No electricity, no problem. 6 ways to go solar this summer
Let the sunny summer days power up your gadgets with this list of solar-activated devices you’ll want to take on all your outdoor adventures.
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Imagine you’re out in the woods on a camping trip for several days without a power outlet. Sometimes the main point of an excursion like that is to exist off the grid, and other times you want the conveniences of your smartphone, coffee maker, portable fan, or anything else you need to plug in. Beyond that, you might find yourself in an emergency situation where you require a weather radio, light source, or a fully charged phone. Thanks to these solar-powered gadgets, you can have it all at your fingertips.
Emergency Weather Radio with Solar Charging
Amazon.ca
This all-in-one power bank will help you through active weather conditions that turn into emergencies. If you’re heading into the woods, camping, or on a boat trip, you’ll want to pack this product with you. Its solar charging capability provides power to a built-in reading light and flashlight as well as outlets for USB charging. The device is also equipped with an SOS alarm and emergency weather radio that broadcasts from AM, FM, and NOAA stations. Note that Weatheradio Canada uses the same frequencies as those used by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
What we like:
Three power sources including solar, crank, and battery
Lifetime warranty
Rated 4.4 out of 5 based on more than 23,700 Amazon.ca reviews
Solar Camping Lantern
Amazon.ca
The solar panel located on the top of this lantern will absorb energy under sunlight to charge the battery, making it easy to take on outdoor excursions. This product is designed to provide two modes of light. You can simply expand the lantern to turn on the light, which is great for nighttime reading and ambiance or use the bottom of the lantern to turn on a bright flashlight beam. There are many situations where this lantern would come in handy including hiking, camping, boating, emergency situations, and power outages.
What we like:
Three power sources including solar, crank, and rechargeable battery
Water-resistant
Rated 4.4 out of 5 based on more than 1,100 Amazon.ca reviews
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
2-Pack Solar Powered Flashlight
Amazon.ca
This is a useful little gadget that everyone should have in their emergency kit, backpack, or glove compartment. In fact, you can use the carabiner to clip it onto your jacket or bag for outdoor activities. The solar panel provides additional power as it can absorb strong and medium sunlight. Since this is a compact and portable option, it offers limited power for around 10 minutes with a full charge.
What we like:
Three power sources including solar, crank, and rechargeable battery
Available in three different colours
Rated 4.5 out of 5 based on nearly 2,000 Amazon.ca reviews
Solar Battery Power Bank Portable Charger
Amazon.ca
Cell phone power banks can be used to extend your phone’s battery life without having to plug in the phone itself. This device comes equipped with a compact solar panel for charging the device, which makes it ideal for outdoor activities like camping. The charger also has built-in LED lights that let you know what power capacity is available in the charger at any given time.
What we like:
Two power sources including solar and rechargeable battery
Compatible with all USB-charged devices, as well as most Apple and Samsung smartphones
Rated 4.2 out of 5 based on more than 4,250 Amazon.ca reviews
READ MORE: Join the cordless revolution with these 7 products
Power Station with Solar Panel
Amazon.ca
This all-weather generator is the Cadillac of solar-powered charging options. It comes with its own 12-volt panel to provide you with endless power as long as there’s sunlight. The panel is completely foldable and fits into a small carrying bag so you can take it on any adventure with you. The generator boasts a variety of functions such as five USB ports, power outlets, LED light panel, and flashlight with a built-in cooling fan.
What we like:
Two power sources including solar panels or rechargeable battery
Lightweight and portable at only just over two pounds
Rated 4.4 out of 5 based on nearly 800 Amazon.ca reviews
Casio Solar Powered Unisex Watch
Amazon.ca
This watch works to convert light energy into electronic energy. The Tough Solar design by Casio generates sufficient power to keep on charging, even with limited light from cloudy skies. This unisex watch has enough features to keep you satisfied with world time in 31 time zones, a stopwatch, two countdown timers, five daily alarms, and an hourly time signal.
What we like:
Large-capacity rechargeable battery powered by solar
100-metre water resistance
Rated 4.4 out of 5 based on Amazon.ca reviews
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Our trusted Product Specialists recommend high-quality items that we think will enhance your experience with Canadian weather conditions. Prices and availability of items are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Thumbnail image courtesy Rajiv Bajaj/Unsplash
With files from Daniel Martins