Indoor Solar Light Created from an Upcycled Longboard

I came across this indoor solar light project and asked permission to re-blog about it here!  What I like best about this cool longboard lighting is that it runs on solar power, and is created from recycled and repurposed items.

If you want to create this DIY solar project for your home, you’ll need:

1. an old longboard
2. solar garden lights
3. sandpaper
4. paint (as desired)
5. screws to secure solar lights to empty truck holes on the longboard
6. string or wire to hang the indoor solar light on the wall
7. exposure to sunlight through a nearby window!

Solar lights secured to an upcycled longboard

The indoor solar light fixture was created by removing trucks from an old longboard, sanding and repainting it.  Afterward, solar lights were screwed into the empty truck holes.  Of course, since the lighting is solar powered, there are no wires required!  Simply mount the longboard light fixture on the wall near a window where the solar panels on top of the lights get exposure to sunlight.

This DIY solar light project is great for your teen or college aged young adult!

The Eco-pole is a hybrid solar and wind powered street lamp

The Eco-Pole from SavWatt USA may be coming to a street corner near you!  The solar and wind-powered street lights allow for easy placement and installation of a 60 watt LED light pole, in place of traditional 250-watt halide lights typically used along streets and in parking lots.

The LED street light can help municipalities and other property owners save 100% of energy costs, minimize maintenance and cut down CO2 emissions that otherwise result from grid-tied street lighting.

SavWatt’s Vice President of Product Development, Sam Abecassis, recently noted:

“SavWatt has been working on the Eco-Pole for several months, resulting in a product that provides an average 18 month return on investment. The Eco-Pole unit will provide efficient GREEN lighting, is self energized and aesthetically pleasing looking. We are in the process of registering Eco-Pole with UL, ETL, FCC, Energy Star and the US Departments of Energy and Transportation, with the goal of shipping these units in 2011. Demand for these units has been overwhelming, as Energy-efficient LED lighting is being installed in more places, in more countries every day. Companies, cities, universities and the federal government are saving energy and money by joining the LED Lighting and Green Revolution.”

The design looks attractive, the price is right and saving 100% of lighting energy costs with the solar and wind-powered street lights makes a lot of sense!

This is the absolute brightest solar-powered, motion-activated outdoor security floodlights on the market. The 80 LEDs never burn out or need changing. This environmentally friendly unit puts out the light equivalent of a 40 watt halogen bulb without using one bit of electricity, drawing the free power of the sun. This means low energy costs and low environmental impact with an amazing amount of light. Installation is so simple, no electrician needed.

(more…)

Beautiful and captivating - the solar sun jar

I cannot wait for the longer days of summer!  Lingering outside on our deck in the backyard until the sun goes down is one of my favorite things to do.

This year, I’m planning on getting a few of these solar sun jars to keep the sun shining just a bit longer.  This is renewable energy at its most basic and beautiful!

Solar sun jar comes in a number of glowing colors

Also referred to as a “flameless candle,” solar sun jars glow with power from sunlight.  All you have to do is put the jar outside during the day.  A small solar panel absorbs solar power, which is stored in the internal rechargeable battery to power the LED lights after dark.

Much like solar garden lights, the solar sun jar has a sensor; when the skies darken, the light automatically comes on.  Then, when the sun comes up again in the morning, the solar lamp will darken (and recharge) during the day.

With a full charge, the solar light will glow for 8 hours or more!

Of course, there is also a switch to manually turn the solar light on or off.

You can purchase the solar sun jar in a number of colors: red, blue, orange pink or green.   Prices range from $20-30 USD, depending on where you purchase them.  My favorite site is Amazon.com, which offers free shipping!

Get your glow on!

SolarBulb Can Light up Your Nights

How would you like to combine solar power with recycling?  Green all the way, that’s what I say!  Last week, miniWiz revealed its newest gizmo at the CES.  It is a solar powered lamp, called the SolarBulb!  SImply take the lighting implement and insert it onto a depleted plastic water bottle,  The solar cells (less than 1.4 watt) can give you 6 hours of night lighting without batteries or electricity.

It is amazingly easy to use the SolarBulb.  Just twist it into the top of any empty plastic bottle and you’ll have light for most of the night from the the LED light of the SolarBulb.   The device can recharge in less than half a day when exposed to sunlight.  Fortunately, the lamp is surrounded by water-resistant casing.  When the water bottle is filled up, you can not only weigh it down, but it also help amplify the light!

When SolarBulbs go on the market, they will cost about $22 each.  Just check out the amazing variety of colors that will be available!  Can you imagine these great little lights on a porch or deck in your backyard? You’ll be the talk of the neighborhood.  Toss a few in your backpack when you go hiking or camping, too.

SolarBulb Colors

I’m pretty impressed with miniWiz!  Where were you guys about 3 years ago when I had too many plastic bottles to recycle and a gaggle of scouts that needed to earn badges for recycling?

No matter – I am ready to spread the word and cannot wait for the product to come on the market soon!

Just watch what else is new from miniWiz this year.  No wonder everyone is excited about the SolarBulb:

SolarBulb all the way!  I cannot wait for this great new product to enter the market.  Now, I just have to decide which color suits me best.  Green!