
7 Weird Solar Gadgets & Their Reviews (2022 Update)
We all have weird hobbies, guilty pleasures, and unnatural habits. For some that may be nail-biting, washing your hands too often, or saying sorry when it’s not necessary.
For others it may be more positive things like brushing your teeth twice a day, keeping your room tidy, or budgeting your money well. It turns out that the solar niche has its fair share of weird elements to it as well.
Some of them are strange, ugly, or downright stupid. Others are unique, innovative, and usually described as “genius” or “amazing”. Let’s take a look at the more attractive side of the word “weird”. I think you’ll be surprised and delighted.
1. Anti-Theft Solar Charger Backpack
We’ve all seen solar powered backpacks before. It’s pretty much the same as any solar power bank, just integrated into a backpack so that they can raise the price, right?
This one is no different. It’s got a USB charging port, zippers, and a lengthy description paragraph in Amazon explaining its many features.
But there are some legitimate advantages to this backpack that I think you’ll find worth the extra moola:
Pros & Benefits:
- Water and weatherproof polyester around the bag’s entire body.
- 3D Honeycomb meshes on shoulder straps to lessen the pressure.
- Efficient packing: room for a 17.6” laptop, 9.7” iPad, 7.9” iPad mini, a cellphone pocket, and an extra zipper pouch for cards/random items.
- It’s a triple anti-theft design; cable coded lock, and built-in zipper.
- Snazzy appearance. This bag looks like it’s made out of leather, and the solar panel on the back gives it a futuristic look.
2. Sun King Portable Solar Lantern
It’s dark. You come home from work and are fumbling with your keys, squinting at the keyhole, trying to see the tiny gap.
We’ve all had that moment where we need a powerful light in a convenient place. Some people use a key flashlight, others use their phone, but I’d argue that this one will replace both.
This durable, tiny, water-resistant solar lantern is the perfect pocket accessory, desk lamp, or camping trip necessity.
Pros & Benefits:
- Get up to 70 hours of light on a single charge.
- The detachable stand makes it easy to place however you like, with steady lighting, or a pocket light whenever you want it.
- 3 different light modes; low, normal, or turbo lighting help you get the perfect amount of light at any given time.
- Only weighing 150 grams, this microlight is the perfect extension to any day pack, survival kit, car kit, camping trip, or anything else that might require light.
- It comes with a 2-year warranty, which just goes to show how durable it is.
3. Worldshops Summer Sport Outdoor Hat Cap with Solar Sun Power Cool Fan Black Color
Have you ever wondered why no one’s invented a solar-powered hat before? You know, take the energy that beats down on the hat all day and turn it into something helpful?
Yeah, me neither.
That’s what makes this invention so ingenious. These inventors really used their heads, figuratively, and literally. 😉
With 8 different shades, a snapback design, and compatibility with all USB charged devices, this is starting to become my favorite hat.
Pros & Benefits:
- 100% cotton.
- Battery-free and safe to use. Doesn’t emit electromagnetic radiation.
- Compatible with anything that charges via a USB port.
- 5 different 18% efficiency solar panels are installed.
- A flat brim that comes in 8 different 2 tones solid colors. Snapback.
4.
Lighting your house can be expensive. Add the outside lighting and you’ve got a pretty huge electricity bill.
What if you could reduce that bill, but still get the convenience of outdoor lighting?
Introducing the Litom LED Solar Lights. These babies include motion detectors, 63 advanced LED lights, water-resistant designs, no cords or wires, easy installation, and, my favorite part, are only $27 USD.
Intriguing, right?
Pros & Benefits:
- 63 advanced LED lights and 270° wide-angle design. These claim to be much brighter and powerful than others similar on the market.
- While being super bright, these lights are also waterproof, heat resistant, and frost resistant. You won’t have to worry about them breaking in extreme weather conditions.
- These lights can detect motion from a whopping 26 feet away (8 m) at up to 270° angle.
- Energy saving.
- No wires or cords needed. Simply find a free place on the wall, screw in with provided screws, and let it charge up until night. Installation should take no more than a couple of minutes.
4. Foldable Solar Panel Phone Charger
I don’t know about you, but as soon as I heard there was a foldable solar charger, I was all ears (or eyes, in my case).
I’ve heard of everything: solar power banks, solar generators, solar stoves, solar locks… But a foldable solar charger is new and exciting.
Think of all the space I could save!
Pros & Benefits:
- Fast charging. You can charge up to 2 devices at a time with this super efficient charger.
- Compact and lightweight. It only weighs 1.10 lbs and is 1.2” in when folded. Meaning? Uber portable and convenient.
- Waterproof, dustproof, and durable. This thing is made for the bad weather, so bring it on nature!
- 1-year full refund warranty guarantee. Risk-free purchase.
- The best part? It’s only $30 USD.
5. Portable Power Station “Jackery”
“Well this looks clunky…” you’re thinking. Don’t worry, I get it, but hear me out.
It’s not what you think. This huge Jackery is basically a solar powered generator.
Perfect for camping, its massive battery is able to charge an iPhone over 42 times! Not only that, but its colorful design, nifty handle, rubber grips, and a 2-year warranty are sure to make you fall right in love.
Pros & Benefits:
- 500 watt-hour. Can power CPAP 9+ hours if it’s fully charged.
- Super quiet, no noise at all.
- ETL Safety Certified, battery management system (BMS). It’s even got short circuit protection and temperature management.
- 24-month risk-free warranty.
6. SolSource Solar Cooker Grill/Oven
Do you know those portable gas-powered stoves that you take on camping trips? Those bulky, smelly, possibly dangerous (if the gas spills) annoyances?
Need I say more?
No one likes those. No one likes the cost of gas, or the pain of getting them to turn on, or the heat that they put out into the already stuffy camper or campsite.
This solar stove packs up small, doesn’t get hot to the touch but heats up faster than a barbeque, is shiny (because who doesn’t like shiny, right?), and doesn’t require any fuel.
The cost of the stove is the only one you’ll ever have.
Pros & Benefits:
- 100% sun powered; no need for any fuel.
- Heats up 5 times faster than charcoal grills.
- Control the heat by adjusting the reflectors.
- No toxic smoke or risk of gas-soaked meat. Healthy cooking.
- Use it anytime the sun is visible, even in the winter! It doesn’t have to be warm outside to use it.
- Weighs 39.6 lbs – super lightweight if compared to other grills and barbeques on the market.
- Easy to clean.
- Doesn’t get hot to touch – no waiting for it to cool down before cleaning.
- Packs up small.
7. Battery/Solar-Powered Outdoor Wireless Security Camera
Ever been away from home, wishing you could see what was going on there? Ever wanted to make sure everything was secure?
Of course, you have.
But the thought of ordering a camera, spending hours, possibly days, trying to install the darn thing is more than enough to turn the idea sour in your mind.
And then you think about it some more and your electricity bill would go up – or you’d have to regularly buy new batteries which would add up over time.
Well, what if I told you I could solve all those problems – and give you a new one?
You’d be so obsessed with checking the camera and lose so much time over it, you’d always be up-to-date on the happenings at your house.
Sound like a good problem to have?
Pros & Benefits:
- Hassle-free installation – no wires or cords. No need to make holes in your walls.
- Solar or rechargeable battery powered.
- Full HD and night vision.
- Record observations directly onto a micro SD card.
- View live from anywhere in the world – just use your smartphone or computer!
Final Thoughts
I grew up hearing the phrase “weird is good” multiple times a day. When I look at these products I can’t help but agree.
Many of these will soon be gracing my shelves, backyard, front porch, and digging into my wallet.
I would say something about money, but I’ll leave that for next time.