One of the easiest ways to fight global warming is by implementing clean power sources, and photovoltaic solar cells are an increasingly popular choice on this list. After all, sunlight is free, abundant and consistent--especially if you live in a temperate climate.
These solar inventions range from silly to dead serious. It seems that everything from handbags to canopies, curtains and loungers can be slapped with photovoltaic solar cells to make them more eco-friendly and help stave off global warming. There are even solar panels that you can literally peel and stick onto your home, just like a large bumper sticker.
Wearing a handbag with solar cells on it to the mall won't necessarily take you right off the power grid, but this relatively small statement does help to raise awareness about global warming. If you want to make a bigger impact, try a solar panel vehicle or install solar paving around your home.
These 37 inventions all utilize solar cell technology in some form. In the fight against global warming, every energy-efficient effort counts--no matter how large or small it is.
37 Solar Inventions to Fight Global Warming
36
Super Hybrid Cars
Antro Solo is Solar, Human & Gas-Electric
35
Peel & Stick Solar Panels
Lumeta PowerPly
34
Chic Solar Bags
Noon Solar Collection
33
Eco Solar Cars
The Brisa Three Wheeler
32
Solar Powered Air-Conditioning
Greencore
31
Solar Skin Cell Phones
Eclipse Intuit
30
Solar Powered Lingerie
Taiyoko Hatsuden Bra
29
Solar Power For Mainstream Cars
Toyota Prius Hybrid Gets Solar Roof
28
Solar Panel Handbags
Solar by C'N'C Costume
27
Solar Power Yachts
The Volitan
26
Solar-Powered Bikes
The Cycle Sol Bicycle
25
Green Japanese Cities
Sakai City Waterfront Mega Solar Power Generation Plan
24
Green Energy Producing Canopies
Cobra Solar Shades
23
Solar Powered BBQ
The Helios Grill
22
Solar Powered Tree Chargers
The Photonsynthese
21
Solar Powered Loungers
The Tech Chair
20
Solar Cells on Portable Devices
New Apple Patent Promises Green Gadgets
19
Photovoltaic Rooftop Waves
The Solar Wave Pavilion by Michael Jantzen
18
Recycled Solar Bags
Sakku Bags Made From Sails
17
Teenie Tiny Solar Powered Cars
The Mini Solar Racer
16
Air Cleansing Concrete
Solar Activated Eco Paving
15
Solar Powered Ferris Wheels
New Santa Monica Pier Wheel
14
Curtains as Solar Energy Collectors
The Soft House Project
13
Eco-Friendly Mobile Coolers
Solar-Powered Fridges on Camels
12
Solar Powered Bus Stop Ads
Fuel Miami LLC i-Shelters
11
Round-the-World Green Flights
Solar-Cell Hy-Bird
10
Solar-Powered Cars Inspired by Vacuums
Dyson Powered Eco-Vehicle
9
Mini Eco Chargers
Solar Charger Keyring
8
Solar-Powered Highways
Oregon's Renewable Energy Project
7
Solar Car Carriers
Toyota Cargo Ships Go Green
6
Solar Tables 3
SOLo Lounge Table
5
Solar-Powered Wineries
Far Niente
4
Solar-Powered Retail Stores
Wal-Mart Canada
3
A Plant With Solar Cells
The Latest Japanese Breakthrough
2
Solar Powered Planes
QinetiQ Zephyr Breaks World Record
1
Estimates The Solar Potential Of Your Roof
RoofRay
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Roof-Mounted EV Charging Systems
The GoSun SUN Delivers 1,200 Watts of Clean Energy for EVs
Sunlight-Evoking Plant Systems
Yechan Choi Designs the Equinox Light to Control Indoor Lighting
Solar-Ready Portable Power Banks
The GoSun Power 266 Has a Highly Mobile Design
Personal Air Conditioners
The Silen Cicada is Designed to Cool Users Down During Hot Weather
Origami Travel Solar Panels
Sego Innovations Offers Tech for Powering Farther Off the Grid
Travel-Ready Wind Turbines
The Aurea Technologies 'Shine 2.0' Wind Turbine Generator
Solar-Powered Curtain Controllers
The SwitchBot Curtain 3 Self-Charges in Low Light Conditions
Solar-Powered Hearing Protectors
The 3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector is a First
Off-Grid Solar Energy Units
The 'Iris' Portable Solar Tracker Has an All-in-One Design
Off-Grid Exploration Vans
The Conceptual GAC Van Life Autonomous Vehicle is Eco-Friendly
Wearable Temperature Control Units
The Sony REON POCKET 5 Offers 17-Hours of Climate Control
Refined Off-Grid Trailer Homes
The Living Vehicle GT39 is Chicly Appointed
Flatpack Virtual Fireplaces
The Graphene Radiator Has Heats Up and Displays Holographic Flames
Powerful Solar Generators
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is Versatile and Trustworthy
Minimalist Indoor Gardening Systems
The Conceptual BalconyFarm POT Can Be Set Up Anywhere
Solar-Powered Smartwatches
This Smartwatch Doesn't Require Battery Charging With Adequate Sunlight
Compact Portable Power Stations
Volcan Creative's Futuristic Power Station is Trustworthy
Intelligent Energy Management Software
Enphase Energy Debuts Its Product Line in the Netherlands
Plant-Powered Air Purifiers
The 'Flora' Decorative Air Purifier is Made with Natural Materials
Artistic Lamppost EV Chargers
The Voltpost Provides Easy Access to EV Charging
Digitized Gas Lamp Lanterns
The Conceptual 'AUGE' Camping Lantern Modernizes a Classic
Eyewear Eclipse Campaigns
The Warby Parker Solar Eclipse Promotion Offers Free Glasses
Scalable Eco Energy Systems
The ALLPOWERS R3500 Smart Energy Kit Reduces Electricity Costs
Convention-Challenging AC Campaigns
Samsung's WindFree Ad Stars a Savvy Grandma-Fluencer
Immersive Solar-Powered Installations
Marjan van Aubel & Lexus Unveil the 8 Minutes and 20 Seconds
6-in-1 Beauty Therapy Wands
The GLO24K Compactly Delivers Cutting-Edge Skincare Technologies
Anti-Greenwashing Soap Ads
Navigating Eco-Consumer Irony with Better Climate Store's "Greenwash"
Campsite Illumination Accessories
Luci Solar Site Lights Come in Sets of Six with ABS Stakes
Origami-Inspired Solar Panels
The Levante Origami Solar Panel is 50% Lighter Than Alternatives
Street Lamp Charging Stations
The 'EVIE' Lamppost EV Charger Maximizes Power Access
Electricity-Free Beer Fridges
The Bud Ground Cooler Needs No Electricity to Run in Hot Weather
Solar-Powered Robotic Lawnmowers
The SunScout Pro Robot Lawnmower Has RTK-GNSS Navigation
Mood-Enhancing Car Air Purifiers
The Conceptual 'FRI' Air Purifier Has a 3D-Printed Design
Eco Strategy Games
Catan - New Energies Puts a Modern, Sustainable Twist on the Strategy Game
Alternative Energy Illuminators
The IKEA x Little Sun 'SAMMANLÄNKAD' Collection is Elegant
Solar-Powered Electric Motorbikes
Solar Scooters' 'E-Clipse 2' Has Free Charging via Solar Power
Sensual Summer Fragrances
Phlur Solar Power Captures the Scent of Salty, Sunkissed Skin
Eco-Friendly Bio-Composite Roof Tiles
Studio SKLIM's Lo-Hi Tech Project with Solar Paneling
Solar Powered Wireless Speakers
Urbanista Designs the New Waterproof Malibu Speakers
Wearable Solar Power Stations
BLUETTI's Latest Power Solution is a Solar-Powered Backpack
Miniature Air Purifier Robots
Sang il Shin Designs the Small PLANI Robot Concept
Solar Panel-Paired Rooftop Tents
The Jackery Solar Generator for Rooftop Tent is at CES 2024
Hydrogen-Powered Vehicle Systems
Layer Designs the Croft System to Sustainably Power Vehicles
Portable Plug-In Heaters
Venty's CozyPod Quickly Heats Spaces Up to 200 Square Feet
Solar-Powered Charging Robots
The Conceptual Solar Mars Bot Provides Power to Charge Up Solutions
Self-Sufficient Housing Solutions
The 'Hillcrest House' is Entirely Solar-Powered
Battery-Powered Outdoor Appliances
The BLUETTI SwapSolar Ecosystem Features Three Products
Cooling Bus Shelter Designs
EMT Madrid Spearheads the Quest for Comfortable Public Transportation
Solar Titanium Toothbrushes
The Soladey3 Incorporates Titanium Oxide Oxidation-reduction
Solar-Powered eBike Chargers
Beam Global's 'BeamBike' is Quick to Setup and Charges 12 Bikes
Thermoregulating Graphene Blankets
HILU Design's Blanket Seeks to Enhance the Comfort of Sleepers
Balcony-Ready Solar Power Systems
This EcoFlow PowerStream System Generates Ample Energy
Solar-Powered Rail Bus Systems
The RTA in Dubai Presents Plans for Floc Duo Rail System
Modular Solar-Chargeable Power Banks
The 'Veryeah' Power Solution is Expandable and Sustainable
Tree-Inspired Solar Panel Systems
The SolarBotanic Energy Tree Works in Public or Private Spaces
Direct-to-Consumer Hydropanels
Source Global Seeks to Answer Impending Resource Depletion
DIY Solar Oven Guides
Reclaim Design Shows How to Construct a Working Solar Oven for €77.13
Thermal Imaging Satellites
SatVu's Hotsat-1 Will Identify Energy Inefficient Buildings
Balcony-Friendly Solar Power Stations
The Anker Solar Bank 2 E1600 Pro is Space-Saving
Solar-Powered Autonomous Vehicles
The 'Ada' Autonomous Vehicle Concept is Passively Charged
Outdoor Lifestyle Power Stations
The Growatt INFINITY 1300 Has a 1,382Wh Capacity
Functional Bidirectional Chargers
SolarEdge Debuts a New Bidirectional Electric Vehicle Charger
Climate-Resilient Skincare Devices
The Physio Radiance Visage+ Facial Device Defends Skin
Energy-Hauling Battery Tankers
This Japanese Tanker Can Transport Surplus Renewable Energy
Food Preservation Fridges
Beko's HarvestFresh Technology Mimics the 24-Hour Sun Cycle
Solar Rainwater-Storing Roofs
Researchers in the Netherlands are Developing 'Blue-Green Roofs'
Solar-Powered Glow-in-the-Dark Hats
The Vollebak Solar Charged Hat Glows for Greater Safety
Exceptionally Efficient Solar Cells
These Saudi-Made Solar Cells Use Groundbreaking Materials
Botanical Heat-Activated Sunscreens
Shiseido Ultimate Sunscreen Comes in Two Options
Sporty Solar Watch Designs
Diesel Recently Launched Its First Solar Watch Line
Colored Glass Solar Panels
inQs Beautiful Solar Panels Look Like Stain Glass
Solar-Powered Cargo Bikes
The Inga from Infinite Mobility Promises Free Charging via Solar Energy
Rejuvenated Former Bank Buildings
This Dutch Building Now Boasts Solar Panels & Insect Hotels
Futuristic Fusion Power Plants
This Power Plant Will Efficiently Contribute to the Electrical Grid
Eco-Friendly Adventurer Headlamps
The Coleman PEAK1 Headlamp Supports Solar Charging
User-Friendly Solar Panels
Kunal Girotra Introduces the Sustainable Lunar Energy System
Modular Solar Battery Systems
Anker Unveils the New Solix Home Energy Storage System
Sun-Mimicking Smart Fridges
Defy's NatureLight Technology Extends the Shelf Life of Stored Food
Adaptive Interior EV Models
The Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric Has a Solarbay Panoramic Roof
Hyper-Efficient Thermal Batteries
These Carbon Batteries Can Store & Transmit Clean Energy
Origami-Inspired Solar Panels
Sego Innovations Develops a New Foldable and Portable Solar Panel
Innovative Solar-Powered Outdoor Lights
AiDot Released the Linkind SL5 Smart Solar Spotlight
Tire-Crafted Solar Stills
The Floating Solar Still is an Eco-Friendly Way to Purify Water
Wearable Skin Protection Devices
A.C. Camargo Cancer Center Launches a Wearable UV Detector
Sleek Solar-Powered Headphones
The New adidas RPT-02 SOL Headphones are Powered by Sunlight
Zero-Emission Solar-Powered Aircrafts
The Falcon Horizon by Laszlo Nemeth Runs on Solar Power
Versatile Heating Blankets
SweetNight Launched Its Latest Wearable Blanket with Heating Element
Sustainable Energy Product Lines
Wolseley Group Launches the Renewables by Wolseley Line
Disaster-Prepared Electric Vans
Japanese Automaker HW Electro Unveils a Solar-Powered Electric Van
Battery Recycling Solutions
Gisele Azimi Experiments with Captured Carbon Dioxide
Battery-Ready E-Boilers
The BOLT Electric Boiler is Revolutionizing Home Heating and Hot Water
Alternative Copper Solar Panels
SunDrive is Creating Solar Panels with No Silver Included
Trolley-Style Power Stations
The UGREEN PowerRoam 2200 Has a 2,048Wh Capacity
Updated Sustainable API Features
Google Adds New Features to its Ingenious Project Sunroof
E-Bike Charging Partnerships
BikeFlex Partnered with Solarcycle on Renewable Bike Charging
Petite Solar-Powered EVs
The 'Buggy' is a Micro Vehicle That Offers Comfortably Compact Motoring
Cooling Vehicle Paint Technology
Nissan is Exploring a New Paint Technology to Improve Performance
Clean Energy Battery Companies
Greenworks Group Has Been Featured in The Human Component
Consolidated Photovoltaic Systems
The 'Vitovolt 300' Can Power Homes, Buildings, Vehicles and More
Progressive Solar-Powered Fridges
Amped Innovation Unveils the Sustainable EasyFreeze Fridge
Microwave Pest-Killing Systems
This Soil Heating System Can Curb Pests Without Harmful Pesticides
Eco-Friendly Cafe Vehicles
This Conceptual Solar-Powered Coffee Truck Operates Anywhere
3D Solar Panel Modules
The TIPA Design is Made with a Chamber of Mirrors to Maximize Energy
Expansive Battery Technology Ranges
The Latest EcoFlow Power Solutions Include Four Options
Beetle-Inspired Sustainable Planters
The Fog Smart Hydroponic Planter Leans on Biomimicry
Sustainable Future Contests
The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest Empowers Young Minds
Portable Solar-Powered Light
The MEGAPUFF is Designed with Multiple Custom Features
Vehicle-to-Grid Technology Partnerships
Toyota and Pepco Join Forces on a New Project
Climate-Conscious Investing Platforms
Climatize Helps Consumers Invest in Green Initiatives
Solar-Powered Pest Lanterns
Techko Group Debuts the Solar Zapper Lantern for Pest Control
Climate Change Betting Apps
Climate Bet Lets Users Wager Points on Future Climate Predictions
Thermoregulating Car Cloaks
The 'Janus' Cloak Helps Protect Car Batteries From Temperature Swings
Powerful All-Electric Solar Trailers
Living Vehicle Designs the 2024 HD Trailer on Solar Power
Floating Solar Power Plants
This French Power Plant Will Deliver Clean Energy to 2,000 Homes
Excess Solar Energy Transitions
Tesla Launches the New Charge on Solar Electric Feature
LED-Wrapped Airport Renovations
Prague's Airport is Getting a Sustainable and High-Tech Update
Wireless Charging Solutions
Freepower Turns Any Surface into a Charging Station
Efficient Virtual Power Plants
These Battery-Swap Stations Are Contributing to the Electrical Grid
Smart Glass Coating Materials
'Albotherm' Offers a Glass Coating that can Automatically Adjust
Water-Producing Draped Structures
Alsar Atelier and Oscar Zamorea Design the Bogotá Fog Catcher
Ultra-Efficient Heated Blankets
The Jartoo Carbon Nanotube Heated Blanket Has 96% Efficiency
Sunlight-Reflecting Paints
Stanford University Researchers Develop an Innovative Color Paint
Open-Air Kenyan Holiday Homes
PAT Renovates the Falcon House with Passive Cooling Systems
Solar Panel Angle Calculators
The Solar Angle Calculator Shows the Optimal Position
Durable Home Battery Systems
The Tesla Powerwall 3 Shows Off Water Resistance
Solar-Powered Golf Carts
LOBO EV Marks Its Third Successful Export of Golf Carts to the U.S.
Green Energy-Delivering Ships
This Revolutionary Ship Can Deliver Clean Energy to Vessels At Port
Climate-Friendly Waterfront Homes
From 4 to 1 Creates Three Pavilions in Copenhagen
Sustainability-Focused Building Renovations
Climate Group Launches the Renovation Revolution
Portable Wind Turbine Generators
Aurea Technologies Inc. Creates the Ultra-Portable Shine 2.0
Solar Generator-Integrated Backpacks
The Handsfree 2 Backpack by BLUETTI has a Power Station
Dynamic Interactive Lighting Installations
Zava Designs a New Light and Metal Installation
Space-Grade Light Panels
SAGA Reveals Circadian Light Panel for the International Space Station
Provocative Eco Screensavers
Planet-Saving Screen Savers Encourage Switching Off Devices
Performance-Driven Portable Power Station
Growatt Introduces the Infinity 2000
Solar-Powered Heated Seats
The GoSun Solar Seat Offers Warmth on Cold Days
Futuristic Wave Energy Plants
This Plant Can Harness Marine Energy to Produce Green Hydrogen
App-Enabled Off-Grid Power Stations
The GROWATT Infinity 1200 Has 12 Outlets for Power Accesss
Solar-Powered Vineyard Buildings
This Vineyard's Visitor Center Will Benefit From Solar Arrays
Heat-Managing Insulated Rooms
Tim Adams' Climate Safe Rooms Combats Australia's Heat