The Boom In Solar Powered Products

As people become increasingly concerned with the damage to the environment and the rising costs of traditional energy sources, thoughts turn to alternative ways to power everyday devices. Indeed, governments and industry are also looking into ways to utilize renewable and sustainable energy supplies. The UK government provides leadership by giving incentives in the shape of tax rebates and grants to take up renewable energy systems.

The new industry that is springing up around this theme is being dubbed 'clean tech' and is touted to be a boom industry over the next decade. This article will outline some of the basic solar products available.

The most obvious place to have solar powered products is in the garden. If you have a pool, a solar pool cover is a perfect way to keep the pool water warm and prevent water evaporation. Solar pool covers are an example of passive solar power, in that they trap the sun's energy and use it to heat the water. The energy isn't converted but simply used.

Many ponds and fountains, particularly bird bath fountains can be powered by a solar cell. The solar cell will be used to charge a battery which then powers the water in the fountain. A heater can be added to the process so that the water never freezes in winter and the birds can still use it.

Garden lighting can also be powered by solar panels placed into the design of the lights. The most popular form of solar lighting are the guide lights that can be used to illuminate pathways or driveways. They charge up during the day and then provide light to a darkened path in the garden. They are simple to install. Simply plant them into the ground and that's it. The simplicity of installation and the saving on electricity bills is a major benefit of solar lighting.

Other solar products include solar battery chargers, solar radios and solar fans.

As a project in solar power you could construct a solar oven. A solar oven is another example of passive solar power. A solar oven is ideal in warm or hot climates. You can cook a variety of meals in a solar oven but the best types of meals are things like casseroles and curries that need to stew a while.