Solar tech has come a long way in the past few years and it's not just for use on your roof anymore.
Small solar tech products are being designed to look quite stylish these days and are made to power an array of electronic devices we use every day — mobile devices, tablets, MP3 players, wireless computer key boards, etc. Take for instance the solar bikini, a solar PV cell-studded two-piece that can charge smart phones, MP3 players and other small electronic devices. Bringing to light similar, innovative solar products, the Unplggd blog has come up with a list of cool new solar tech products on the market that are both functional and pleasing to the eye.
For example, the Solar Bonsai Electree Charging Station (pictured) looks like a tree whose 27 "leaves" are small solar panels that capture the power of the sun to charge a 13,500 mAh battery (located under the tree). The tree's battery can then charge smartphones and MP3 players — plus, it would make an eye-catching addition to your living room or office.
This article appears in Sep 15-21, 2011.