This article was updated on October 2023
When it comes to solar power, it seems that there are more and more gadgets popping up in the market.
Solar is also growing in the energy market as a popular source of energy. With more solar fields being constructed, more home owners putting solar panels on their homes, and solar beginning to take precedence in the energy world in general, we’re taking some time to focus on a few quirky uses for solar power.
Check out our list of five great– and slightly unusual– ways to use solar power.
With millions of solar installations happening globally every year, we could be looking at the beginning of a future that is at least partially powered by our very own Sun. Viva la solar!
Related: The Best Solar Products in 2023
1. Solar Tents
Those who are really into camping may already know about this solar-powered tent!
When it comes to the outdoors, now you can camp in style.
You can charge your smartphone or phone so easily without having to drain the battery or turn your car on to get your phone up a little bit.
With everyone having smartphones these days, it’ll be nice to have such a cool and convenient feature built into your tent.
A solar-powered tent is perfect because generally, most people go camping during the warmer, sunnier months.
Not only can you easily charge your phone, you can also produce a little heat for chillier nights AND provide light at night without requiring a flashlight or lamp. There are many varieties out there, so research and find the one you like the most!
2. Solar Dog Houses Heaters
What could a solar dog house possibly do?
As it turns out, quite a bit. This unusual solar product often means that your little pup will have his fill of a heating system that provides extra warmth at night and during the cooler seasons.
Not only that, there can be a heat-activated wifi security camera, LED lighting, and sometimes even music. Not bad for a dog’s home, eh?
3. Solar Carports
Carports are very popular among airports and urban areas, and after all, the cars must be left someplace.
Carports get a little solar upgrade that provides shelter from the blistering sun and generate their own power.
These structures create a shaded covering that does not require maintenance but creates energy and is economical at the same time!
4. Solar Huts
What is a solar-powered hut?
Essentially, it is a small hut-style home that uses the sun to power the home on a small scale. From Africa to India to Singapore, people are channeling the energy that our sun provides and going off of the grid.
They can use these solar huts to have lights on into the evening, charge their phones, power small appliances, or cook food. This idea isn’t so much unusual as it is uncommon, and it’s being put to use all over the world. Hey, it’s an extremely useful idea!
5. Solar Tech Chargers
You can power your technology increasingly more by way of our wonderful sun!
Everything from flashlights to tablets and thermostats can be powered by a portable solar charger.
Just plug into the gadget of your choice and you can start putting some juice into your tech instead of having it slowly drain out.
Portable solar tech chargers allow you to charge up a tech item no matter where you are, from out on the bike trail to hanging out at the park.
This is great for people who really would rather use solar to power their lives over fossil-fuel-generated energy.
No matter what it is, from your music player to your phone, you can use this device to basically power up anywhere! It’s a totally different mentality from being reliant on an electric plug at a Starbucks.
The world is your oyster, and the sun will power your tech devices– that’s incredible!
At the end of the day, solar products are on the rise. It’s not only a more planet-friendly technology, but it’s also just far more useful than relying on electricity! Unless it’s a cloudy day, you’re going to get the full benefit of this tech. Or just save up energy from those sunny days and carry it over.
Solar is cool, fun, and totally convenient, just like these products. Savor the unorthodox novelty now, because in the next ten years, solar is going to be everywhere.
Take a look at these awesome solar-powered gadgets available on Amazon right now:
- 【 High-Quality Portable Solar Charger】: 38800mAh Solar bank is made of eco-friendly material which has an excellent ability to dissipate heat. It has a protective cover attached to the outside of the charging port, so it has a waterproof and dustproof function. The total power of 74Wh is suitable for air travel. It is the good choice for your family and friends on important festivals, such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc.
- 【3 Ports Highly Compatible with Multiple Devices 】: The solar-powered charger is not only ready to charge the USB powered devices including your iPhone, Camera, Tablets and other USB electronic devices but also a portable charger can be recharged by cables (Micro) and not suitable for mobile phones with USB C. Built-in 5V/ 2.4A USB Outputs, make it easy to charge two smartphones simultaneously or a tablet at full speed.
- 【Practical 2 Flashlights 】: The solar phone charger features 2 powerful bright flashlights and a compass, which is essential outdoor equipment. 2 LED flashlights can be used as flashlights with Steady-SOS-Strobe mode for emergencies. The indicators indicate the status of the battery charger timely. The green light is on when charging by a solar, blue light is on when USB charging. The solar travel power bank is an ideal companion for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
- 【Two Different Charging Methods 】: 38800mAh External battery charger with solar panel can recharge by sunlight or outlet. However, solar charging is affected by the intensity of light and its area, its charging time will be very long, and solar charging can only give you a trickle of current. The USB cable in the package is only used to charge the solar charger. It is not recommended to charge other devices, which may slow down the charging efficiency due to incompatibility.
- 【Reliable Service for Solar USB Charger】: 24h online after-sales service, we will fast, friendly, and hassle-free customer service team is there for you. If you have any questions about our products or services, please do not hesitate to contact us, and let us know.
- 【Long-lasting Battery Powered Fan】Our portable fan comes packed with a 20,000 mAh battery and hence it can easily last for about 18h(high)-32h(medium)-58h(low) once it is fully charged. Moreover, its USB Port is available as power bank through which various gadgets can be charged such as camera, mobile, etc. It's ideal for off-grid camping trips where you won't have access to power, but it's also handy to keep at home in case your power goes down
- 【Fast Solar Charging & 20000mAh Battery Operated Fan】With an impressive 20,000 mAh battery, this camping fan has an inbuilt 2.5x2.4ft mono-crystalline silicon solar panel. It can be charged up quickly via sunlight or charged it by using its USB ports. For a versatile solar fan that can be used during day-to-day activities or on outdoor adventures, the INNOPOWER is an excellent option for you
- 【3 Speeds & Ultra Quiet】Its lastest brushless, no-noise motor make it a powerful personal fan, and its high-speed setting delivers a refreshing breeze that will cool you down in no time. Even at the strongest speed, the noise is less than 28db. It brings you an ultra-quiet and comfortable coolness environment while you work,study or sleep. In addition, this cordless fan has 3 auto rest timer settings for you to set at 2h/4h/8h, customizing your own time based on different needs
- 【Super-bright Lantern & Emergency Survival Light】The rechargeable desk fan features a daylight lamp with multiple settings( low-100 lumen, high-200 lumen). Ensuring you're never left in the dark. Perfect for bedroom chilling, office, camping, barbecue or power outages lighting abilities, etc. Additionally, SOS red&blue strobe light can be used for distress situations, essential safety equipment for car, truck, boat, ship, or motorbike emergencies
- 【Built-in Aromatherapy & Hang Hook Fan】A unique air freshner slot located at the front of the fan. Just simply insert a scent pad into the container and add your favorite essential oil for a fresher breeze. This cordless fan can be 90° fold to stand as table fan, but also its rotatable hook, makes it easy for improving air flow inside camper tent, van, rv or small room at circulating air
- ★【 Newest Design MD-090P】Based on MD-090 emergency flashlight radio, we've optimized and upgraded a lot of features. A biggest 4000mAh rechargeable battery can charge more than one smartphone, the most powerful lighting functions include super-bright 3 mode flashlight and motion sensor reading lamp. Also, external antenna, electricity label, comfortable hand crank, tap switch fit all your needs. The MD-090P is the best value for emergency radio in this market.
- ★【The Most Powerful Life Saver Radio】Nature is unpredictable, but you can be prepared and ready in the face of her fury. The emergency crank radio with weather band and phone charge professionally get weather broadcasts the latest weather and all hazard information for your areas like hurricanes, tornadoes and so on from 7 NOAA stations at a crystal-clear sound. Earns a critical time for you to get full preparation advance, keeping you and your family safe with this emergency weather radio.
- ★【4 CHARGING MODES】Compared with 2000mah or 1000mah emergency radio on the market, the solar radio has upgraded to 4000mAh rechargeable battery, found in every household and easy to buy in the local market or amazon store. Also, Micro USB charge, Solar charge, Hand-crank could also supply the flashlight radio last for days after the storm had passed until the power back on. No matter what emergency situation you find yourself in, this hand crank light never run out of electricity!
- ★【Super-Bright 3 Mode Flashlight And Motion Sensor Reading Lamp】 If you are an outdoor enthusiast or need to walk in places without lights, the flashlight radio with 3 modes flashlight is a great alternative, which farthest lighting range exceeds10m, farther than the most other solar emergency radio. Also, a reading lamp with a Motion sensor will greatly help you get up in the mid-night to avoid waking your family. Add to cart, you will never regret that you purchase this crank flashlight radio!
- ★【We Care About You and The ones Your loved】 In the past years, Our emergency radio has helped more than 10,000,000 USA Civilians to live through the hurricane, tornadoes and snowstorm season, like "Dorian", "Harvey, "Irma", etc. Your voice drives us to be the best. We back our emergency weather radio with 18-months Warranty! If you are not satisfied with this NOAA weather radio, we can refund you immediately as you contact us. And our customer service is here for you 24/7 for anything you need!
- High-Quality Portable Solar Charger - water-resistant, shock-resistant and dustproof solar phone charger, featured with carabiner, compass, and 2LED flashlight. Solar power bank provides more convenience in your daily or on your trip. Awesome for outside activities such as camping, hiking, and other emergency use. The solar USB battery pack can be regards as a nice gift.
- Two Charging Way - External battery charger with solar panel can recharge by solar or outlet. Compatible with your iPhone, Samsung, HTC, Nexus, Go-pro Camera, Tablets and other USB devices. More than 1000+ recharge lifecycle.
- Dual USB and Powerful LED Light - It makes it easy to charge two smartphones simultaneously or a tablet at full speed. 2 led lights can be used as flashlight with Steady-SOS-Strobe mode. Five pilot indicators show the status of the battery charger timely. The green light on when charging by a solar, blue light on when USB charging.
- Safety for Use - Made of eco-friendly silicone rubber and ABS PC material. CE, FCC, RoHS certified, reliable and durable. Solar charging is a charging way for emergency use, and solar panel charging efficiency will be influenced by natural conditions and random factors, such as day and night, season winter and summer, sunny, cloudy, rainy, and so on, so it may take a long time to be charged.
- Best Warranty for Solar Phone Charger - 12 months Warranty, 24h online after-sales service, Friendly replace policy. We take pride in the quality of our products. Any related issues are guaranteed with friendly REPLACEMENT or REFUND, and also support 24h online after-service. Please CONTACT US if you have any problems with the items from HQT-US Store.
- 👍High-Capacity Portable Charger Power Bank: Built-in high-quality lithium polymer battery, Battery Pack It has passed certifications like UL, CE, FCC, RoHS, and UN38.3. But in powerful safety system provides temperature protection, over-voltage protection, over-current protection, short-circuit protection, etc. It can stabilize the equipment and ensure its safety in use.
- 👍 Fast Charging & Widely Compatible Solar Charger: The Power Bank mobile power supply has a built-in USB C input/output and USB A&B output, which can charge 3 devices at the same time. Kepswin solar phone chargers are compatible with most USB devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and other Android phones. At the same time, it is also a friendly choice for family and friends during festivals, such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc.
- 👍Solar Charger Power Bank for Outdoor Activities: The power bank has a built-in three modes LED flashlight (Steady-SOS-Strobe ), and lighting time can last up to 100+ hours when fully charged. Whether it is daily life, travel, hurricane prep, outdoor camping, cycling, fishing, hiking, kayaking, etc. This portable charger power bank will all become part of your "traveling essentials bag".
- 👍USB & Solar Charging Modes: The Solar charger is powered by a 5V/3A adapter or solar. Although the solar charging function is useful in emergencies, it is worth noting that due to the small size of the solar panel and the large capacity of the mobile power supply, the charging speed is affected by changes in sunlight intensity and panel conversion rate. Charging a battery pack using solar panels can take a long time. The primary way to charge the power bank is via USB.
- 👍Outdoor Waterproof Portable Design: The power bank has a protective cover attached to the outside of the charging/discharging port, so it has a waterproof and dustproof function. In addition, it comes with a carabiner clip that you can hang on your backpack, perfect for outdoor camping, hiking, traveling, cycling, fishing, beach, etc. What you will get: 1*38800 mAh Solar Power Bank, 1*USB Cable, 1*Carabiner, 1* Users Manual, 24-hour friendly customer service.
- 🤖【14-in-1 Solar Robot Kit】Build 14 different types of robots from just one solar robot kit. Users can easily change from wagging-tail dog > running beetle > walking crab > surf > zombie chaser... With the moving and connecting parts (included) like gears, plates, wheels and shafts to build robot that can walk, float or roll.
- 🌞【Powered by The Sun/Battery】The stem robot kit can be powered by the sun or battery (included). There is a solar panel included that transforms the solar energy into electric energy, which drives the wheel and makes the robot run.
- 💯【Educational STEM Learning】Our building robots toy will promote your children's hand-eye coordination and creativity, enable children to use their infinite imagination to complete assembly and enjoy countless hours of fun. Having fun at the same time, let your child learn in play!
- 🌱【Build for Creation】Enrich the creative thinking of your child with the challenges of building their own robot. With the simple-to-follow blueprints included, it is easy for 8+ years old boys and girls to build various robots by following the instructions step by step.
- 🎁【What You Get】All pieces are sturdy and durable, which are made of premium quality ABS plastic. Ideal gift for birthday/Children’s Day/Christmas/Easter/summer camp activities/back to school. Buy it now to get: (1) Solar robot kit; (2) Assembly instruction; (3)1*AAA Battery; (4) Battery Guide.
- SOLAR RECHARGEABLE FLASHLIGHT: The only rechargeable USB & Solar Flashlight Lantern that you can count on. In addition, it is an emergency, back-up phone charger. Reliable light & power for safety when you need it, anytime, anywhere. One device that does it all, whether you are at home, work, or camping. It is tough enough to be used around the world for disaster relief.
- FLASHLIGHT LANTERN PHONE CHARGER: This is a “must have”, solar powered flashlight. It's a rugged and durable design, with a LiFePO4, better than lithium battery - stays charged in storage for 3 years. This solar table lantern, hand torch light, and hanging tent light will make your fellow adventurers jealous.
- DUAL CHARGING CAMPING LIGHT: There are two ways to charge this camping flashlight, either by using a USB adapter (cable and USB adapter not included) or sunlight. It takes about 1.5 hours to charge via USB or 22 hours in full sun. A full charge will power the light for up to 48 hours. The XTorch glows in the dark and it floats, and offers up to 400 lumens of light output.
- GIVE THE GIFT OF LIGHT: The all in one, XTorch off grid, emergency flashlights, lanterns, and back-up cell phone charger is ideal an gift for anyone. If they have a car, home or RV, if they hang out at the park, camp or hike, then this clip-on portable led light is ready to answer their needs. Be proud to give the gift of light!
- SHARE THE LIGHT - BUY ONE, GIVE ONE: XTorch founders Gene & Keidy, developed this torch flashlight to give the gift of light to children in developing countries, where reliable light and power is not available.
- BUILT-IN RECHARGEABLE 1000 mAh LITHIUM-ION BATTERY. With 8 vibrant colors and lasting up to 6 hours on a single charge, Luci Color is a must-have solar lantern to add a splash of color to your life.
- BRIGHT AND LONG LASTING. Emitting 8 bold hues via 10 multi-color LEDs, and shining through a sparkle finish, this light provides up to 6 hours of light on a single charge, so you can keep your day going long into the night.
- COMPLETELY SOLAR & NEVER NEEDS BATTERIES. Luci's built-in high efficiency solar panel means that no batteries are needed - ever. Recharge fully via solar in 7 hours. Luci Color will always be ready to set the mood.
- POWERFUL AND PORTABLE. With its compact size, this little light can travel with you on any adventure. Plus, with a fixed top strap, it can be easily attached to your backpack, or hung from above.
- LIGHTWEIGHT, WATERPROOF, AND DURABLE. Luci Color is built to last and can withstand up to 150 lbs of pressure! Plus, it has an IP67 waterproof rating (submersible up to 1m), collapses down to 1 inch, and weighs just 4.4 oz (125g).
- High Capacity: Built-in 38800mAh high-capacity polymer battery equipped with a compact solar panel, which could recharge the battery itself under sunlight, eco-friendly and ideal for outdoor activity.
- Dual USB and Powerful LED Light: Makes it easy to charge two smartphones simultaneously or a tablet at full speed. 2 led lights can be used as flashlights with Steady-SOS-Strobe mode. Five pilot indicators show the status of the battery charger timely. The green light is on when charging by solar, blue light is on when USB charging.
- Superior Portability Design: Easily hang it on your backpack with the carabiner, hands-free on the go. Build-in Lithium Polymer battery cells, anti-explosion, lightweight, compact and reliable.
- Universal Device Compatibility / Dual USB Port: Creative solar phone charger compatible with smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices and charge 2 devices at the same time.
- Kindly Note: External battery charger with solar panel can recharge by solar or outlet. But please do not take solar as a main power source. It's subject to sunlight intensity and panel conversion rate, which may take a long time to charge.