solar Photos pt. 8

I just found this on Engadget, and I had to post it.

Here's what they said about it:
We'd stick out if were to drive the Helios concept car down the Long Island Expressway or the 405, but almost every other solar-powered car we've seen looked like an old Trabant cursed with further ugliness by a wicked witch, so considering the circumstances we're impressed. The sadly-only-on-paper vehicle netted designer Kim Gu-Han the Best Use of Technology award at the 2008 Interior Motives Design Awards for its frill-neck lizard-inspired solar fan, which unfolds when the car is immobile. - S. Axon

The bottom line is...

I want one... NOW.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Red Goes Solar

People seemed to love the white one so much that we thought we'd introduce a red one too.

If you like it, head to our online store to check it out.


The bottom line is...

If you don't like it, I'm sure there will be something else on our site that you'll love.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Smooth (Solar) Sailing

The Australian company Solar Sailor has been making blogging headlines lately (see Treehugger or EcoGeek). Why? Because they've just signed a deal with Cosco to fit their ships with huge solar panels.

Here are the specifics:
The aluminum sails, 30 meters long and covered with photovolatic panels, harness the wind to cut fuel costs by between 20 and 40 per cent, and use the sun to meet five per cent of a ship's energy needs.

China's COSCO bulk carrier will fit the wings to a tanker ship and a bulker ship under a memorandum of understanding with the Australian company, which demonstrates the technology on a Sydney Harbour cruise boat.

The bottom line is...

I'm surprised this hasn't happened a long time ago.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Solar Love Seat

For some people, going solar can also mean going crazy. You'll see what I mean when you watch this video:




The bottom line is...

Pretty funny invention. I'd definitely like to try it.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

The Results Are In

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you already know that Barack Obama has become the next President of the United States.

The part of the election that we were most interested in was the propositions. Here are the results from Proposition 7 and Proposition 10.

Looks like you all voted NO and NO. Screenshot taken from cbs5.com.


The bottom line is...

Let's hope these are the right decisions.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Solar Vote

Election Day is rapidly approaching. Being a solar-company, there are two propositions on the election ballot that we're concerned with:

Proposition 7.

Proposition 10.


The bottom line is...

We'll see you at the polls.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Another Halloween Costume

Halloween is over, and I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday. Before we move into the new week, I thought I'd share one more Apple iPod costume:

-Via Gizmodo


The bottom line is...

Spooky.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Happy Halloween


Here's my costume. My girlfriend is going to dress up as this.


The bottom line is...

I'm sure there will be many people dressing up as a 3G iPhone this year.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Go Solar This Halloween


With all the lights and decorations needed to make Halloween fun, it's a great time to go solar.

I found the pictures above on Target's website. I'm sure many other retailers have plenty of solar Halloween lights and products.


The bottom line is...

Have an environmentally friendly Halloween.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Energy Efficiency

I've noticed that we haven't had an education post in awhile, so here we go.

Several facts that you didn't know about energy efficiency:
  • By taking appropriate energy-saving measures, by 2010 the United States can have an energy system that reduces costs by $530 per household per year and reduces global warming pollutant emissions to 10 percent below 1990 levels. (Energy Innovations report)
  • Just by using the "off the shelf" energy-efficient technologies available today, we could cut the cost of heating, cooling, and lighting our homes and workplaces by up to 80%. (U.S. Department of Energy and Maryland Energy Administration)
  • Replacing one incandescent lightbulb with an energy-saving compact fluorescent bulb means 1,000 pounds less carbon dioxide is emitted to the atmosphere and $67 dollars is saved on energy costs over the bulb's lifetime. (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Alliance to Save Energy)
  • A decrease of only 1% in industrial energy use would save the equivalent of about 55 million barrels of oil per year, worth about $1 billion.

The bottom line is...

Let this be your motivation.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Turn Everything Off, Save Battery

Here's another video about saving battery life on the iPhone:




The bottom line is...

What's the point of having a 3G iPhone if you have to turn off all those features?

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Solar Arcadia Community

As you may have noticed, we've made some minor changes to our blog. We've also made some changes to our website. Be sure to check it out.

Please keep in mind that we are building a Solar Arcadia Community. If you have a product that you think should be sold by Solar Arcadia or you simply want to express yourself, then you should definitely take a look at the page for more information.


The bottom line is...

Now's your chance.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

More from Sharp

Here's another cool video from Sharp. This one features a pretty amazing solar TV.




The bottom line is...

I'd love to have one of these.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Sharp's Solar Commercial

Back when I wrote this post about wind & solar, I mentioned a Sharp commercial that I wanted to show. Back then, I couldn't find it, but it has finally made its way to YouTube.

Here it is:




The bottom line is...

Exciting stuff.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Unusual Solar Photos pt. 7

As we head into the weekend, we'll keep this post lighthearted and show you an Unusual Solar Photo. How's this for a fashion statement?


The bottom line is...

Ladies, would you walk around with this on your arm?

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Moonlight

Who needs the sun when you can use the moon to power your iPhone solar charger?



The bottom line is...

Or maybe not.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Both Sides of Prop. 10

Just like Prop 7, Prop 10 has two opposing views.

Here's what the folks from prop10yes.com want you to know:

PROPOSITION 10 WILL PROVIDE URGENTLY NEEDED FUNDING TO...
  • Generate electricity from renewable sources, including solar, wind, tidal and low‐impact hydropower.
  • Provide consumer rebates for the purchase or lease of clean alternative fuel vehicles, including hybrids, electric vehicles and fuel‐efficient vehicles that get at least 45 miles per gallon.
  • Replace older polluting diesel trucks with clean alternative fuel trucks.
  • Fund research and development of cheaper and cleaner alternative fuels.

Here is NoOnProposition10.org side of the story:
  • Prop 10 is a $335 million per year raid on the state’s General Fund. California has a $15 billion budget deficit. Spending another $335 million each of the next 30 years to pay off Prop 10 bonds means more cuts to our schools, public health and public safety.
  • Prop 10 does not require any clean air improvement. Taxpayers will shell out $2.5 billion in subsidies to trucking companies to purchase so-called “clean” vehicles that can pollute every bit as much as diesel and gasoline powered trucks. Hybrids are not considered “clean” under Prop 10.

The bottom line is...

You do the math.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Proposition 10

We have some information on another proposition relating to solar energy and the environment. Last time it was Prop 7. This time, we're focusing on California Proposition 10, also known as Big Solar.

The purpose is to get Californians to be more energy efficient. The plan is to use $5 billion in bonds paid from state’s General Fund.

Here's how the money will be split up:
  • 58% in cash payments of between $2,000 and $50,000 to purchasers of certain high fuel economy and alternative fuel vehicles
  • 20% in incentives for research, development and production of renewable energy technology
  • 11% in incentives for research and development of alternative fuel vehicle technology
  • 5% in incentives for purchase of renewable energy technology
  • 4% in grants to eight cities for education about these technologies
  • 3% in grants to colleges to train students in these technologies.
Source: californiapropositions.org/prop10.html


The bottom line is...

Good? Bad? You decide.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Saluting Chevron


I recently saw a commercial for Chevron's "Will You Join Us" initiative. I decided to check out the website, and found a great deal of information regarding solar energy and environmental issues.

Chevron seems to be doing great things with this entire campaign, which is why I chose them for this edition of the Salute.

Since Solar Arcadia is located in the Bay Area, the following quote from the website stuck out:
Chevron Energy Solutions is helping the Contra Costa Community College District in Northern California to save energy and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

The 3.2-megawatt solar system and other improvements make the college's three campuses and district office more energy efficient. It's the largest solar power installation ever built at an institution of higher learning in North America.
I never thought I'd be writing positive things about an oil company on this blog.


The bottom line is...

Keep up the good work, Chevron.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Children's Apparel

New t-shirts for children have been added to the Solar Arcadia site.


The bottom line is...

We've got the adults covered as well.

Monday, October 6, 2008

More Info on Prop. 7

10/7/2008 UPDATE: The last thing we want to do is provide incorrect information. We've updated this post with facts for each point of view.

Just in case our first post about Proposition 7 didn't provide enough information for you, we've collected some of the pros and cons for you to review.

Again, we're just a solar company. We're not trying to tell you how to vote. We simply want to provide the information that you need.

...............PROS (via yeson7.net)
  1. Prop. 7 expands the renewable requirements for all utilities from 20% to 50%. All wind and solar companies will benefit from this market growth, regardless of size. It is basic economics.
  2. Replace half of the fossil fuels used for electricity generation in California with clean energy technologies such as solar, geothermal, wind, biomass, and small hydro.
  3. Unlike today, all utilities -- including municipally owned utilities like Los Angeles Department of Water and Power -- will be required to comply with renewable energy laws.
...............CONS (via NProp7.com)
  1. Contains a provision that virtually guarantees that electricity consumers will pay 10% above market rates for renewable power forever -- even when the costs of solar and wind sources become more competitive.
  2. Will cost consumers and taxpayers hundreds of millions per year in higher electric rates – a $300 increase per household per year.
  3. Prop. 7 locks into law many flaws that are currently stifling renewable power development in California and creates new roadblocks to renewable development. For instance, Prop. 7 arbitrarily shifts authority over the renewables market from the California Public Utilities Commission to the California Energy Commission, which could lead to significant delays, added bureaucracy and costly lawsuits.

The bottom line is...

What do you think?

Friday, October 3, 2008

Unusual Solar Photos pt. 6


Here you have a solar heating system for a swimming pool.

It isn't really "unusual." It's actually pretty cool. The reason why choose it for part 6 of solar photos is because I didn't know that there were companies making this product. A great deal of energy is needed to heat a pool, so this product solves a huge problem.


The bottom line is...

When summer rolls around next year, you'll have a better way to keep your swimming pool heated.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Saluting REI


I think it's time that I salute another company for making strides toward being more environmentally friendly. This time, the props go to REI, the company that sells outdoor recreation gear and sporting goods.

According to an article on Triplepundit.com,
Recreational Equipment Inc., better known as REI, announced on May 15 that it will install photovoltaic solar panels in 10 percent of its stores. The stores chosen are located throughout California.

The solar panels will generate about 1.1 million kilowatt hours of electricity, and prevent 880 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Photovoltaic panels can generate around 35 percent of each store's electricity needs.
And if you check REI's website, you'll find the following statement:
We’re committed to increasing our energy efficiency and switching to new renewable power sources wherever possible. We purchase about 20 percent of our electricity from green sources such as wind and biomass, and we are working with utility companies to develop more options. We’re also introducing on-site energy generation technologies such solar hot water heaters and solar electric systems like the building integrated photovoltaic system at our Boulder store.

The bottom line is...

Keep up the good work, REI.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

The Pope Goes Solar

The Pope installs a solar roof:




The bottom line is...

How's that for setting a great example?

Monday, September 29, 2008

Proposition 7

Normally, I don't like to talk about politics because it is such a touchy subject; however, I had to point this out because it relates to solar energy. Prop 7 is something that we all should be paying attention to when November 4th rolls around.

I'm not going to tell you which way you should vote but here is some background information on Proposition 7:

According to the Legislative Analyst's Office,
This measure makes a number of changes regarding RPS (renewables portfolio standard) and the permitting of electricity generating facilities and transmission lines. Primarily, the measure:
  • Establishes additional, higher RPS targets for electricity providers.
  • Makes RPS requirements enforceable on publicly owned utilities.
  • Changes the process for defining “market price of electricity.”
  • Changes the cost cap provisions that limit electricity provider obligations under the RPS.
  • Expands scope of RPS enforcement.
  • Revises RPS-related contracting period and obligations.
  • Sets a lower penalty rate in statute and removes the cap on the total penalty amount for failure to meet RPS requirements.
  • Directs the use of RPS penalty revenues.
  • Expands Energy Commission’s permitting authority.
Hopefully this video will also help sum things up:



The bottom line is...

Do your research, and vote wisely.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Solar iPhone Cases in the Wild

Here, you'll see some photos of different solar iPhone cases that actually work well with the iPod Touch.

To have a closer look at the white case, click here.
For more photos of the two black cases, click here and here.

The bottom line is...

One of the perks of blogging for a company like Solar Arcadia is that I get to try out cool products.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

How It's Made - Solar

I recently started watching a new show on the Discovery Channel. It's called How It's Made, and it's basically a show that gives an in depth look at the process it takes to make some of the most random stuff.

I saw one episode where they featured mattresses and another episode where they featured boomerangs, so they pretty much cover everything under the sun. The episode that I'm sharing with you shows off solar panels. It's broken up into two parts.

In the first video, fast forward to 6:10.
The second video picks up where the first one left off. Enjoy:






The bottom line is...

There's a ton of work that goes into making these things.

Monday, September 22, 2008

I Love the New iPod Touch


Apple is calling the new iPod Touch "the funnest iPod ever." I purchased the 32 GB version last week, and after playing with it for awhile, I'd have to agree with them. I use it to play music in my car, to play games at work, and to surf the web when I'm away from home. I use it so often that I struggle to keep it powered up.


The bottom line is...

Where would I be without my solar charger?

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Unusual Solar Photos pt. 5


I'd say that this picture is the most unusual of all the Unusual Solar Photos.

Still don't know exactly what you're looking at? Well, here's the description:
"Imagine spending over twenty years coming up with new ways to put speakers on people in creative ways. Maybe you think that's crazy, maybe you think that's brilliant. In either case it makes for some funny pictures. Actually kind of inspiring actually. The above photo is of the "AUDIO BALLERINAS", which incorporated solar panels, along with speakers and samplers." - Via igargoyle.com

The bottom line is...

Maybe we should test out Cellular Ballerinas.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Saluting Safeway

A new series that you'll start seeing on the Solar Arcadia blog is the "Company Salute". Every week or so, we'll give props to different companies that are finding ways to utilize solar energy.

To start things off, we'll salute ourselves!

...Just kidding, the first company is Safeway.

Their main headquarters in Pleasanton, CA and a few of their stores are completely powered by wind and solar. Here's a photo of just one of the offices:


The bottom line is...

Keep up the good work, Safeway.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Facts about Renewables

We've taken a short break from environmental facts, but now we're back with some interesting information about renewables.
  1. Only 7.5 percent of total U.S. energy consumption came from renewable sources in 1998. Of that total, 94 percent was from hydropower and biomass (trash and wood incinerators). (U.S. Energy Information Administration)
  2. For the 2 billion people without access to electricity, it would be cheaper to install solar panels than to extend the electrical grid. (The Fund for Renewable Energy Everywhere)
  3. Within 15 years, renewable energy could be generating enough electricity to power 40 million homes and offset 70 days of oil imports.

The bottom line is...

The second fact blows my mind.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Unusual Solar Photos pt. 4

I picked this photo because I didn't think something like this would be possible. I found it on Amy Allcock's Flickr Photostream. Read her description:
While visiting the Floating Islands, I was really impressed how the Uros had used the resources available to them, mainly the abundant totora reed, to survive. At first I was surprised to see the solar panel, but given their their acute understanding of nature and the importance they placed on the sun as a deity, solar power seemed like a natural resource to harness. It's also a convenient way to power their TVs, which is pretty much the only electrical gadget they use.

The bottom line is...

If you can set up a solar panel here, you can set up a solar panel anywhere.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Today

Yesterday, I told you that today would be a big day for Apple. Well, today is here!

Apple announced a brand new iPod Nano and revamped versions of the iPod Touch and the iPod Classic. Each of the mp3 players have new features that people will definitely be excited about.

After you head down to a local Apple Store or log into Apple.com to pick up an iPod Touch, be sure to visit Solar Arcadia. We've got plenty of accessories that will allow you to dress up your new iPod.

Note: All the chargers and accessories that work for the iPod Touch will also work with the iPhone.


The bottom line is...

Add a little flavor to your new device.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Tomorrow

This is just a reminder that tomorrow is near. And with tomorrow comes a much anticipated announcement from Apple.

They changed the world with iPod, and then changed the world again with the iPhone.

Now, they look to shake up the world with another installment to the iPod Touch series. We'll have to wait to see what this one will be like.


The bottom line is...

Will Apple be able to do it again?

Friday, September 5, 2008

Unusual Solar Photos pt. 3

It's Friday, so I decided to keep the material light and show you another Unusual Solar Photo.

This time, we have unique set of solar panels. I found this on Gemma Grace's Flickr Photostream. Here's the description:
The Region of Peel, Ontario, Canada recently installed a unique aesthetic photovoltaic project at the Clarkson Water Treatment Plant in Mississauga. "Comprised of nine 1.2 kW pole mounted Solar Flares, the project encompasses structural, electrical, photovoltaic and monitoring aspects. This photovoltaic initiative is intended as a demonstration project in synergy with forthcoming neighbouring green energy projects."
Flowers.


The bottom line is...

Solar panels don't always have to be the ugly squares and rectangles that we're accustomed to. Some people are able to produce some visually stunning creations.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Solar Theremin


I made a routine stop at YouTube and found a video pertaining to solar energy. It features a guy playing a handmade Solar Theremin. Have a look:



This is a pretty cool video, but if you're like me, you're probably asking yourself, "What on earth is theremin?" According to the Wiktionary, a theremin is
An electronic musical instrument that generates sound of varying pitch and volume depending on the proximity of the musician's hands to two antennae mounted on the instrument.
At the top of the post, you'll see a modern version of a theremin.


The bottom line is...

You learn something new everyday.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

New iPod?

There's some big news coming from the good folks in Cupertino, CA. There appears to be a special Apple event scheduled for September 9, 2008 in San Francisco.

This can only mean one thing... Apple is planning on releasing something new. If the rumors are correct, it'll probably be a new iPod. Apple's iPod Touch has yet to be updated, so this is probably the product of choice.

Only time will tell. We'll revisit this story in about a week.


The bottom line is...

This will be yet another gadget that can be powered by our solar chargers.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Happy Labor Day

We hope everyone is enjoying the holiday.

Have a little fun in the sun.
By the way, the picture you see above is a solar-powered barbeque grill.


The bottom line is...

We'll see you tomorrow with more solar updates.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Unusual Solar Photos pt. 2

Here we have: A solar DJ booth.


The bottom line is...

What would you do if you were the DJ at an indoor concert?

Global Warming

We'll take a break from all the solar facts and information to give you some startling statistics regarding global warming.
  • Worldwide, 1995 was the warmest year since global temperatures were first kept in 1856. This supports the near consensus among climatologists that emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases are causing global warming. (Chivilan and Epstein, Boston Globe)
  • The United States is the world's largest single emitter of carbon dioxide, accounting for 23 percent of energy-related carbon emissions worldwide. (U.S. Department of Energy)
  • An average of 23,000 pounds of carbon dioxide are emitted annually in each American home. (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
  • Carbon emissions in North America reached 1,760 million metric tons in 1998, a 38 percent increase since 1970. They are expected to grow another 31 percent, to 2,314 million metric tons, by the year 2020. (U.S. Department of Energy)
  • On average, 16 million tons of carbon dioxide are emitted into the atmosphere every 24 hours by human use worldwide. (U.S. Department of Energy)

The bottom line is...

We Americans need to do a better job.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Unusual Solar Photos pt. 1


Gizmodo is officially a friend of us at Solar Arcadia. As I was browsing their site, I found the photo you see above. It was designed by Vivien Muller, and looks to be a device for charging gadgets.


The bottom line is...

More and more cool things can be done.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Breaking Solar Records


I just found a cool article on Gizmodo. Apparently, the apparatus pictured above, known as the Zephyr Glider, just broke a world record. Jack Loftus reports:
Last we heard from the U.K.'s high altitude Zephyr glider, it was unofficially breaking the record for longest unmanned flight. That was back in 2007, when the record was a paltry 30 hours, and the Zephyr was able to manage a 54 hour flight, thanks to its solar powered batteries. On Friday, the Zephyr flew that and then some when it completed an 84-hour flight without issue.

The bottom line is...

It was all made possible by the power of the sun.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

iPhone Battery Life

I've heard different things about opinions about the battery life of Apple's 3G iPhone. If you're one of those people who's having trouble keeping your iPhone charged during the day, you might find this video helpful:




The bottom line is...

He forgot to mention our Solar iPhone chargers, which will help as well.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Solar Products

Going solar is usually a great thing... Just look at our website! People come up with creative products that are also environmentally friendly. Sometimes these products are useful, and sometimes they're not.

Take these two products, for example. First up, we have a solar air conditioner.

For the most part, air conditioners use too much energy to be powered by solar panels; however, a company known as Greencore has found the perfect solution...
"The company's 10200 model uses a single 170-watt solar panel during the day and electricity from the power grid during the night to charge its batteries, leading to massive energy savings even if the solution isn't 100% solar." - Elaine Chow of Gizmoda via Treehugger
Sound awesome, right? It's very practical. We could definitely use something like this in my household. The second product, on the other hand, might not be as helpful. It's a solar neck tie.

Created by a group of geniuses at North Carolina State, the invention uses a great deal of complex technology:
"The designs use a process called digital textile printing to leverage the blocky solar panels into neck ties and jackets. In the case of the tie there's even a hidden pocket to hold your device as it charges. Convenient. A five-day test found the clothing posed no significant health risk..." - Jack Loftus of Gizmodo
As cool as it might be, I don't think I'd use a solar necktie to charge my gadgets. Hopefully they can use they're creative energy and smarts to come up with something a little more useful. Or maybe it will catch on... Who knows?


The bottom line is...

Keep the solar powered products coming.