From its early days when people could be somewhat skeptical about alternative energy supplies, solar power has now firmly established itself in the mainstream.
Millions of people have embraced solar power, and use it every day to power their homes.
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, there is enough electricity being produced from solar panels to power 21.8 million homes in the US today. This was correct as of December 14th, 2021, so it could be even higher by the time you read this.
However, what about taking solar power out of the house? What else can you do with solar energy?
Using solar power on the move
Could solar power be used to make camping more eco-friendly, or could you use it on a boat while cruising the lake one afternoon? Could you utilize solar power when you hang out with friends in the garden or the park?
Manufacturers and designers seem to think so, and one type of device might appeal to anyone wanting to partake in any of those activities above.
Speakers powered by sunlight mean that you can enjoy music in any location without the need for electricity. Indeed, solar speakers offer an eco-friendly solution to anyone wanting to have music while they relax in their garden, or further away at say, a campsite.
Why use solar power speakers instead of regular wireless options?
The portable speaker market is indeed flooded with choices. There are numerous wireless speaker options for fans of games or music.
Anyone who has a smartphone or mobile device will know how to listen to music and play games on Android. An external speaker can take that pleasure to another level though.
A true wireless speaker is great for making a smartphone into an entertainment system. Movies can be given more depth through better audio, music can be shared, and games come to life.
There is one downside to most portable speakers though, they run out of power. Solar-powered speakers won’t let you down. Important when you’re trying to entertain guests at a BBQ, or camping miles off-grid.
The environmental benefits of using solar speakers
Below you can read about the benefits of using a solar speaker, and where you can enjoy them. But for now, here are a couple of genuine benefits to the planet for using solar power speakers.
To power standard wireless speakers, they either need to be plugged into a power source, often through a USB cable. Or, they will be powered by batteries. Neither of these options is ideal in these times.
Traditionally, electricity is produced by burning coal which in turn creates emissions that harm the planet. The next option which involves disposable batteries is equally as bad.
Battery Solutions reports that around 3 billion batteries are thrown away each year by Americans. These will end up in landfills leaking toxic chemicals into the environment. Solar power is a clean energy source and avoids waste and emissions.
Where can you use solar speakers?
You already have a few ideas for where to use portable solar speakers, and camping and the park are two great ideas.
The only concern you really have is that you don’t annoy other users of a campsite or park with your music. Solar power speakers come in a lot of different models, and some are designed for specific purposes.
There are a few models that have been with the garden in mind. You can purchase solar speakers that are shaped like rocks. These would look good on a patio, or near a pool. Others are built into lanterns, which can hang in the garden around your decking.
Some come fully waterproofed. These are then ideal for taking on a boat, camping, putting near a pool or lake for a picnic. The manufacturer of one even claims that you could strap it to your back while swimming. Presumably, that means someone has tried.
If you are looking for ways to make your commute less boring, then you could connect a solar speaker to your phone while driving to work. They work on Bluetooth, so connectivity with any mobile device isn’t a problem.
You already have a portable speaker, so why change?
If your current portable speaker is doing everything you want, then changing now might not be the best choice. However, how much is it costing you in batteries? How often does it run out of power? How often do you forget to plug it in to charge?
Creating waste doesn’t help the environment, but if keeping your current speaker is doing more harm than good, it might be time for a change.
Solar speakers often come with added functionality too. Built-in wake-up lights, lighting for gardens, FM radio, and phone chargers, are sometimes included.
Of course, you don’t need to throw away your existing speaker. You could use that indoors with your laptop or tablet, and take your new solar power one for longer excursions. After all, a solar speaker could last for up to 60 hours on one charge.
Summary
You by now know the benefits of using alternative energy. It would seem that designers and manufacturers will make more products using solar power in the future.
There is no limit really to how solar power can be used. It may seem strange to think, but solar power could help your party to run all night even though it’s dark.