| I love learning about new energy alternatives that | | | | window and continue to charge the cell phone - handy |
| become available more and more each day. I have | | | | and a life saver. |
| found do-it-yourself kits where an exercise bike can | | | | Night Light |
| power a small electronic item. I have witnessed | | | | Another handy home usage for smaller solar panels is |
| potatoes and citrus fruits charge USB MP3 players. I | | | | the solar-powered night light. This item you attach to |
| have even found wind-power generators that you can | | | | the window, the panel facing the sun. When the sun |
| be attached to you apartment's balcony to power | | | | goes down, the power is stored until the switch is |
| your home PC. But the one thing that has always | | | | flipped. Then, it is a soft light in the night for scared little |
| fascinated me was the uses of solar power for the | | | | ones. This item can also be used to power an alarm |
| home. | | | | clock every night, so that if a power outage occurs, |
| The two main uses of solar power are of course to | | | | you don't wake up late. Another time saver. I like it that |
| power the entire house, and heat water for the home. | | | | you can also power a small portable radio so you can |
| But this article is not going to discuss those topics. No, | | | | listen to your favorite station without the need for new |
| instead we're going to talk about some creative ways | | | | batteries or a power cord. |
| actual people are using solar power for the homes | | | | Battery Charger |
| they live in. | | | | Finally, there is the solar-powered battery charger. |
| The Cell Phone | | | | Forget having to search all over the house hoping to |
| One creative way I have seen was the use of a small | | | | find a useful battery. Just place some rechargeable |
| solar panel used to charge the person's cell phone. | | | | batteries into the charger, then place in direct sunlight. |
| Now I think I can relate to this one: You are out getting | | | | Soon enough you will have the power you seek to |
| some errands done when your cell phone beeps - it is | | | | use your electronic entertainment devices. This is great |
| warning you that the battery is low. You know that | | | | for both at home and on the go - especially for those |
| you are expecting an important call, but you don't have | | | | who use digital cameras a lot. These devices always |
| the time to drive all the way home just to plug in the | | | | eat up battery power quickly, so being able to charge |
| phone. And your vehicle didn't come equipped with a | | | | a few while you use some others is always a wise |
| lighter, so... Typically you would be in a bad situation. But | | | | choice. |
| not so when you have the solar-powered charger. | | | | So whatever small needs that may arise, solar power |
| Just place the solar panel on your shoulder with a | | | | for the home may be a great alternative for you as |
| strap, pocket the phone, and finish what you are doing. | | | | well. And who knows, maybe one day you too may |
| When you get back to the car, the panel will face the | | | | own the larger panels to power your entire house. |