Continuing the theme of home improvement and solar technology, I thought I would focus on solar home improvements!

Solar Fountains
Who wouldn’t want a fountain in their back yard and especially one that costs much less to run? Solar fountains also lack distracting wires, making them an attractive centerpiece that can fit almost anywhere the sun shines. You have the option of separating the panels and the fountain if you absolutely must have this item in a shady area, but our recommendation would be to keep them both together.

They also come in unique styles outside of the standard pedestal style. Some are meant to float in ponds or pools. You can have a solar fountain which doubles as a bird bath or lantern! I wonder if a fountain would fit on our apartment patio?

Lighting
There is also indoor and outdoor solar light fixtures available as a stand alone system with no wiring or electrical work needed.

The obvious benefit is reducing your energy costs – “According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting consumption is estimated to be 22% of the total electricity generated in the US. Traditional lighting contributes to heat generation, increasing air-conditioning costs and energy expenditure. The most efficient lights are LEDs which reduce energy consumption and costs.”

So how do they work? Solar LED lights use photovoltaic cells to convert streaming daylight into stored electricity for powering energy-efficient light fixtures. The daylight energy is stored in high capacity batteries and released at night or during a power outage. Another cool benefit is that because solar lights generate their own power separate from the grid, they can operate in remote areas of your home where there’s no plugs.

Other solar products you wouldn’t necessarily think of include solar attic fans, water heaters, and pool heaters. Solar water heaters are actually the most cost-effective way to transition into solar technology. The two parts, the solar collector, which is typically mounted on the roof, and the storage tank. As far as cost savings, solar water heaters can reduce water heating costs on average by 60%.

Not necessarily related to home improvement, but still cool are portable solar showers and ovens for those into wilderness adventure. I was most intrigued by the solar shower that uses the sun to heat water for showers and washing dishes. Its really pretty basic though, a five gallon bag with a flexible shower hose and an on/off spigot. All you do is hang the bag in a tree in the sun and three hours later you have heated water! I know, I’m easily entertained lol!

What other solar home improvement products have you found cost effective or unusual?

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Resources
Vertical Farm + Fish Tank + Solar Power= Balanced Diet
Solar + Wind Fun Facts Via Solar Solutions of Michigan
Residential Solar Applications
Solar Home