Once you’ve invested in solar panels, the next logical step is to think about how to get the most out of them.We all know that solar energy in the home is a great way to achieve greater independence from the National Grid, reduce energy bills, and help save the planet at the same time. You can even see returns on your investment, so that your solar panels ultimately pay for themselves.The financial benefits of solar power and how quickly you see them really depends on you, and on the energy consumption in your home.If you use a lot of electricity then it’s more likely that you will sometimes need to revert back to using power generated from the National Grid.A great way to be smart about your energy consumption and reduce dependence on the grid is by using solar-powered devices.Here are just a few of our favourite solar-powered devices to use in the home…
Solar Powered Phone Chargers
We all live connected to our smartphones, and it’s difficult to imagine life without them now. We use them for so many things, that when the battery goes, we are all adrift!Most of us keep a phone charger or power bank at hand to avoid being left without our mobile, but did you know that you can even go green while charging your phone?Perhaps one of the handiest solar-powered devices on the market is the solar-powered phone charger.There are several options out there on the market, and they all use free, renewable energy.One great option is the Travel Solar Charger from Mobile Solar Chargers. It’s affordable, portable and easy to use.If you’d prefer something smaller with a built-in battery, check out this 20000mAh battery bank from Hiluckey. The advantage of this one is that it relies on batteries that store energy from its three fold-out panels, so it doesn’t have to be in the sun at the same time it’s charging your phone.
Logitech K750 Wireless Solar Keyboard
Nowadays many of us are working from home, which means that it’s important to have all of the home office essentials in place.If, like us, you like a clean, cable-free workspace, a wireless keyboard is perfect for you. Wireless keyboards require battery power, and that can be a little inconvenient sometimes. You might be in the middle of your flow at work and have to stop to replace the batteries or plug in the charger. The good news is that Logitech have designed the K750 solar keyboard, which is capable of charging itself using the light in your office.It comes accompanied by a battery-powered mouse, and both devices use the small USB receiver to provide a wireless connection anywhere.Each charge can last up to three months, and the keyboard itself will give you around two years of use. And best of all, it’s a highly energy efficient piece of gear – ideal for any home office.
Speakers
Another home essential that many of us have come to enjoy is the portable speaker, and that’s why they make it onto our list of solar powered devices.Bluetooth speakers are perfect for use around the home and become the life and soul of the party if you’re hosting a barbecue or simply set the mood for a chillout session in the garden.The Eton Rugged Ruckus is a solar-powered speaker which has Bluetooth function and superb sound quality.This ABFOCE speaker is another great option as it extends the battery life with a built-in solar panel. With just 10 minutes of direct sunlight, you can gain 30 minutes of playtime, and what’s more, it even doubles as a power bank for your phone!
Headphones
Another essential on our list of solar powered devices are wireless headphones. Perfect for if you want to listen to music without disturbing other people at home, while working out or out and about.Helios have designed the world’s first wireless solar-powered headphones, and they include a photovoltaic cell on the top of the headset. So that’s basically a mini solar panel on the top of your super stylish headphones, which keeps charging as you listen.
Solar powered bricks for gardens
If you’re into a bit of home design and are looking to spruce up your garden, then check out these solar powered bricks from Paverlight.They are basically solar lights which give a bit of atmosphere to your green space, and prettify your garden while lighting up pathways.The bricks are very easy to install, and don’t require external wiring. They are also super resilient – enough to comfortably withstand the weight of your vehicle.
Swing Gate Opener
This is one of our favourite solar powered devices just because it adds extra convenience to your life while making you feel super cool.The TOPENS Swing Gate Opener uses solar powered technology to charge up a Wi-Fi remote control which you then use to open your driveway gate from your vehicle without having to leave the car.You can also get hold of lots of accessories which complement this tool, including multiple remote controls, keypads, vehicle sensors, gate locks, and more.If for any reason you need to, you can even switch the device over from solar to the mains power and back again, with ease.
REOLINK Solar Wifi Camera
This device is excellent if you want to make security a priority in your property.These wireless security cameras run on batteries which are recharged using solar energy. The battery life depends on which settings you use, but it comes with a 5V/2A power adapter should you need it.With the REOLINK system you can be assured of clear security footage, and there’s even an app you can use to customise sirens, receive push notifications, and access your system remotely. That means you can check up on your property in real time while at work, on holiday, or out of town.
Brightech Ambience Pro Garden Lights
We’ve already mentioned solar powered bricks, but if you’re looking for more ways to give more atmosphere to your garden or patio, then check out the Brightech Ambience Pro solar-powered string lights.They include up to 48 feet of 1W LED hanging bulbs, all of them solar-powered and wireless. That means that you’ll never have to worry about hanging wires, trip hazards, or replacing batteries.The bulbs recharge in around six hours to charge, then produce light for around five to six hours. If you leave them out in the sunlight during the day then they will be more than ready to perform in the evening.What’s more, they are weather-proof and shatterproof, being able to resist 50mph winds, rain, snow, and heat of up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. In other words, these lights are ready for anything the Great British weather can throw at them! So there you have just a small selection of our favourite solar powered devices for the home. If you want to know more about how solar energy could work for you and your home, then don’t hesitate to contact us today.