Mobile solar power – that is, portable devices that generate electricity with solar panels and other technology – can literally save lives.

Whether we’re talking about solar powered refrigerators that can help keep medications cold for off-grid remote villages, or simply solar generators that can provide a clean boost for military operations, mobile solar options are here to stay.

Portable solar power can be used by athletes or outdoors people to stay in touch when hiking, camping, fishing or even back-country skiing.  Using energy from the sun to power up cell phones, radios and flashlights is both safe and green.

In addition to military solar operations, construction companies have also relied on solar generators instead of diesel to save fuel, money and cut down on greenhouse emissions.  Building contractors have saved precious time not having to re-fuel their generators, not to mention the potential of remediation costs when fuel is spilled.  Solar energy is clean, green and safe.  And it also operates silently – so no noisy generators running to bother neighbors or cause the need for a noise permit.

Mobile solar power can also save lives.  As mentioned above, solar gadgets like the solar powered refrigerator use panels to generate electricity to keep perishable items cold in off-grid areas.  Even for people in developed countries, portable solar power could be the difference between life and death.

In emergency situations like an earthquake, grid-based power could be knocked out for hours.  If you have devices that can be recharged with solar energy, you could reach the help you need when time is precious.   Or, consider the situation when you are backpacking or enjoying nature – a lost cell phone battery could be dangerous if you lose your way, as well.  Power up with solar panels instead and you’ll always be able to stay in touch.

Lives can also be saved (or improved) using mobile solar power here in the U.S.A.  Large diesel generators used for making movies, construction industries and military operations emit massive amounts of CO2.  The exhaust also contains 40 cancer causing compounds, which can be avoided by the simple decision to switch to solar power.

Mobile solar generators and other portable solar devices make sense from an economic and health standpoint.  Hopefully, we will all see the light when it comes to making sound energy decisions.