Electronics

Phones

Samsung Guru E1107 solar powered phone (India only)

Puma Solar Powered Phone

Speakers

Kit Sound – Infinity-X Solar Speaker

This solar powered speaker is extremely portable, making it perfect for using outdoors. The speaker is powered by renewable solar energy and offers 8 hours of playback for just 6 hours charge.  It works by using the sun or even residual light to charge a built-in rechargeable battery. If you often find yourself using a portable speaker, then this could save you money in the long run by stopping paying for costly AA batteries! This speaker is available now.

Lighting

For professional lighting suited to architects and large scale social infrastructure projects, see LifeMachine > Directory > Architecture & Infrastructure.

Solar Powered Security Light(1)

This is a great idea for an outdoor security light, especially as it has no use during the day. It works by charging the internal batteries during the day, then at night if you walk past the 100 degree motion sensor, the LED light will light up your path for 60 seconds. One of it’s main benefits is there is no complicated wiring which you normally have to deal with for security lights. This product has already received many great reviews.

(1)We have got our hands on one of these, and it is a great product. Well made, cleverly designed and excellent value for money. And of course, like everything at LifeMachine, it is 100% solar powered and therefore free of the grid. ••••• 4/5 LifePips

Solar Powered Plant Pots – that change colour!

These solar plant pots are a great alternative way to light up your garden! The solar panel provided with the plant pot charges the internal battery which powers several built-in LEDs, the panel comes with a ground spike and a 3m cable so you can either mount it on the plant pot itself, or move it to a spot which receives more sunlight.  During the summer months the charge should keep the pot glowing for 6-8  hours, in winter more like 2-4 hours, still plenty of time for those garden parties! Find more information about the product here.

Chargers

Solio Magnesium Edition Charger

This solar charger combines some highly efficient solar cells with a high-capacity battery to soak up and store power.  The internal battery is able to store power for up to one year once it has been charged, a full battery should be able to charge a typical mobile phone more than twice or give more than 20 hours of MP3 music playback. One hour of sunshine = 20 minutes talk time or 50 minutes of MP3 playback. As for adapters, it comes with a USB Port Replicator tip (powers iPhone, iPod, MP3s), Mini-USB tip (powers Motorola, Blackberry, Garmin, iriver) and a Nokia tip. Reviews are generally mixed, but it definitely looks like one of the better more sleek chargers on the market.

Gadgets

Solar Powered Desk Fan

Here is a great green way to keep cool on these hot summer days.  This perspex desk fan is powered by its own large solar cell. It works both in bright daylight and by the light from your desk lamp.  A very novel gadget!