Christmas finally arrives. You get handed a present, tear off the wrapping paper and in your hands is that gadget you’ve been wanting all year. You rip it out of the packaging quicker than anyone can say “ding dong merrily on high” only to be stopped in your tracks as you realise that it requires batteries.
With no batteries anywhere to be found, you quickly bash some out of the TV controller, putting an end to the Queen’s Speech or Christmas movie debate, and get to work ramming them into your new prized possession. Only to find they’re the wrong size.
You sink into the sofa, almost as lifeless as the sleeping relative next to you, and begin to wish the most wonderful time of year away as you wait for the local supermarket to open. Sound familiar? There’s good news. Rather than needing batteries, some gadgets and toys only require a bit of daylight to work.
Introducing Christmas 2018’s top 5 solar powered gadgets for the environmentally conscious or often battery-less person in your life…
- RAVPower Solar Charger
Increase the efficiency of charging your devices by up to 23.5% with the RAVPower RP-PC005(B) Solar Charger 24W. Fitted with 3 USB ports, this is the ideal gift for the traveller in your life whose phone is always running out of battery.
- Solar Powered Torch
You might be wondering what good a solar powered torch would do in the dark but the ECEEN Solar Flashlight charges up during the day, ready to be used after sunset. 8 hours of solar charge will provide 3-4 hours of bright light in the dark.
- Solar Powered Fan
What better way to harness the energy of the sun than using it to cool yourself down. The Peakstrom 10W Solar Panel Powered Fan is a portable device that’s ideal for placing on a desk during the summer. The solar panel can even be used to charge some phones and other devices.
- Solar Powered Car
Interested in a solar power car but struggling to afford one? Then ease your way into the technology with the 6 in 1 Educational ‘Do It Yourself’ Kit. Test your engineering skills by assembling the car then take it out in the sunshine for a little spin. If you don’t fancy a drive then you can also build a boat, puppy, plane or windmill.
- Solar Powered Lights There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to solar powered lights, from fairy lights, to spotlights all the way through to lanterns. Thanks to its sleek, modern design,the Truro Solar Wall Light makes our list of the Top 5 Solar Powered Gadgets.
Not requiring a connection to the mains means that this outdoor solar light can be simply fitted to the wall and begin generating energy from the sun, ready to light your evenings. Position it well and the garden will be very well lit, even during the winter months.
So there you have it, 5 solar powered gifts that will save you from the annual search for a pair of batteries.
Have a Solar Powered Christmas
Christmas is one of the most expensive times of year in terms of energy bills, especially if you’re hosting Christmas Day. By generating your own electricity, you won’t have to worry about how much it’s costing you to have the lights on the tree flashing all day. And no, you don’t need a Christmas miracle to make this happen, just solar PV panels on the roof. Best of all, there’s never been a better time to install solar panels in the UK:
- Cheaper than ever
- Beat rising energy prices
- Benefit from 20 years of Feed-in Tariff payments (scheme ends March 31st)
Beat the Feed-in Tariff deadline and you’ll be generating your own energy come Christmas 2019 and be receiving those government payments.
