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Sunday 4 August 2013

5 SURPRISING SUN-POWERED GADGETS


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5 Surprising Sun-Powered Gadgets
By Rebecca Desfosse,
Popular Mechanics, 2 August 2013.

Electronics don't need to be powered by electricity to be cool. Check out these exciting gadgets that run off the power of the sun.

1. Sun Table

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Price: US$2200

If you're on the lookout for some eco-friendly patio furniture, try the Sun Table - a fully functional table with a surface made of solar cells that capture energy from sunlight and store it within the cells. To use the stored solar energy, simply pop off the DC cover and plug in your laptop, smartphone, or other gadget. The table is weather-resistant and can charge even in partial shade. It can hold enough juice for about 4 hours of use.

2. Boom Box

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Price: US$250

Want to rock out in the middle of nowhere? Eton's Soulra XL Solar-Powered iPod/iPhone boom box features a 72-inch enhanced monocrystal solar panel that provides 8 hours playback and has a 5-hour recharge time in direct sunlight. If the sun isn't out, you can power the system with an AC adapter or batteries.

3. Backpack

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Price: US$230

Voltaic's OffGrid Solar Backpack offers the perfect solution for hikers. It features a removable solar pack that charges from the sun and stores power for use anytime. You can charge your MP3 player, cell phone, or GPS from the USB port using your own cable or the included adapter. Now you'll never be without power on really long excursions.

4. Attic Fan

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Price: US$257

With Honeywell's Solar-Powered Attic Fan, you'll never need to worry about the temperature of your attic. If the space reaches 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the fan turns on. If it cools down to 65 F, the fan shuts down automatically. Since it runs solely off solar power, it doesn't cost a dime to use.

5. Sunglasses

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Price: N/A

What better way to soak up some rays than with solar panels on your sunglasses? These Solar-Panel Sunglasses from Yanko Design collect energy from the sun. Then you can charge small gadgets (such as an iPhone or MP3 player) through the power jack located at the back of the frame. Unfortunately these sunglasses haven't hit the market yet, so you'll have to wait to go out and get yourself a pair.

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Top image: Sun Table (source)

[Source: Popular Mechanics. Edited. Top image added.]

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